YMCA AWARDS KOSKOFF ATTORNEY FOR DISTINGUISHED VOLUNTEER SERVICE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BRIDGEPORT, May 4, 2022 – Atty. Preston C. Tisdale, of Trumbull, a long-time advocate of civil justice, has been named this year’s recipient of the Central Connecticut Coast YMCA H. Richard Brew Service Award.

This award was instituted in 2005 as a way to honor the 35 years of volunteer service to the YMCA provided by H. Richard Brew. The award is presented annually to volunteers who have demonstrated character, commitment and long-term dedication to the YMCA. It is the YMCA’s highest award for one of its volunteers.

Tisdale, a partner at the law firm Koskoff Koskoff & Bieder, has demonstrated a career-long commitment to the community and, in particular, social justice for all. He is a past Chairman of the Central Connecticut Coast YMCA.

“We all congratulate Preston on earning this recognition. He clearly embodies the Koskoff mission and culture,” said Atty. James Horwitz, the firm’s managing partner. “He cares deeply about justice for those who are typically underserved.”

The YMCA said in a statement, “Preston has served on the YMCA Board of Directors since 1990, and for 32 years has demonstrated exceptional character, leadership, and commitment allowing the Y to grow and positively impact the lives of thousands of youth, families, and adults.

Previously, he was the Director of Special Public Defenders for the State of Connecticut, Officer of the Chief Public Defender. Before that, Tisdale was the head of the Fairfield Judicial District Public Defender’s Office.

Tisdale is the Vice President of the Public Justice Foundation, a national organization that spearheads litigation and education efforts to aid and protect the public, helping to increase access to justice and threats to the justice system. He also serves on the Board of Governors of the Connecticut Trial Lawyers Association and the American Association for Justice.

He serves as a member of the Connecticut Supreme Court Jury Task Force, the Connecticut Commission on Racial and Ethnic Disparity in the Judicial System, and the Connecticut Bar Association Task Force on Policing. He previously served as a faculty member of the National Defender Training Program and the Connecticut Bar Association Continuing Legal Education Program. Additionally, he has served on the Connecticut Supreme Court Chief Justice’s Criminal Justice Committee, on the Connecticut Hate Crimes Advisory Committee, and as a member of the CBA Professionalism Committee and the Professional Discipline Section.

He is also a frequent commentator in the news media, regularly interviewed by print and broadcast media.

He is involved in many civic organizations as well, including serving on the Boards of Directors for Fairfield County’s Community Foundation, the Bridgeport Public Education Fund, Inc., and the Advisory Board for the Center for Children’s Advocacy.  He is the immediate past-Chairperson of the Regional Youth/Adult Social Action Partnership.

Tisdale has received numerous honors and awards throughout his career, including the Liberty Bell Award from the Greater Bridgeport Bar Association, the Distinguished Service Award from the NAACP; the Award of Excellence and the Community Service Award, both from Action for Bridgeport Community Development; and the Outstanding Community Service Award from Save Our Babies. He was also given the Regional Youth Adult Social Action Partnership’s highest honor, the Goodspeed/Pfriem Award, in recognition of his work improving the quality of life in the Greater Bridgeport region.

The Central Connecticut Coast YMCA is a community service agency dedicated to addressing community needs that enrich families, promote health and wellness, develop youth and build self-esteem for all. YMCA membership and participation is open to everyone regardless of race or ethnic background, religious preference or ability to pay. The Central Connecticut Coast Y is based in downtown New Haven with eleven Y branches in Greater New Haven and Greater Bridgeport. www.cccymca.org 203-777-9622

Koskoff Koskoff & Bieder has offices in Bridgeport and New Haven.  The nationally known law firm has achieved record verdicts for people who suffer serious personal injuries or economic harm from medical malpractice, violation of their civil or constitutional rights, dangerous products, negligence, drunk drivers, corporate or governmental abuse and commercial misconduct. www.koskoff.com 203-583-8634.

Further information: Michael J. London 203-261-1549

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