O'Sullivan Award - Jody Dietch

Jody Dietch is a dedicated community leader whose lifelong commitment to public service has made a lasting impact on Orange, Connecticut, and the surrounding region. Born in New Haven and raised in Orange, Dietch’s deep-rooted connection to her hometown has guided her decades of volunteer work, civic engagement, and leadership in local education and community organizations.

Most notably, Dietch has been an active leader in the Orange Democratic Town Committee since 2010, serving as Chair, Treasurer, Secretary, and Connecticut Van Manager. She has strengthened the organization’s systems, overseen fundraising and communications, and championed community outreach programs, including many years leading the committee’s presence in the Orange Memorial Day parade.

Her dedication to education is evident through her service on the Orange Board of Education from 2007 to 2015, where she held leadership roles including Secretary, Vice Chair, and Chair of both the Finance Committee and Personnel, Policy, and Transportation Committee. Dietch also served as Race Brook School PTA President and chaired the playground committee, helping to develop the vision and funding for the school track.

Dietch’s community service extends beyond Orange. She served on the board of Kids Count of Milford, including terms as Secretary and President, and chaired its annual Harborlight Happening fundraiser. She has volunteered with Congregation Or Shalom, the Jewish Home for the Aged, the Orange Volunteer Firemen’s Carnival, and co-founded The Orange Times, along with writing a column highlighting local volunteerism.

Professionally, Dietch has over 30 years of leadership experience, currently serving as Executive Director at Congregation Mishkan Israel in Hamden, the same synagogue where her father became a Bar Mitzvah. She previously served as Executive Director of Congregation Beth El in Norwalk, and has led other local Congregations at B’nai Jacob and Or Shalom.

She holds a Master of Science in Public Relations from American University and a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Keene State College.
Dietch’s unwavering commitment to service, leadership, and community engagement has earned her the O’Sullivan Award, honoring her remarkable contributions to Orange. She is a proud wife, mother of two, and grandmother of two.

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March 25, 2026 Awards Dinner - Get tickets. Thank you to all who placed an ad in the commemorative ad book.