I was sworn in as your mayor on January 10, 2011 replacing Melody Currey who resigned to serve as Commissioner of the Department of Motor Vehicles. This was not something I just “fell into”…but something I was honored to embrace and made personal sacrifices in order to take on this challenging role!
I have been a member of the East Hartford Town Council for 8 years including experience serving as:
Majority Leader (last 4 years)
Budget Committee Chair
Fees Committee Chair
Personnel and Pension Committee Chai
Serving as a member of the East Hartford Town Council provided the opportunity to work cooperatively with both Democratic and Republican members. Those relationships broadened my understanding and allowed me to positively debate issues and concerns of all residents from many perspectives.
The roots of my career began in 1986, when I committed to working proudly side-by-side with my father at the Newkirk & Whitney Funeral Homes. As the organization grew through the acquisition of additional businesses, my role in the organization expanded as well.
For over 20 years, I served in many capacities from oversight of daily operations and financial controls, to program development, training and delivery. Concluding the last years of my career with SCI as the Director of Public Relations for locations throughout the Northeast. I cannot begin to explain the level of understanding and the high level of customer service skills required to address end of life discussions, programming, and service delivery for individuals and families facing some of the most emotionally challenging times.
Most recently (before giving up my private career to serve as Mayor), I enjoyed my position as the Member Services Coordinator for one of the largest Trade Associations in Connecticut located and doing business right here in East Hartford. My primary responsibility was to identify and develop programs, products and services that provided value to the Association’s members – much like my job as Mayor now is to do the same for East Hartford residents.
I have always “championed” the causes of our Senior Citizens. Experiencing the special care needs of my own parents, the difficult challenges our Senior Citizens sometimes face are issues that are close to my heart.
I am the Founder and Past President of the Friends of East Hartford Senior Centers, Inc. having served as President for over 7 years. The organization’s purpose is to promote, encourage, support and sponsor activities beyond the limitations of the Town budget to benefit our senior residents.
Some other highlights of my current and past Community Service include serving on the Executive Boards of many organizations including:
President of PTO’s across all levels of the East Hartford School System
I am also a proud member of the East Hartford Women’s Club, Democratic Women’s Club, ChildPlan, Riverfront Recapture, Friends of East Hartford Senior Centers, Inc., and the East Hartford Rotary Club.
As a child I entered the public school system at Woodland School then went on to Saint Rose School and graduated from East Catholic High School.
I also hold a Masters of Science Degree from Central Connecticut State University and a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Connecticut.
I believe that my long resume of Connecticut-based education gives me just one more level of unique perspective (as a student) on the challenges we face both here in East Hartford and statewide in providing a quality education to our young residents.
I have been the grateful recipient of numerous awards and recognition over the years, including:
Community Service Award – East Hartford School Business Partnership
Solon Weiner Community Achievement Award – EH Chamber of Commerce
Recognition Award – Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD)
Chairman’s Round Table Award – YMCA of Hartford
East Hartford Rotary Club - Paul Harris Fellow
But there has been no greater honor given to me than the opportunity to present well-deserved recognition and awards to the countless people I have been impressed and amazed by over the years!
