SouthWindsorresident Matthew Reed hired as Ellington's first town administrator
Jul. 15—Reed will be working with First Selectman Lori Spielman who, under Ellington's form of government, will remain the town's chief executive officer. Her position will eventually become part-time while Reed will manage the day-to-day operations of the town.
Spielman could be reached for comment this week on Reed's appointment.
Selectmen unanimously appointed Reed without discussion after returning from an executive session during their Monday meeting in Town Hall.
"I am excited to return to my roots in municipal service," Reed said.
After serving three years in the U.S. Army, Reed joined the South Windsor Police Department in 1987 where he spent 28 years, the last five as police chief, before retiring in 2015.
Reed said he loves to work and has enjoyed all of his experiences since leaving the police department, but nothing is more satisfying to him than "working directly with local residents, elected leaders, and staff to help make the community a great place to live, work, and grow."
Board of Finance Chairman Michael Purcaro, who was a member of the committee that conducted interviews for the position, said the town had an outstanding slate of candidates, which tells him there's a tremendous interest to work in Ellington.
"Matt's diverse experience as an attorney and in public safety and administration makes him ideally suited to be our first town administrator," Purcaro said. "I look forward to serving the public with Matt in both my roles on the Board of Finance and as Vernon's town administrator."
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While working in South Windsor, Reed said he often had conversations with friends and colleagues about how good it would be to work in Ellington after retiring from the police department.
"Ellington is held in high regard in the region as a well-run town," he said.
Reed said that he saw that first-hand at public meetings over the past year. When he heard the town would be looking for a town administrator, Reed started to attend Board of Selectmen meetings where he said officials and members of the public were respectful of each other.
"In comparison with what I've seen elsewhere, there was no fighting or contentiousness between the political parties," Reed said.
Having lived in the area for 25 years, Reed said his family has enjoyed many experiences in Ellington from day camp when his children were young to flying lessons at the local airport and enjoying the natural beauty of Crystal Lake.
"Ellington is simply a great community and I appreciate the opportunity to be a part of it," Reed said.
He was raised in Springfield. After retiring from the police department, Reed practiced law with a private firm and held positions at UConn and the Capitol Region Education Council. As a lawyer, he has practiced in the areas of employment law, municipal law, administrative law, and Freedom of Information Act compliance.
Since 2019, Reed has worked as an attorney for the state, first as a staff attorney and hearing officer for the Freedom of Information Commission and most recently as a staff attorney at the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection.
He earned an associate degree in criminal justice from Tunxis Community College, a bachelor's degree in criminology from Central Connecticut State University, and a doctorate from Western New England University School of Law.
Reed describes himself as a staunch advocate for open government. In 2014, he received the Byce Clemow Award from the Connecticut Council on Freedom of Information for his leadership in support of open and accountable government during his time as police chief and also served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Connecticut Foundation for Open Government.
