MEET YOUR CURRENT BOARD & COMMISSION MEMBERS
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
The Board of Selectmen is the primary executive body of the Town. The First Selectman is the Chief Executive Officer responsible for routine and emergent municipal operations. As the Chief Elected Official, this position, represents the Township in local, state and regional civic and business affairs.
Photography by John Houchin
Sue Spang
First Selectwoman (in Salem's history)
• 38-year resident of Salem • Proud parent of two graduates of Salem School and East Lyme High School. • Served on the Recreation Commission for 16 years, 15 as Chairperson. • Oversaw the installation of the Babe Ruth Field, Volunteer Park, the refurbishing of the Round Hill Road playscape and the creation of the tennis and basketball courts. • As Chairperson of the Multi-Purpose Path Committee, I personally wrote competitive grants and received over $500,000 for construction of the path, including a community-built bridge • Other volunteer activities include working on Emergency Management, the 2012 Plan of Conservation and Development, Registrar of Voters, Open Space Committee Member and Municipal Agent for the Elderly, where I proactively sought out training by TVCCA to conduct intake for heating assistance for our residents. • I am currently Vice Chairman of the Board of Education. • As Personnel Committee Chairperson, we successfully settled contracts that were under the state average. Interests include bee keeping, photography and quilting. • "As First Selectperson, I will continue to build on my 20+ years of experience of working together in cooperation, respect, and transparency. Uniting Salem for a Stronger Community." I PLEDGE TO: • Open the Salem, CT Government Charter for revisions • Settle the GLFD lawsuit • Review the Emergency Study for possible committee • Institute policies for appointments • Institute a policy for the Needy Fund • Train/educate board and commission chairman on roles and responsibilities and on town processes • Secure ongoing education on FOIA • Build better working relationships with all town volunteer groups • Foster more transparency, especially where town finances are concerned • Ensure respectful dialog at town meetings and public hearings • Endeavor to share services within town and with others towns • Review Town Ordinances • Form a Cemetery Committee
Gary Closius
Selectman
• 28-year resident of Salem. • Moved to Salem for its excellent school system and rural small-town environment. • Parent to two Salem School and ELHS graduates. • Currently serve Salem as an Alternate Member of the Planning and Zoning Commission as well as an active volunteer for Care and Share of East Lyme and Salem, President of the Salem Senior Citizens Group, a Lions Club member, and a member of the Friends of the Salem Library. Served Salem’s Cub Scout/Boy Scouting community for more than 20 years. • BS, Nuclear Science from State University of New York Maritime College. Held a U.S. Coast Guard 3rd Assistant Engineer License, and a Commission in the U.S. Naval Reserve. Retiree from Millstone Nuclear Power Station after 43 years of service with more than 20 years managing department personnel and a multi-million-dollar budget and advising executive and line management on the interpretation of, and compliance with, NRC, other federal, state, and regional agencies’ regulations. • "Excited to continue to work for Salem residents to ensure the Planning and Zoning Commission provides clear regulations and consistent interpretation of those regulations to effectively manage Salem’s growth consistent with Salem residents’ wants and needs."
Diane Weston
Selectman
• 38-year resident of Salem • Former employee of the Town of Salem (Rec Program Coordinator, Building Dept. Admin. Assistant, recording secretary for the Board of Selectman, Rec. Commission, School Renovation Committee, and the Board of Assessment Appeals • "I will strive to ensure the Board of Selectman works together in a bipartisan manner and as a team for the issues put before us. I am committed to representing all residents on the Town of Salem Board of Selectmen."
BOARD OF EDUCATION
The Board of Education shall manage the education system of the Town, including the buildings, property and resources used to provide education as provided under the Connecticut General Statutes.
Tiffany Cunningham
Chair
Since joining the Board of Education in 2017, I have focused on long term planning, exploring shared services and a strategic plan. My goal for the next term will be to steer the development of an overarching strategic plan as well as maintaining the morale and high academic standards of the Salem School District
Jen Rucci
Board of Education
Jennifer (Jen) Rucci has been a life long Salem resident, returning to town in 2013 to raise her family with husband Matt. Jen has been a member of the Board of Education following appointment in 2018 and election in 2019 and serves as secretary and Policy Chair. Jen is a speech language pathologist who worked for over 10 years in skilled nursing facilities across New England. In 2022, Jen joined the staff of Southern CT State University where she is a clinical instructor in the masters level speech pathology program. When not working or conducting Board of Education business, Jen enjoys coaching softball for her two older daughter Eleanor and Josie in town. Recently Jen and Matt welcomed a new member to their family, Lucy born in April of 2023.
BOARD OF FINANCE
The Board of Finance shall oversee the finances of the Town and prepare a budget for approval by Town Meeting.
Janet Griggs
Board of Finance
Coming soon...
Matt Rucci
Board of Finance
• 11-year resident of Salem • Parent to Salem School students • BS, Business Management from Providence College; MBA, concentration in Finance from U of Hartford • IT professional with multi-sector experience • 2-year member of the Board of Finance • "I'm excited to continue to work to guide Salem’s finances."
Kate Belleville
Board of Finance
• 29 year resident of Salem • Proud parent of 3 graduates of Salem School and East Lyme High School • Served as an Alternate Member on Board of Finance for two years, before becoming a Full Member in 2023. • Member of the Friends of the Salem Free Public Library. Former Girl Scout Leader for nine years. Delivered Thanksgiving meals for past seven years in Norwich, via St Vincent De Paul Place. • Earned BS, Physical Therapy and MS, Allied Health with focus in Administration, from The University of Connecticut. Physical Therapist at Lawrence and Memorial Hospital for 30 years and current member of the Rehabilitation Leadership Team. • "I am dedicated to continue collaborating with BOF members, as well as other Town Board and Commission members to provide a fiscally responsible budget that will best serve all Salem residents."
PLANNING & ZONING
The Planning and Zoning Commission shall have the responsibilities of both a planning commission and zoning commission. For planning, the commission shall prepare, adopt, and maintain a master plan of development for the Town based on physical, social, economic, and governmental conditions and trends to promote coordinated development and the general welfare and prosperity of the Town. For zoning, the commission shall adopt and administer a comprehensive zoning plan designed to direct and control the use and development of property.
Planning & Zoning Commission Member
Diba wants to ensure that Salem is prepared for any projected growth. She believes a well-balanced plan is necessary for housing, business, and agriculture. Diba wants Salem to be prepared for climate change and its potential impact on our town. She believes in sustainable practices to protect the biodiversity of our environment in Salem and believes in a diverse community and community well-being.
Planning & Zoning Commission Member
• 45-year resident of Salem • Parent to 2 Salem School graduates • Became one of the technical members of the original Virtual Town Meeting (VTM. Ran the VTM system for several town meetings with Chris Regan. Maintained and upgraded the Town Office VTM system. • BSEE / MSEE with 40+ years experience in electronic design, embedded systems and software. • Licensed radio amateur (AA1JN). • Currently serving volunteer as a Steward for Salem Land Trust and on the Board of Directors for the Eightmile River Wild and Scenic Coordinating Committee • "I believe that my time as a Salem resident with my exposure to land use issues from SLT and ERWSCC gives me a background to resolve zoning issues. Salem School and the community environment are beneficial for families."
Planning & Zoning Commission Member
• Spent her childhood visiting her grandparents in Salem • Masters in Landscape Architecture from the Harvard Graduate School of Design • Works as a Landscape Designer and Project Manager with a focus on ecological adaptation of post agricultural landscapes • Spent the last 6 months serving as an appointed PZC Alternate
Planning & Zoning Commission Member
• 18-year resident of Salem • Growing up in Salem has given her a deep appreciation for the town's strong sense of community and the natural beauty that surrounds it • Bachelors in Forensic Science from the University of New Haven • Currently pursuing master's degree • Works locally in the healthcare and retail field • "I look forward to helping Salem grow in ways that respect both its environment and its small-town character."
Planning & Zoning Commission Member
• Served in Municipal Code Enforcement and Zoning Enforcement for 6+ years and holds certifications in wetlands regulation, building safety inspection, and minimum housing standards • Has 10+ years of business management experience, extensive technological expertise, multilingual communication skills, and a demonstrated commitment to environmental stewardship and community welfare • Has 10+operated his own small business, giving him a practical understanding of economic development, regulatory impacts on local enterprises, and the importance of balanced growth • 20+ year advocate for animal welfare • Has a long-standing passion for environmental protection, public service, and community well-being
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
The Zoning Board of Appeals acts as an intermediate step between administrative denials and the court system,
ensuring that strict zoning compliance does not create unnecessary hardships for property owners.
Zoning Board of Appeals Member
• 50+year Salem Resident • Salem School and East Lyme High School Graduate and Parent to Salem School and ELHS Graduate • Previously served on the Planning and Zoning Commission • Currently employed as a Zoning Enforcement Official for multiple towns • Previously employed for 16 years for the Town of East Lyme Land Use offices working directly with officials, applicants, and commissions. • Currently hold multiple certifications including Aquifer Protection, Inland Wetland Agent and AZT • "Personal interest in Salem and professional education and career uniquely prepared me for this role"
LIBRARY BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The library board of directors governs the library by setting strategic goals, managing the budget, establishing operational policies, and hiring the library director. They ensure financial accountability, act as community advocates, and ensure the library meets local needs, operating as the legal authority for the institution.
Dee Doolittle
Chair
• 25 year resident of Salem • Served on the Library Board of Directors since 2021. • Founder/Executive Director of Mitchell Farm Equine Retirement, Inc, a non-profit sanctuary for horses, ponies and donkeys here in Salem since 2004. • "As the daughter of a career librarian I was raised believing in the necessity and importance of a community library."
Mary Cikatz
Secretary
• 40+year resident of Salem • Parent to 3 grown children and 4 grandchildren • Retired technology facilitator specialist • BS in Chemistry from St. Joseph College in West Hartford • Served on the library board for about 8 years and is currently its recording secretary • Currently VP of the Salem Senior Group and member of the Friends of the Salem Free Public Library • "The wonderful library that Salem has is an integral part of our community, and I'd like to continue to work to keep it that way and expand it further."
Mary Whittaker
Library Board of Directors Member
• Retired middle school science teacher • B.S. from the University of Rhode Island 1980 • Active Member of the Salem Seniors • Lifelong lover of books and reading • Supporter of libraries and their patrons • "I would be proud to serve the town of Salem on the Library Board. I am capable and willing to listen, learn, communicate, and contribute to this integral part of our community."
Becky Nortz
Library Board of Directors Member
• 39-year resident of Salem and a 45-year resident of CT • Proud parent of two Salem School and ELHS graduates • Former Salem Girl Scout Troop Leader for 17 years with two troops for four of those years. One of her troops produced the first 3 Girl Scout Gold Award recipients from a Salem troop. • Has served on the Zoning Board of Appeals since the early 1990s including several years serving as chair, and is currently an alternate member. • Earned a BS from St. Lawrence University. • Recently retired from a career in pharmaceutical research and regulatory affairs. • “The Zoning Board of Appeals works to ensure that the zoning regulations in Salem are applied fairly and in support of balanced growth and Salem's rural character.” • “The library serves everyone in the community and it would be an honor and a privilege to assist the library in continuing to thrive.”
INLAND WETLANDS & CONSERVATION COMMISSION
The Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission protects, preserves, and maintains swamps, bogs, marshes, lakes, rivers, and streams. They review development applications, issue permits for activities in or near wetlands, enforce regulations to prevent pollution, and manage flood risks.
Kim Hargrave
Inland Wetlands & Conservation Commission
• 8-year resident of Salem • Proud mom of 4, 2 of whom have graduated from ELHS, 1 currently enrolled at Salem School • 25+ years as the Executive Director at the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center • "I'm excited for the opportunity to serve on the Planning and Zoning Board to help ensure responsible development that reflects Salem's values."
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
The Economic Development Commission is focused on improving a community’s economic well-being and quality of life by fostering job creation, business attraction, and retention. They strengthen the local tax base, support innovative sectors, and provide infrastructure improvements to create sustainable economic growth.
Amanda Lawrence
Economic Development Comission
Coming soon...
RECREATION COMISSION
THE Recreation Commission plans, manages, and sets policies for community parks, facilities, and leisure programs to enhance the quality of life, often acting as a liaison between residents and local government. They oversee the maintenance of parks, playgrounds, and fields, while organizing diverse recreational activities.
Deirdre Ahern
Recreation Comission Member
• 36-year resident of Salem • Has 35 years of teaching experience • "I am thrilled with the progress we have made on the Harris Brook Trail and look forward to continuing to expand and enhance Salem’s hiking trails for our community."
Steven Wlodarczyk
Recreation Comission Member
Coming soon...
Kristie Fresco Hawes
Recreation Comission Member
Coming soon...
Kimberly Bradley
Recreation Comission Member
• 11-year resident of Salem • Parent to two Salem School Students • Previously served as chair of the Inland Wetland and Conservation Commission • Holds a Bachelor of Science and Masters of Science in Environmental Sciences from the University of Connecticut • Currently employed as for the CTDEEP Bureau of Outdoor Recreation Division of State Parks and Public Outreach • Currently serving volunteer on the Board of Directors for the Eightmile River Wild and Scenic Coordinating Committee • Currently holds multiple certifications including Inland Wetland, Wetland Delineation, Youth Coaching certifications • Holds and has served as in leaderships role as a volunteer for regional Land Trusts, Educational Programs and Cycling organizations. • "I am a dedicated Salem resident willing to bring my professional knowledge and experience, particularly working on complex issues with diverse partners, to the Commission."
BOARD OF ASSESSMENT APPEALS
The Board of Assessment Appeals shall, in accordance with the General Statutes, hear appeals from taxpayers who believe the Town has erred in the valuation of their real estate and personal properties.
Board of Assessment Appeals Member
• 36-year resident of Salem and proud parent of two Salem School and ELHS graduates. • Earned a BA degree in Biology (Microbiology) from UCONN and an MS degree in Immunology from the University of Hartford. • Prior to retirement, he was a Senior Principal Research Scientist at Pfizer Global Research and Development in Groton where he headed a Preclinical Infectious Diseases lab researching the PK/PD properties of newly discovered antimicrobial agents for 35 years. • Was involved with Boy Scouts and Little League baseball for many years. • Is a 4th degree member of the KofC in Colchester serving as the Advocate Officer (this council is involved with many charitable activities serving the public as well as Guardian Angels parish throughout the year and have served at the Covenant Soup Kitchen). • Serves as Lector and Eucharistic Minister for St Andrew Church. • Enjoys hiking, biking, long distance canoe racing and reading in his spare time. • “I look forward to serving the Town of Salem and learning about the assessment appeals process”