First Selectman Herbst Names Stuart McCarthy Director of Parks and Recreation for the Town of Trumbull
Herbst: “I am confident with Stuart McCarthy at the helm, we will make Trumbull’s park system, recreational programming and municipal golf course a shining example for other communities across Connecticut.”
April 13, 2015 - - First Selectman Timothy M. Herbst on Monday announced the appointment of Stuart McCarthy as the new Director of Parks and Recreation for the Town of Trumbull. McCarthy, is a thirty year veteran of the Town of Westport, where he currently serves as Parks and Recreation Director. McCarthy intends to retire from Westport and assume his new responsibilities in the Town of Trumbull. In Westport, McCarthy is responsible for all parks and recreational activities, as well as management of employees and personnel at the Longshore Golf Course. Herbst said McCarthy’s experience and track record in Westport made him the strongest candidate to serve the Town of Trumbull.
“Westport has a parks and recreation system that is second to none,” stated First Selectman Herbst. “Westport also has an outstanding municipal golf course. Stuart’s experience and track record in this regard make him the ideal candidate to assume this new position and fully implement the re-organization plan approved by the Trumbull voters in the 2011 Charter Revision,” stated First Selectman Herbst. “I am confident with Stuart McCarthy at the helm, we will make Trumbull’s park system, recreational programming and municipal golf course a shining example for other communities across Connecticut.” The First Selectman also noted that McCarthy’s track record in developing efficiencies and expanding revenues have resulted in excellent programs for the community at less expense to the Westport taxpayer. “As I told First Selectman Marpe, the people of Westport have some outstanding municipal employees and Stuart McCarthy is an example of an outstanding employee that works to improve services while reducing the burden to the taxpayer.”
Members of the interview selection panel praised the selection of McCarthy. “The selection committee was very impressed with Mr. McCarthy. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience that can only enhance Trumbull's recreational facilities and programs. We in Trumbull are fortunate to have him on our team," stated Town Councilman Joseph Pifko. Longtime Parks and Recreation Chairman Robert Ferrigno stated that McCarthy is uniquely qualified to assume his new responsibilities. “In my 39 years of service to the Town of Trumbull, I have never met a more professional, experienced and seasoned administrator than Stuart McCarthy,” stated Ferrigno. “I have every confidence that Stuart will raise the bar and take our parks and recreation programs to a new standard of excellence.”
The First Selectman believes that McCarthy can replicate this track record of success here in Trumbull. Recently, the Town has sought requests for proposals (RFP) for a full operational and financial audit of the Parks and Recreation Departments. The First Selectman wanted a new director in place before the audit commenced, so the new director could work with auditors to identify issues that will call for organizational and system changes. The First Selectman specifically indicated that he wants a full accounting of all special agency accounts and revenues that flow through the department, to see how money comes in and in turn how it is spent.
"I am excited for the opportunity First Selectman Herbst has offered me to lead the Parks and Recreation Department for the Town of Trumbull. Trumbull has wonderful parks and recreation programs and facilities and I look forward to taking the Department into the future." McCarthy indicated that in his first 100 days he would be dedicated to becoming acquainted with existing personnel and assisting the First Selectman with the operational and financial audit recently commissioned for the department. “"I look forward to working with the current parks and recreation staff to continue to provide first class services which have made Trumbull one of the most desirable places to live in Connecticut."
McCarthy joined Westport’s Parks and Recreation Department in 1985 and was promoted to Director in 1989. Among his many accomplishments in Westport was the construction of the new Levitt Pavilion for the Performing Arts and improvements to the Longshore Club Park. Those improvements include a tennis pavilion, swimming pools, golf course renovations and a new course maintenance team. Perhaps most significant is the quality of the recreational programs offered to people of all ages. McCarthy is expected to transition into his new position over the next several weeks, with an official start date of June 1st.