Rep. Santos Selected For Prestigious International Leadership Mission to the Netherlands and Belgium

DANBURY, Conn. — State Representative and Economic & Community Development Advisor to Mayor Roberto L. Alves Farley A. Santos has been selected by the American Council of Young Political Leaders (ACYPL) for an international leadership mission to the Netherlands and Belgium this December, joining just five emerging leaders selected from across the United States.

ACYPL, working with the U.S. Department of State and international partners, brings together emerging American leaders for high-level bipartisan exchanges with government, political and business leaders around the world. The mission will focus on public policy, economic development, international commerce and strategies to strengthen communities and grow local economies.

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The selection comes as Santos continues serving Danbury at the state and municipal levels. In the Connecticut General Assembly, he has focused on affordability, consumer protections, education, economic opportunity, veterans and working families while helping secure significant state investments for Danbury.

As Economic & Community Development Advisor to Mayor Alves, Santos works with businesses, developers and community partners to advance the administration's economic development strategy, attract investment, create jobs and careers, support existing businesses and encourage responsible growth.

"Farley has a deep knowledge of Danbury, our businesses, our neighborhoods and what our community needs to continue growing," Mayor Roberto L. Alves said. "He works incredibly hard and understands how to bring people together to get things done. Whether he is fighting for resources in Hartford or working directly with businesses here at home, his focus is always on delivering for Danbury. This is a tremendous opportunity for him to represent our city and bring new ideas and strategies back home."

"Farley has been a fantastic economic development liaison and a valued partner to the Greater Danbury Chamber of Commerce, said Maura Ruby, President and CEO." "His collaborative approach and strong relationships help connect our business community with resources and opportunities for growth. We congratulate him on this prestigious recognition and look forward to the ideas and connections he will bring back to benefit Danbury and our region."

The ACYPL selection adds to a series of recognitions Santos has received in 2026. He was recently selected for The Council of State Governments' 2026 20 Under 40 Leadership Award, recognizing 20 rising elected and appointed state officials from across the country. The award will be presented at CSG's National Conference in December, which unfortunately coincides with the international mission.

Santos also received the 2026 ALICE Champion Award from the United Way of Coastal and Western Connecticut, was named a 2026 Immigrant of the Year by the Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity and Opportunity, and was inducted into the 2026 class of the Greater Danbury Old Timers Athletic Association, receiving its Civic Award.

Previous recognitions include induction into the Henry Abbott Technical High School Hall of Fame and being named one of the Fairfield County Business Journal's Top 40 Under 40.

"I am humbled and grateful for these recognitions, but my focus remains exactly where it has always been, delivering for Danbury," Santos said. "I want to keep bringing resources home, passing meaningful legislation and helping build an economy that creates opportunity for our residents and businesses."

Santos also thanked those who supported his consideration for the ACYPL program, including Mayor Roberto Alves, Superior Court Judge Tom Saadi, who first submitted his name several years ago, and former Republican State Senator David Cappiello, who recently submitted his name again.

"I am grateful to Mayor Alves, Judge Saadi, and former Senator Cappiello for believing in me and putting my name forward," Santos said. "I look forward to representing Danbury and Connecticut, learning from leaders abroad and bringing successful ideas back home."

Santos has served in the Alves administration since December 2023. He previously served as Vice President, Community Development Manager & Bank Ambassador with Ives Bank where he was employed for 16 years. In the Connecticut General Assembly, he serves as Vice Chair of the Banking Committee and as a member of the General Law, Government Oversight, and Veterans' and Military Affairs Committees. He also chairs the Fraud Prevention Working Group. Santos previously served as President of the Danbury Police Activities League and currently serves as President of the Landon Jack Verissimo Santos Memorial Scholarship and Treasurer of the CT Education Foundation.