Enfield Town Manager Submits Resignation

ENFIELD, CT — Town Manager Ellen Zoppo-Sassu has resigned as Enfield's chief executive officer, effective at the end of the day Thursday.

In a letter addressed to town council member and Republican leader Ken Nelson, Zoppo-Sassu wrote:

"It has been a pleasure working for the Town of Enfield and I offer congratulations to you and the new Republican Majority. At this time, I am submitting my resignation as Town Manager so that you and your Town Council members can move forward with your own Team.

I would be happy to continue to be available to the Town Manager's office, at their pleasure, if there are projects or initiatives that require assistance, especially during the Transition.

Over the course of the last two years, I have met so many wonderful people, and enjoyed working with the talented Town Staff. I am especially gratified to see movement on the Enfield Square Mall, the Open Space ordinance, increasing the capacity of the Troubled Properties Committee, revamping the Culture and Arts Commission and the institution of the Summer Concert series, the Senior Tax Credit, as well as the appropriation of the Town's ARPA funds to the five allowable categories. I also believe the various department heads are working across department lines and leveraging resources for projects such as the School Modernization project and Public Safety complex, and collaborating for a more user friendly business climate.

I am resigning with the understanding that per my contract, I will be receiving 90 days of severance and accrued vacation time. As you mentioned this morning, if necessary and requested, I would be happy to assist with projects if deemed necessary by the Acting or future Town Manager."

Zoppo-Sassu, a former mayor in Bristol, came to Enfield as interim town manager in Dec. 2021 following the resignation of Chris Bromson. She was hired as permanent town manager in March 2022.

"I wish her nothing but the best," Nelson told Patch. "As a town, we will continue to move forward. I believe all elected officials past and present are there to do what they believe is the best for this town. If they do not like the direction their town is heading, they have the ability to make a change. Resident made that change Tuesday. People who say their vote doesn't matter need to look at the chain of events that just occurred in a short amount of time after they made their voice heard. The council-elect heard the voters, loud and clear. We look forward to moving Enfield forward over the next two years as we continue to strive for the best Enfield possible."

Mayor Bob Cressotti told Patch, "I am very saddened to receive the letter of resignation from Ellen. When our previous town manager resigned, she was hired and embraced this community in a short period of time. When leadership changes, positions change. I am not surprised this occurred. Thank you Ellen for your commitment to this town and all the projects and accomplishments that were achieved in a very short time. You are appreciated by many and you will be missed. Ellen will be an asset in her next chapter as she was in Enfield."