New Economic Development Director Appointed In Hamden

HAMDEN, CT — Former North Haven state representative Stephen Fontana has been appointed the new Economic Development Director in Hamden, Mayor Adam Sendroff announced.

The appointment is pending the approval of the Legislative Council.

Fontana has served the past 12 years as the Director of Economic Development for West Haven and Deputy Director of Economic Development for New Haven. Fontana was appointed West Haven’s Economic Development Director in May 2024.

Fontana has a “record of delivering transformative projects on a consistent basis, including shepherding residential, mixed-use, and commercial/industrial projects from pre-development through construction, recruiting retail businesses, promoting corporate retention and expansion, and enhancing small business programming,” according to a news release from the mayor’s office.

Sendroff said that he is thrilled to work with Fontana.

“A priority of mine is growing the grand list, especially on the commercial side, and I know that Steve—with his vast experience and network—is the right person to bring in new businesses, as well as to retain and expand existing businesses in Hamden,” Sendroff said. “I also look forward to Steve creating a comprehensive economic development plan for Hamden in conjunction with our Economic Development Commission.”

Fontana thanked Sendroff for offering him the position.

“Having lived in Spring Glen as a child and represented Mount Carmel in the General Assembly for six years as an adult, I have a great deal of affection for the town and its people, and I am looking forward to serving the people and businesses in town,” he said. “Hamden is a great town with lots of exciting opportunities, and I look forward to tackling them with him and his team.”

Fontana is a certified economic developer of the International Economic Development Council, a member of the Connecticut Bar Association and a master fellow of the Life Office Management Association. He earned a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Connecticut School of Law and a Master of Business Administration in marketing from Cornell University’s Johnson Graduate School of Management.

Fontana is a former seven-term state representative from North Haven and has working knowledge of state financing and economic incentives, according to the news release.