Simsbury's First Town Manager To Resign May 1

SIMSBURY, CT — Simsbury's first-ever town manager is departing, as local leaders Tuesday announced the resignation of Maria Capriola as the town's top appointed official.

No reason for her resignation was given, but several local leaders heaped nothing but praise for Capriola, who was hired in December 2017 and started work there in January 2018.

Her last day of service will tentatively be May 1.

The town manager oversees day-to-day operations, in addition to implementing Simsbury Board of Selectmen goals, ordinances and policies.

“On behalf of the Town of Simsbury, I want to thank Simsbury Town Manager Maria Capriola for her dedicated service and commitment in her role as our chief executive officer for the last five years," Simsbury First Selectman Wendy Mackstutis said in a statement.

"As the first town manager following the charter revision change in Simsbury’s form of government, Ms. Capriola was critical in helping our town staff and volunteers on all boards and commissions through this transition. We wish her nothing but success in her new position.”

According to Capriola, that transition has gone well following the charter change and she is confident the transition to a new town manager will go well too.

“The organization is in a stronger and more resilient position today than it was five years ago. I am confident that our residents and stakeholders will continue to receive outstanding, quality services during the upcoming transition," Capriola said.

"We have a team of hard working, ethical, caring, dedicated and talented people serving this community. Their commitment to our community is worthy of acknowledgment as I reflect on my time here.”

Selectmen, Capriola and town attorneys have already started meeting to plan the transition, with appointing an interim manager the main priority right now.

Town officials said Capriola's time in Simsbury included work toward several initiatives and "significant infrastructure investments for our community — roads, sidewalks, trails, renovations to the middle school and Latimer Lane Elementary School, widespread replacement of our parks and playground infrastructure ... and the creation of a community gem - our new park Hopbrook Landing at the Flower Bridge."

Several selectmen weighed on Capriola's upcoming departure.

“Maria is one of the most ethical, hard-working people I've had the pleasure to work with,” said Selectman Eric Wellman. “She has built an incredible team and championed a culture of accountability and customer service in town hall to serve our residents at the highest level. She will be deeply missed.”

Selectman Sean Askham said, “Maria Capriola has been an outstanding town manager for our community. I am so very sad to lose her talents, thoughtfulness, creative solutions and passion for her profession. Her hard work these past five years has set Simsbury for continued success and I am truly grateful for her partnership. She will be missed.”

Selectman Chris Peterson added “I had the opportunity to participate in Maria's selection. I know we made the right decision and I count myself lucky to have learned from her.”

For the full announcement, click on this link.

For more information on Simsbury Town Manager Maria Capriola, click on this link.