New Stratford Finance Director Named After Coronavirus Death

STRATFORD, CT — Dawn Savo has been appointed the Town of Stratford’s new finance director, the mayor's office announced Thursday. Savo, previously the town’s assistant finance director, has been serving as acting finance director since the death of Finance Director Jay Wahlberg on April 10 due to complications of the new coronavirus.

“Dawn has an extensive professional background in public finance and has been a critical part of our team here in Stratford for the last two years," Mayor Laura Hoydick said in a news release. "I look forward to working with her as we continue to work through the numerous challenges and projects we have before us here in Stratford.”

Savo has worked in finance for nearly 30 years. She served as assistant finance director for the town of Stratford since 2018. Prior to that, she was assistant director of finance in Trumbull. She began her work in public finance helping to shape the Central Grants Office for the City of Bridgeport, working under three administrations and serving as acting central grants director and grants financial manager for the city.

"Having grown up in Stratford, I am familiar with the town and the community and I am looking forward to continuing the good work the previous finance director, Jay Wahlberg, started," Savo said in the news release. “It is a difficult time, but our team is moving forward and focused on how best to serve the taxpayers and constituents.”

Savo also serves on the Board of Directors for the Government Finance Officers Association of Connecticut and chairs its membership committee.