Longtime High-Ranking Cop Set To Become Tolland Town Manager

TOLLAND, CT — A longtime high ranking law enforcement official at the state and municipal levels has been chosen to fill the vacant town manger's position in Tolland. The Tolland Town Council must still ratify the appointment of Brian Foley.

Town officials Wednesday said that Foley has been "identified as a preferred candidate" in the search for the next manager.

"The parties have reached agreement on the general terms and conditions for a formal employment agreement, with the proposed employment agreement to be considered by the town council on June 9," town officials said.

The special meeting to appoint Foley is slated for 6:30 p.m before the regular Tolland Town Council meeting. The meeting is on tap for both in the Council Chambers at the Hicks Center and also by Zoom. The meeting packet is available online here.

Following a two-day onsite interview process that included town tours, interviews with the town's senior staffers, a public meet-and-greet session, and a 90-minute interview, the council deliberated and selected Foley, a Tolland resident, as the top candidate for the position.

Foley has served as the assistant to the commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection since 2019.

Foley was at the Hartford Police Department from 1994 to 2018. At the HFD, he was the deputy chief, the commander of the HPD Major Crimes Division, commander of the Frog/Hollow/South Green District, commander and investigator for the Internal Affairs Division, a patrol Supervisor, a homicide/major crimes detective, a community service and patrol officer, and the HPD's community outreach adviser.

He also served as a chief investigator for WTIC-TV from 2018 to 2019.

Foley serves on a number of boards and commissions including servicing vice- chairman of the Urban League of Greater Hartford.

Foley holds a bachelor’s degree in Sociology/Criminal Justice from Central Connecticut University and is a Senior Management Graduate of the Police Executive Research Forum.

"I thank the town council for this incredible honor to serve the town of Tolland," Foley said. "After a rewarding career around the state, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to come home. As a resident, I am deeply and personally committed to our town. I look forward to working with the community, council and staff in the coming years. My goal is to be a unifying voice in these polarizing times as we work to improve the quality of life and quality of services in the town of Tolland. Let's get to work."

Foley's first day on the job in Tolland is projected to be June 27.

Said Tolland Town Council Chairman Steve Jones, "After a thorough and deliberate process, the town council has found an excellent candidate to lead Tolland as the next town manager. Brian has the strong qualities we were looking for in the next town manager. We look forward to working with him in the future."

Jones also thanked Lisa Hancock for her "leadership" in serving as interim town manager while still serving as director of finance and records while the recruitment process took place.

“The entire town council thanks Lisa for her leadership during the transition, especially in shepherding the annual budget process, which recently was approved by referendum by our residents," Jones said.

The town selected Strategic Government Resources to assist in conducting the extensive search that resulted in an impressive candidate pool. SGR is an executive recruitment firm based in Texas, specializing in recruiting, assessing, and developing innovative, collaborative, and authentic leaders for local governments. SGR’s proprietary recruitment and vetting process produced an incredibly strong field of candidates resulting in 17 applications from 10 states.