Tolland Names Chris Kelly Public Works Director, Fills Other Town Posts

TOLLAND, CT — Tolland has promoted Chris Kelly to director of public works, elevated Dave Drost to public works operations manager, and hired Rachel Linkkila as assistant finance director, according to the town.

Kelly was hired by Tolland as a laborer in 2012 after working in the private sector. He was promoted to working leader in 2017 and, in early 2025, was promoted to operations manager. The town announced that he has now been promoted again, this time to director of public works.

The town stated, “We wish Chris the best of luck in his new position within the Town.”

Drost has also moved up within the Public Works Department. He was hired by the town as a laborer in 2017 and was promoted to equipment operator in 2022. In early 2025, he was promoted to supervisor in the Highway Department.

The town said Drost is now serving as public works operations manager. According to the announcement, “In his current role as Public Works Operations Manager, Dave is second in command of the Department.” The town also said, “Please join us in wishing Dave the best of luck in his new position within the Town.”

In the Finance Department, the town announced that Linkkila has joined Tolland as the new assistant finance director. According to the town, she brings experience in municipal finance, grant management and banking. The announcement states that she previously served the towns of Vernon and Colchester.

The town said Linkkila most recently worked as the director of finance for the Colchester Board of Education. It also stated, “Rachel’s commitment to public service will be a great asset to the Town.”

The staffing moves place longtime town employees in two top Public Works roles while adding a finance official with experience in other Connecticut municipalities.