New Westport Tax Collector Named

From the Town of Westport: First Selectman Jim Marpe announced today that he has appointed Deputy Tax Collector Harry Whiteley, Jr. to the position of Tax Collector effective immediately. Mr. Whitely assumes the role previously held by Peggy Klein, who retired on September 1 after 30 years of service.

Mr. Marpe said, “I am very pleased to promote Harry Whiteley to Tax Collector. Over 10 years ago, Harry joined the Town of Westport as a part time Tax Data Processing Clerk. Since then, he has displayed leadership qualities and has grown with the Department. In 2014, Harry was promoted to Deputy Tax Collector, and has been instrumental in forming a team- environment committed to customer service and internal improvements.”

Most of Mr. Whiteley’s career has been in Information Technology (IT) programming systems and performance management. For 35 years, he worked for UST Inc. located at the time in Greenwich CT, where he was an IT Manager in corporate headquarters. He respectively ran the corporate data center for over seven years and the IT performance and analysis division for another four years. In these roles, he ensured data support and security, and was responsible for the measurement and analysis of all IT activities, performance and service delivery.

Mr. Whiteley attended and graduated from IBM Training School in New York City, and while at UST Inc. obtained an A.A. in Business from Fairfield University. Within his community of Fairfield, Mr. Whiteley has been a volunteer for the Fairfield PAL as a coach and referee for soccer, softball and basketball leagues.

Mr. Marpe said, “Harry brings a background of problem solving and technology management to the Tax Collector’s Department. He will be able to utilize this skillset as the Town looks towards operational improvements and cost saving measures within the department. I look forward to working with him in this role.”

Mr. Whiteley added, “I am honored to become the Town of Westport’s Tax Collector. Together with the hardworking and dedicated staff, we will continue to assist the public on real estate, sewer, motor vehicle and personal property payment inquiries in the best way possible.”

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