Westport Names New Senior Center Director

WESTPORT, CT — Wendy Petty, a Fairfield resident and director of the Weston Senior Activities Center, has been named the new director of the Westport Center for Senior Activities, effective Feb. 1, First Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker announced.

Petty replaces former Director Sue Pfister, who recently retired. Westport's popular senior center is an operation of the town's Department of Human Services under the supervision of Human Services Director Elaine Daignault.

For the past 11 years, Petty was director of the Weston senior center, and she worked in Weston's Department of Social Services and corporate settings.

Under her leadership, Weston's senior center "saw significant growth that helped to expand the center's offerings through fundraising, capacity-building, and advocacy," according to Westport officials.

Petty has a history of establishing partnerships with local organizations, volunteer networks, colleagues, officials said, and also with social services agencies to realize innovative social and recreational opportunities for seniors.

"Wendy's collaborative approach makes her an ideal candidate to lead the WCSA after the retirement of long-time Director Sue Pfister," Tooker said in a statement. "I am very happy to welcome Wendy to Westport's Center for Senior Activities. She brings professional expertise, operational management, and local knowledge to the Human Services team and, most importantly, to the WCSA."

Added Petty, "I am very excited to join WCSA's team and look forward to building on their success as an exemplary hub for local seniors. Together, we will continue to provide the best possible care and service to the senior community."

In addition to Petty's hiring, Tooker also promoted Holly Betts to Assistant Director of the senior center, and Jason Wilson to Program Specialist, effective Jan. 1.

From Tooker's announcement:

Originally from Southern California, Wendy and her husband Jim raised their children in Weston, CT, and recently moved to Fairfield. She has a B.A. in Counseling and Human Services from Notre Dame de Namur University.

In addition to her specialty in senior services, Wendy is proficient in non-profit operations, team leadership, grant and program development, and budget administration.

In her free time, Wendy enjoys running, taking long walks with friends, and spending time with family. Wendy and Jim are also active in the local car enthusiast community and enjoy weekend rallies on the beautiful back roads of Connecticut.

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