Westport Resident Elaine Daignault Promoted To New Government Post

WESTPORT, CT — Elaine Daignault, Westport's assisted director of Human Services, has been promoted to director of the department following the resignation of Director Sarah Heath, First Selectman Jim Marpe announced.

Heath has accepted a position in another community, effective April 4, which helped clear the way for Daignault's promotion.

"I want to thank Sarah for her many contributions to the Town and the Human Services Department," said Marpe in a statement. "Through the years, Sarah has always been a valuable asset to the Department. We will miss her and we wish her well in her future endeavors."

Added Heath, "I have had the pleasure of working for the town of Westport for over 9 years. In that time, I have been fortunate enough to work with amazing, dedicated, and caring professionals and volunteers. Working under the direct leadership of Barbara Butler and currently, Jim Marpe, has provided me great professional experience. I am very appreciative to have had these years with both of them. I am happy that Elaine will continue as Director of the department. Westport is in very capable hands."

Daignault, a Westport resident, has been a member of Westport’s Human Services staff since 1999. She attended Westport Schools, graduated from Staples High School and received her B.S. at Colorado State University, and a Master’s of Arts degree in Mental Health Counseling at Fairfield University. Additionally, Daignault has a certification in Nonprofit Leadership from the University of Wisconsin and several certifications in evidence-based prevention programs.

During her tenure working for the Department of Human Services, Daignault has served in many capacities. Over the past 18 years, she has served as the Director of Toquet Hall, the Coordinator of Youth Services and the Westport Mentor Program. She was the Community Outreach Counselor for the Human Services Department, served as interim Student Outreach Counselor at Staples High School and most recently, served as the Assistant Director to the department.

"I am very happy that we are able to promote Elaine to Director of Human Services," said Marpe. "She brings a unique combination of professional expertise and local knowledge that make her a critical resource to the department staff, and most importantly, to the citizens of Westport. I am confident in her ability to manage the functions that are critical to the success of that Town department. I look forward to working with her to insure a seamless transition in this leadership position."

Added Daignault, "I am honored to take on this new role as the Director of Human Services. I am energized by our amazing and talented staff whose teamwork ensures that we will continue to provide the best possible care and service to our community."

Bio of Elaine Allen Daignault, M.A., N.C.C.:

Elaine attended Westport Schools, graduated from Staples High School and received her B.S. at Colorado State University, and a Master’s of Arts degree in Mental Health Counseling at Fairfield University. Elaine has a certification in Nonprofit Leadership from the University of Wisconsin and several certifications in evidence-based prevention programs.

She has worked for the Town of Westport’s Department of Human Services since 1999, serving in many capacities throughout her tenure here. Over the past 18 years, Elaine served as the Director of Toquet Hall, the Coordinator of Youth Services and the Westport Mentor Program. She was the Community Outreach Counselor for the Human Services Department, served as interim Student Outreach Counselor at Staples High School and most recently, served as the Assistant Director to the department. In addition to her clinical work in Westport, she advises many leadership groups at Staples High School and previously worked in the Westport Public Schools. Elaine has also worked as a mental health counselor in clinical non-profit agencies in both Westport and Bridgeport specializing in substance abuse prevention, working with adolescents, people with disabilities, and domestic violence populations.

A dedicated advocate and ally to individuals of all ages, Elaine has significant ties to the community and a strong history of establishing collaborative relationships with community partners. She represents Westport on many community boards and organizations that support Westport residents including Westport’s Domestic Violence Task Force, the Fairfield County Alliance to Prevent Substance Abuse, and she sits on the Westport-Norwalk Juvenile Review Board. In addition, Elaine is a long time member of the Westport Kiwanis Club, and more recently, the National Charity League.

Elaine and her husband Jesse live in Westport with their two children Jackson and Mia.

Photo: Elaine Diagnault. Photo credit: Contributed