BETHANY, CT — The town on Friday announced it has hired Nicolle Vigneron to serve as its new parks and recreation director.
Vigneron will oversee the town’s parks and recreation programs, facilities and initiatives.
“I’m thrilled to become part of the Bethany community and play a role in the positive growth and transformation of the Parks and Recreation Department," Vigneron said.
Vigneron said she will collaborate with residents, organizations and staff to develop and improve programs and facilities that “foster health, wellness, and community involvement."
The Board of Selectman unanimously approved hiring Vigneron, who was among 49 who applied for the job.
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Jennifer Galik, chairperson of the Parks and Recreation Commission, said she is thrilled to welcome her to Bethany.
"Her extensive experience, proven track-record with developing well-run programs, and dedication to fostering vibrant community engagement make her the ideal person to lead our Parks and Recreation Department," Galik said, in an announcement.
Vigneron has three decades of experience, and her most recent role was as an assistant director for the Jewish Community Center of Greater New Haven in Woodbridge. While there, she managed programs and departments, such as aquatics, early childhood, youth and after-school programming, summer camp, and wellness programs. She has spearheaded community activities, from sports leagues and day camps to senior and youth programming and special events like craft fairs and 5k runs, according to the announcement.
First Selectwoman Paula Cofrancesco said of Vigneron, “Nicolle's expertise in strategic planning and program development, combined with her leadership training and crisis management experience, enables her to tackle immediate challenges while devising long-term solutions for our community.”
Vigneron is taking over the helm of a department mired in controversy in the past year.
A former intern and counselor, Anthony Mastrangelo, has been accused of abusing minor children who were enrolled in the town’s parks and recreation programs. The former department director, Janice Howard, resigned in the aftermath. An independent team is investigating the case and Bethany’s response to the abuse claims.