Printer Friendly Version - Raymond G. Baldwin, Jr.: New to Town, But Not Town Government

East Haven’s new chief administrative officer and director of economic development Raymond G. Baldwin, Jr., may be new to town, but not to town government. He’s a former four-term first selectman in his hometown of Trumbell.Photo courtesy of Raymond G. Baldwin, Jr.

Since Aug. 3, Raymond G. Baldwin, Jr., has been serving as the interim chief administrative officer and director of economic development for the Town of East Haven. Mayor Joseph Carfora had begun the search in January, but COVID disrupted the process.

Ray is a decorated Vietnam veteran, a former police officer, a lawyer, and a former first selectman for his hometown of Trumbull. He has also been politically active, serving on various commissions and boards.

As the chief administrative officer and director of economic development, Ray’s position is two-fold, working within the administrative team as well as working with businesses in town on economic development. One of his early goals is to reinstate the town’s Economic Development Commission, which hasn’t met for some time.

“I’ve reached out to some of the members to work on that. It’s all about partnerships and people within the community are going to be my greatest assets,” Ray says. “Six months ago, this job would’ve been completely different as I would’ve been looking for new businesses to come to town and industrial or commercial development, but the focus right now is making sure the businesses we have in town are receiving all of the assistance we can offer.”

Ray is in the midst of developing a survey for local businesses to understand what they need from the town. He has also spent time in the community, driving around to “get a lay of the land,” particularly enjoying the Lobster Shack and the beach so far. He is already beginning to consider ways to get the ice rink and the town pool up and running, working on funding opportunities from the state.

Ray will be working closely with Carfora on various administrative operations. He will work on corresponding with residents and businesses, as well as on events and other issues that go through the mayor’s office.

“This will be right in sync with what I was doing as first selectman in Trumbull and to have that kind of experience will be helpful,” Ray says. “The dual role will make it interesting with the new mayor and then myself learning about East Haven. It’s been a great challenge, but it’s a beautiful little town.”

Ray, who was born and raised in Trumbull, also served on the Trumbull Police Department and concurrently earned his bachelor’s and then his juris doctor degree from the University of Bridgeport School of Law. In 1985, he took an early retirement from the Trumbull Police Department and began practicing law in the Greater Bridgeport area.

Ray also became involved in politics in his hometown, serving on the Town Council, Board of Finance, Golf Commission, Veteran’s Advisory Committee, and as a town attorney before being elected as first selectman in 2001, serving four successive terms.

He currently serves as the chairman of the Trumbull Police Commission and is the part-time veteran’s liaison for Hartford Healthcare in the greater Bridgeport and Litchfield county area.

“Ray has particular strengths, ties, and experience in Connecticut’s veteran and political communities and as a lifelong Connecticut resident, Ray has and continues to live a life of public service,” said Carfora. “Ray knows how government works—he will be a huge asset to East Haven.”

In 2010 Ray was chosen as the president/CEO of St. Vincent’s Special Needs Services, where he served for more than eight years helping to provide care and services to children and adults with cerebral palsy and other severe developmental disabilities.

Ray and his wife of 46 years, Mary Ann, have two children and three grandchildren. He is a member of the VFW, American Legion, Marine Corps League, Port 5 Naval Veterans, Trumbull Rotary Club, and the Bridgeport Elks Club. He is now looking forward to bringing his experience to the Town of East Haven.

The East Haven position was previously held by Sal Brancati, who was originally appointed under the previous Joseph Maturo administration.

“I’m very excited to be working with Mayor Carfora to move East Haven forward in his vision and I understand and can appreciate his dedication to the community he was raised in,” Ray says. “Together we will work hard with all stakeholders to make East Haven an inviting place to do business, but also to provide support for the many small businesses that are being hit hard by COVID-19.”