Chester First Selectwoman Lauren Gister Is Stepping Down

CHESTER, CT — First Selectwoman sent out this letter through the town e-mail explaining that she will be stepping down as First Selectwoman:

"Dear Chester -

It is with deep regret that I announce I will be stepping down from my First Selectman position effective January 5, 2022, in order to take a Town Manager position in Colorado. This has been an extremely difficult decision, and has not been made lightly.

It will be very hard to say goodbye to Chester as my home. I have called this amazing town home for more than 25 years; it is a rare jewel and a very special place. During my six years as First Selectman, we have maintained and grown a strong and dedicated team of staff and volunteers that have brought us through construction, emergencies and almost two years of pandemic and recovery. Charlene has been an unbelievable partner who never hesitates to step forward and always goes above and beyond to get the job done. Tom has a deep experience on the Board of Selectmen and his calm demeanor and balanced outlook has enabled our Board to operate based on respect and collaboration. Both of their energy, compassion and devotion to doing the right thing has and continues to serve Chester well. I am proud that we have always been able to work cooperatively and in a manner that ensures that decisions are made with Chester's best interest in mind. There is a statutory process that they will follow to ensure town government will not skip a beat in filling the Board of Selectmen vacancy and continuing our good work.

Chester is resilient and fiscally sound and I have full confidence in the steady processes that will enable this wonderful town to continue to thrive. Our vast network of volunteers, the amazing town staff and our municipal and regional partners are dedicated and generous with their skills and time. There are great things on Chester’s horizon and its accomplishments and successes are based on residents and the entire leadership team working together. It has been the greatest honor and privilege of my professional life to serve this town and I will cherish my time as your First Selectwoman for the rest of my life.

I hope to have the opportunity to speak with and see as many of you as possible over the next month. Thank you for your care for each other, your pride in our community and for helping to make Chester the colorful and vital community that we know and love.

Be well,

Lauren"