Patch Candidate Profile: Kelly Keenan For Southbury Board of Selectmen

SOUTHBURY, CT — Election Day on Nov. 4 is fast approaching, and there are a number of key races on the ballot.

Patch reached out to candidates for office to get more information on their campaigns and the issues that are facing their towns.

Candidate's Name:
Kelly Keenan

What office are you seeking?
Board of Selectmen

What town do you live in?
Southbury

Campaign Website

Party Affiliation:
Democrat

Occupation:
Director of Art Services, Private Firm, 10+ years experience

Family:
Husband, Sean Keenan; 2 young children

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?
No

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
I have been an appointed Commissioner on the Southbury Economic Development Commission since 2021

Why are you seeking this office?
I’m running for Southbury’s Board of Selectmen because I believe in service, civic engagement, and doing your part to shape our community. I’ll bring a unique professional background and a collaborative, practical approach to the Board.

As a museum professional, I’ve spent my career safeguarding cultural history, managing international projects, and leading diverse teams under tight deadlines and budgets. My work requires foresight, clear communication, and accountability, which are skills I’ll bring to town government. I also have experience in risk management and emergency preparedness.

Locally, I serve as Secretary on the Economic Development Commission and as co-founder and President of the Southbury Arts and Culture Alliance. I’ve volunteered with a number of organizations around town, including the Southbury Women’s Club, Sustainable Southbury, and the Southbury Garden Club, and I teach art classes through Parks & Recreation.

As a parent of two Region 15 students and with family in Heritage Village, I see our town’s needs across generations. I’m someone who listens, brings people together, and works hard for practical solutions. I’m ready to bring that dedication to the Board of Selectmen.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:
One of the most pressing issues facing Southbury constituents is a lack of a better-coordinated economic strategy. The short-sighted decision to reduce the Economic Development Director role from full-time to 10 hours per week (ultimately resulting in his resignation), created both an administrative and strategic gap at a crucial moment for Southbury, coinciding with the closure of IBM’s campus. I would fully support restoring a full-time Economic Development Director.

Southbury needs a dedicated professional to proactively promote our town, attract businesses that fit our community, and work with the Economic Development Commission on business retention and growth strategies. Thoughtful, forward-looking economic development will help expand our grand list, reduce the tax burden on residents, and ensure that our local businesses feel supported and valued.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
What sets me apart is the combination of professional experience and community-driven leadership I bring to the table. I’ve spent nearly two decades managing complex, high-value projects, overseeing teams, budgets, and logistics on an international scale. That work has honed my ability to plan carefully, communicate clearly, and deliver results. At the same time, I’m deeply involved here in Southbury, leading local arts initiatives, volunteering and building partnerships that strengthen our community. I ask questions, I listen, and I know how to turn ideas into action.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
I’d like to see Southbury take a more proactive approach to affordable housing, which continues to be a big topic of discussion in our community. With thoughtful, phased planning, I believe we can expand housing options for seniors, young families, and local professionals while still preserving our open spaces and small-town character.

We also need to keep strengthening our town’s emergency preparedness and response plans. We’re still recovering from the historic August 2024 flooding that caused major damage across parts of Southbury. While we can’t control the weather, we can control how we prepare. That means reviewing our infrastructure, improving drainage and road systems, ensuring our facilities are resilient, and keeping residents informed and ready.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
Professionally, I am well-respected in my industry and have successfully managed many large, high-stakes projects. I am entrusted with caring for priceless art and historical objects, and that is not a responsibility I take lightly.

Locally, I’ve led community initiatives through the Economic Development Commission and the Southbury Arts & Culture Alliance, creating projects from the ground up that are aimed at giving back to the community.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
Not exactly direct advice, but something I think about often is a quote from Jane Goodall: "You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make."

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
I love our town, and if given the opportunity to serve, every decision I make will be guided by what’s best for Southbury’s future.