Fairfield RTM Elects First Female Moderator

The Fairfield Representative Town Meeting (RTM) took a historic step this week, electing Republican RTM member Mary McCullough as the first female moderator for the Town’s 50-member legislative body.

The moderator presides over all monthly and special RTM meetings. RTM member Hank Ference, an eight-year veteran of the RTM, was re-elected as deputy moderator.

Mary McCullough, an eight-year veteran of the RTM, was unanimously elected Moderator by the Republican-majority led RTM, which is comprised of 34 Republicans and 16 Democrats.

A Fairfield resident for 34 years, McCullough was first elected to the RTM in 2005 and has served with distinction in several leadership positions, including the chair of the RTM’s Education & Recreation Committee from 2009 to 2013. 

Several female Republican leaders from across Fairfield offered their unequivocal support and praise of McCullough as the newly elected RTM moderator:

- “It is outstanding to see Mary elected as the first female RTM moderator in Fairfield's history,” said Cathy Tymniak, former State Representative from the 133rd District. “As our Town embarks on its 375thyear, Mary's strong leadership skills will serve Fairfield well.”

- “I'm thrilled that the ‘glass ceiling’ has finally been shattered on the Fairfield RTM, and that we have such an eminently qualified woman as Mary to serve as moderator,” said Jill Kelly, former Fairfield Selectman.

- “Mary is a seasoned veteran with the experience to oversee our Town’s legislative body meetings,” said Brenda Kupchick, State Representative for 132ndDistrict. “As women serving in elected office, we are natural role models for young women and girls in our Town. Standing up to conventional attitudes and making a difference is a powerful message for young women, and I know Mary will serve as an inspiration to all members of our community.”

Republican Town Committee Chairman James Millington also praised McCullough. 

“The RTM could not have chosen a better person to take the reigns as RTM Moderator," he said. "Mary is a proven leader who is well versed in parliamentary procedures. She will lead RTM meetings forward with distinction, honor and pride. She is a remarkable person.”

Ed Bateson, RTM Majority Leader, said “Mary is a dynamic leader who will continue to raise the bar for decorum in local politics. She will rise above the partisan politics, keep the body focused on the issues up for discussion and help keep our Town on track and moving forward.”

McCullough, a resident of District Three, is currently the associate director of The Fairfield Fund at Fairfield University. She served as co-president of the Timothy Dwight PTA from 1991-93 and served on the Board of Directors and as Region IV Director of the Connecticut PTA from 1996-98. In addition, McCullough was co-president of the Fairfield High School PTA from 1999-2001. She is married with two children, both of whom attended Fairfield Public Schools.