Rob Rowlson Retires with Mustache Intact

West Hartford Director of Community Services Rob Rowlson has the kind of magnetic personality that makes everyone in the room immediately feel comfortable, cared about, and engaged, and as he worked the room, greeting friends, family, and civic leaders at his retirement party Thursday night, his nature shone through.

"I'm going to celebrate. It's another chapter in my life," said Rowlson, who will continue to work for the town on a part-time basis focusing on business development. He admitted to being uncharacteristically nervous about speaking in front of a group that means so much to him.

"We're honoring a great man tonight. He's done so many different things for this town," said former Mayor Rob Bouvier as he walked into the party.

The evening was billed as a toast/roast, and was also a fundraiser for two of Rowlson's favorite non-profits, Playhouse on Park and West Hartford Community Television. At least $10,000, to be split between the groups, was raised from ticket sales alone according to organizers.

Both organizations added to the entertaining mood of the evening, with cast members from Caberet – currently running at Playhouse on Park – performing several intriguing numbers, and a showing of the hilarious "West Hartford Apprentice" video created by WHC-TV that had everyone laughing.

Former Mayor Jonathan Harris was slated to be the emcee for the evening, but he had injured his back so current Mayor Scott Slifka smoothly stepped into the role. "There is a correlation between Rob's career and the success of this town," Slifka said, noting that 16 years ago, when Rowlson began working for West Hartford, the Center was in a decline and the area of Blue Back Square was home to struggling auto dealerships.

"It all starts with Rob's unconditional love for this town," Slifka said. Rowlson has the unique ability to transfer that feeling to others, said Slifka.

Town Manager Ron Van Winkle has had a great camaraderie with Rowlson for the many years they have worked together. "Rob has changed this community, he has pushed us, made us grow. We keep getting recognized," said Van Winkle, noting the many accolades West Hartford has received, the most recent being Family Circle magazine's selection of the town as one of the "10 Best Towns for Families."

"I will miss him. He's one of my best friends," said West Hartford Public Relations Specialist Renee McCue. She has worked closely with Rowlson since they did a monthly "Hometown News Magazine" show on WHC-TV for six years beginning in 1998.

"He's like family. We have such a relationship that we can be brutally honest with each other, but it's always with love," McCue said.

One of the highlights of the evening was the "shave" or "save" decision. Two donation boxes were set up in the room, and whichever had the most money (ultimately split between the non-profits) at the end of the evening determined whether or not Rowlson's iconic mustache would follow him into retirement.

In the end, a last minute donation tipped the balance to "save," a decision applauded by Rowlson's family who wanted it to remain.

Rowlson's retirement is effective next week. He will be replaced by former Hartford Parking Authority CEO Mark McGovern who also attended the event. "I'm very excited and ready to go," said McGovern.