Community Services Director for West Hartford Hired

West Hartford will have a new director of community services as of July 1, replacing Rob Rowlson who announced in late March that he would retire in July.

Town Manager Ron Van Winkle announced Wednesday afternoon that Mark McGovern, a West Hartford resident who is currently CEO of the Hartford Parking Authority, has been hired.

McGovern said he is very excited about his new position, and believes he has the right experience and skill set.

"Having lived in town for more than 15 years, this is a great opportunity to work with a high performing governmental organization. There's a great team in place and I'm looking forward to working with them," McGovern said.

McGovern has worked for the City of Hartford for 13 years, most recently for the parking authority but also in roles with the Development Services Department for the City of Hartford and as director of business recruitment for the State of Connecticut.

He has a bachelors degree in political science from Sienna College and a masters in public administration from UConn. A news release from the Town of West Hartford indicates that he has also been named to the Hartford Business Journal's "Forty Under Forty" list and has received the Governor's Leadership Award for Economic Development.

McGovern is married, with a son in 6th grade at Sedgwick Middle School and a daughter in 4th grade at Duffy Elementary School. He coaches his son's baseball team in the West Hartford Youth Baseball League.

Van Winkle said that although Rowlson's are "hard shoes to fill," he thinks McGovern will be an excellent director and he is delighted to have him join the team. Rowlson will temporarily remain in a part-time capacity to assist with economic development.

McGovern said he has known Rowlson for years, and has worked with him on projects involving Hartford and West Hartford. 

"I think very highly of him. I will do what I can to continue his good work," McGovern said.