PRESS RELEASE—East Haven Recreation Director

FRANCO-SPANO
FRANCO-SPANO

EAST HAVEN – May 11, 2021 – The Town of East Haven is pleased to announce the hiring of East Haven School District (2020) Teacher of the Year, Elizabeth “Liz” Franco-Spano to fill its vacant Recreation Director position.  This position has been vacant since the former director resigned in August 2020.

Franco-Spano brings with her 35 plus years’ experience as a physical education and health teacher in the East Haven Public School system.  Liz also brings to the Director position approximately 15 years of recreation and camp knowledge, including experience within the East Haven Recreation Department, and most recently as the Camp and Recreation Director for the Silver Sands Beach and Tennis Club. Liz will retire from the East Haven School System at the end of this school year and start this position July 1, 2021. Liz is also a member of the Recreation and Athletic Commission, which she will be resigning from immediately.

While this director’s position is not hired through the Civil Service Commission, the Town of East Haven relied on the Chief Examiner and her extensive and diverse job advertising capabilities to advertise this opening. This broad outreach gathered over 100 applicants.  

Mayor Joseph Carfora stated: “I am so very pleased with our decision to select Liz Franco-Spano. Liz’s 30-year commitment to this community is legendary; her impact through the years on our children speaks volumes. Once we began talking to candidates --Liz rose to the top. It quickly became clear that she possessed the experience, communication strengths, organizational skills, and the community outreach capabilities that are needed to rebuild this department.  Liz understands its history, the work that is needed to reconstruct our facilities, and possesses unparalleled enthusiasm to work side by side with all stakeholders.  Our school systems loss is our Town’s gain. On behalf of the Town of East Haven, I welcome Liz.” 

“The hiring process was thorough. I am thrilled that the commission will be working with Liz moving forward in the role of Recreation Director. She is a cherished asset to our town.” Pat Paulson, Chairman of the Recreation and Athletic Commission.

Liz is a graduate of Southern Connecticut State University and holds the following degrees Bachelors of Science: Physical Education (1983); Masters of Science: Physical Education (1990); and, 6th Year in Education/Educational Foundations (2006).

She has been honored throughout her career as follows: 6th Year in Education/Educational Foundations (2006); Merit Award - Town of East Haven (2007); Postal Award State of CT -Women Who Change America (2004); Citizen of the Year-Town of East Haven (2001); Joseph Melillo School Outstanding Service Award (1998); East Haven High School Hall of Fame - Inducted in 1997; Sons and Daughters of Italy- West Haven Elks Club (1996).

The East Haven Recreation Director position is a union position in the East Haven Supervisors Union, Local 818, Council 4 AFSME, AFL-CIO.  Job responsibilities include but not limited to planning, creating, organizing, and coordinating a diversified program of recreational activities and services to meet the needs of the residents East Haven.