Westport Selects Former New Canaan CFO as Finance Director

The new finance director will be Gary G. Conrad, chief financial officer of New Canaan since 1994, according to a press release from the selectman’s office.

“He is one of the most respected government finance officers in Connecticut and Westport will benefit from his tremendous knowledge and creativity,” said Board of Finance Vice Chair Helen Garten, who also headed a bipartisan search committee. “While in New Canaan he found solutions to many of the same , so he can hit the ground running.”

Conrad will succeed John Kondub, Westport’s finance director since August 2008 who announced last August his intention to retire in February.

“Gary Conrad brings to Westport a wealth of experience in both the municipal and private sector,” said First Selectman Gordon Joseloff. “He is an accomplished financial executive with proven leadership, negotiation, organizational and planning skills that will serve Westport well.”

Conrad was among three finalists recommended to Joseloff by the search committee, which also included Kevin Connelly, Mike Guthman, Charlie Haberstroh, Paul Hiller (Fairfield's finance director), and Ed Iannone. Joseloff expects Conrad to join the Westport staff later this month.

“In my opinion, the First Selectman made an excellent decision among three superb finalists,” said Board of Finance Chair Avi Kaner.

Kaner said he looks forward to working with Conrad on this year's budget, , and strategic financial planning.

Prior to his post in New Canaan Conrad was with AMAX Inc., a worldwide producer of metals and energy, for 16 years, last serving as manager of financial planning and analysis with its Climax Metals subsidiary in Norwalk.

A resident of Fairfield, Conrad attended the University of New Haven Executive MBA program and holds a B.S. in accounting from the University of Bridgeport.

“He recognizes that Westport is a very special community and is enthusiastic about joining us,” Garten said. “I expect that he will quickly gain the confidence of our employees, elected Boards and the public.”

Kondub, a 35-year town employee and lifelong Westport resident, had served as acting finance director since the death on Feb. 19, 2008 of Finance Director Donald J. Miklus.

Kondub joined the town’s staff in 1976 as an accountant after graduating from Villanova University with a B.S. in accounting.

In March 1982, he was named deputy controller and became controller when the title of Miklus was changed to finance director in 2001.

“We are deeply grateful for John’s years of service to Westport and look forward to a smooth transition,” Joseloff said.