For the last several years, PiC has enjoyed partnering with Ed Tessman through his role as boy scout leader. In the last six months or so, Ed has increased his involvement and we are ever-so-thankful! Ed brings quiet leadership with a touch of humor, and PiC is all the more effective with him on board. Ed is now on the Board of Directors and is serving as Treasurer!
NAME: Edward J. Tessman
POSITION: Director of Security & Public Safety / New Haven Parking Authority, City of New Haven, PiC Treasurer
HOW ARE YOU A PARTNER IN COMMUNITY?
I am a partner in community on several different levels. First and foremost as a resident of Clinton for twenty years and as a father of three boys; Andrew who is 17, Ethan who is 13, and Henry who is 8. I have been involved with PiC for the last several years and am currently a Board Member serving as Treasurer. I and blessed to teach 2nd Grade CCD at St. Mary’s Church. I am a former Cub Master of Pack 7 as well as former Scoutmaster and current Committee Chairman of Boy Scout Troop 7, here in Clinton I also serve as a Police Commissioner with the Clinton Police Department.
WHY DO YOU FEEL IT IS IMPORTANT TO GET INVOLVED?
William Arthur Ward said, “Do more than belong: participate. Do more than care: help. Do more than believe: practice. Do more than be fair: be kind. Do more than forgive: forget. Do more than dream: work.”
My wife, Kathy, was born and raised in Clinton and is a proud graduate of the Clinton Public Schools. After getting married and working in New York City for a few years, we bought our first house in Clinton twenty years ago. Clinton was and still is a great little community. Clinton was a community we wanted to raise a family in. Getting involved and having a positive impact on the community and the youth of this community is critical to our town’s success. Being able to show my three sons the value and impact of getting involved and making a difference is an invaluable lesson that will help shape them into positive role models, respectable young men and leaders in life.
WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO CONTRIBUTE OR ACCOMPLISH?
I hope to contribute to the continued success of PiC, especially at a time when our 10-year recurring grant funding will expire. PiC will be challenged to continue to provide the same level of service and key programs and activities that the town of Clinton and students of Morgan and Eliot have come to expect. I hope to be that catalyst for youth asset building, youth leadership development, and substance abuse prevention efforts in the Town of Clinton.
IF BEN & JERRY’S NAMED AN ICE CREAM AFTER YOU, WHAT WOULD IT BE CALLED?
I am embarrassed to admit that I am not a big ice cream fan and I have never had Ben & Jerry’s ice cream. I am strictly a vanilla guy. With that said, I asked my boys to help me answer this question and they had a number of laughs at my expense. The flavor they chose was “License to Chill”.