OUR ELECTED OFFICALS
Michael Pelton
First Selectmen
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Michael (Mike) Pelton has proudly served Portland for more than a decade, including three terms on the Board of Education and over ten years on the Board of Selectmen. As First Selectman, Mike has focused on strengthening schools, supporting small businesses, and improving the quality of life for all residents. A small business owner and longtime youth coach, Mike understands the needs of families and the importance of fiscal responsibility. He and his wife raised three children who are graduates of Portland Public Schools, giving him a personal commitment to education and community growth. Mike is dedicated to smart planning, transparent leadership, and keeping Portland a place where families and businesses can thrive.
Vincent 'Vinnie' Pitruzzello
Board of Selectmen
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Vinnie Pitruzzello and his wife Lisa have been proud Portland residents for over 36 years, raising two children and now enjoying time as grandparents. With a Bachelor’s in Engineering from UConn and a Master’s in Management from RPI, Vinnie has built a distinguished career in aerospace and business leadership. He currently works as a consultant, helping organizations improve efficiency and long-term planning. Locally, Vinnie serves on the Long-Range Capital Improvement Commission and previously served on the Portland Soccer Club board. He has also been a coach and referee for youth sports. Vinnie brings fresh ideas, strong financial oversight experience, and a collaborative spirit to the Board of Selectmen, with a focus on preserving Portland’s small-town charm while planning responsibly for the future.
Robert Hetrick Jr.
Board of Selectmen
Robert "Bobby" Hetrick Jr is a third generation, resident of Portland, who graduated from Portland High School in 1993.
Being a proud lifelong resident in the town of Portland, Bobby wants to work alongside the Board of Education to develop a stronger relationship with the administration, staff and students to identify needs to continue to move the school system forward in the twenty-first century, while being fiscally responsible to the taxpayers of Portland.
Dave Murphy
Board of Education
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Dave has served one 4-year term on the Board of Education and has been essential to the attainment of several major goals, including the roll out of Chromebooks to grades 5-12 and the completion of Phase 3 of the Brownstone Window replacement project.
Dave plans to bring his continued drive, energy and attention to detail into his continuing work on the Board of Education.
Anne Whalen
Board of Education
Anne Whalen is an accomplished middle school educator with more than a decade of teaching and leadership experience. She holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership and has served as both a department leader and team leader in her school district. Since moving to Portland five years ago, Anne has been an active volunteer with Youth Services and is the proud mother of two young daughters who will soon be entering Portland schools. Anne also serves on the Connecticut Board for Social Studies, working to advance curriculum statewide. She is committed to bringing her passion, professional expertise, and fresh perspective to the Portland Board of Education, ensuring a strong academic environment for all students.
Michael Tierney
Town Clerk
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Michael is a fifth generation, lifelong Portland resident. He is deeply involved in Portland community activities, including being Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 2, serving in multiple roles at St. Mary’s Church, and volunteering at the annual town holiday tree lighting parade. Michael was appointed Portland Town Clerk in January of 2022, filling the vacancy when Ryan Curley was elected First Selectman. In 2023 Michael was elected for his own 4 year term as Town Clerk. Prior to his appointment as Town Clerk, Michael’s professional career was in Client Service/ Project Management in the retirement services industry for several insurance companies. Michael’s focus is to continue to strive to provide the most efficient services to Portland’s residents and taxpayers while maintaining the high level of customer service that has always distinguished the office of Town Clerk. Michael plans to keep innovating and looking to make improvements in the office. Michael successfully met a major challenge in 2024, with both his office and the Registrar of Voters, by implementing an early voting process. This successful implementation required much work and coordination between the two offices, and other town departments. Michael looks forward to continuing to perform high quality work that makes Portland a model for efficient and high performance in service to the community.
William Donahue
Board of Assessment Appeals
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​William (Bill) Donahue is a seasoned member of the Board of Assessment Appeals. Bill and his wife Michelle have lived in Portland for 19 years. They have a son, Connor (28) and two daughters, Emily (26) and Erin (20).
Bill is looking forward to continuing serving the town of Portland as a member of the Board of Assessment Appeals. Bill's focus will be to bring his business experience and common-sense approach to the appeals process.
