New Canaan’s longtime health director, widely credited for her work in seeing the town through the COVID-19 pandemic, has resigned, officials say.
Jenn Eielson’s 11-plus-year career with the municipality ended April 13 with her resignation, according to the New Canaan Department of Human Resources.
Town officials disclosed the resignation publicly during Tuesday’s Board of Selectmen meeting.
There, Selectman Steve Karl said, “I think it’s important to recognize what Jenn did while she was here. She got us through COVID. Very well-respected in town. So thank you to her for getting us through that and good luck in the future.”
The comments came as the Board—First Selectman Dionna Carlson, Karl and Selectman Amy Murphy Carroll—voted 3-0 in favor of appointing Geno Gagnon, the town’s registered sanitarian, as interim health director.
Health Department staff information was updated on the town website within hours of the meeting, held at Town Hall and via videoconference.
In addition to steering the town through COVID—New Canaan claimed very high vaccination rates compared to other towns—Eielson during her municipal career here advocated for and oversaw the implementation of the OpenGov online permitting system. It ensures round-the-clock permit submissions and increased options for payments while streamlining the permit process for the various departments.
Human Resources Director Cheryl Pickering Jones said that by state statute, Gagnon can only remain in the interim position for 30 days. After that, the town would need to work out an agreement with Darien that already is in place for emergency situations, Pickering Jones said.
“I spoke with her yesterday,” Pickering Jones said, referring to Darien Director of Health Mindy Chambrelli. “She’s still willing to help Geno and the town.”
She added: “She’s been very helpful to the staff. Her and Geno have a good relationship, so we’re in good hands.”
Murphy Carroll said the town likely will need more than one month to find Eielson’s permanent successor. Pickering Jones agreed.
We were lucky to have Jenn as our health director during the COVID era-she worked around the clock to make sure residents were immunized and it was a pleasure working for her. Though it was a difficult time, we made the best of it and I have so many fond memories of clinics Doctors, nurses and EMTs who lived in New Canaan all came out to help-and Jenn was our fearless leader who helped make our town shine. She will be missed.
Why is she resigning?
We seem to be losing some good people in our Town Administration. It was sad when Bethany Zaro, Director of Health and Human Services resigned a while back. At this time, Jenn Eielson has resigned. These individuals were kong time employees, that shared their years of knowledge and expeience with the residents in our community. They will be missed.