First Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker announced today that Wendy Petty has been appointed as the Director of the Westport Center for Senior Activities (WCSA), effective February 1. The WCSA is an operation of the Town of Westport's Department of Human Services under the supervision of Westport's Human Services Director Elaine Daignault.

Wendy, a Fairfield resident, comes to Westport with a depth of experience and commitment to the senior community. She served as the Weston Senior Activities Center Director for the past 11 years and worked in Weston's Department of Social Services and corporate settings.

Under Wendy's leadership, Weston's Senior Center saw significant growth that helped to expand the center's offerings through fundraising, capacity-building, and advocacy. She has a strong history of establishing partnerships with local organizations, volunteer networks, colleagues, and social services agencies to realize innovative social and recreational opportunities for seniors.  

First Selectwoman Tooker said, “Wendy's collaborative approach makes her an ideal candidate to lead the WCSA after the retirement of long-time Director Sue Pfister.”

Originally from Southern California, Wendy and her husband Jim raised their children in Weston, CT, and recently moved to Fairfield. She has a B.A. in Counseling and Human Services from Notre Dame de Namur University.

In addition to her specialty in senior services, Wendy is proficient in non-profit operations, team leadership, grant and program development, and budget administration.  

“I am very happy to welcome Wendy to Westport's Center for Senior Activities,” said Tooker. “She brings professional expertise, operational management, and local knowledge to the Human Services team and, most importantly, to the WCSA.”  

Added Petty, “I am very excited to join WCSA's team and look forward to building on their success as an exemplary hub for local seniors. Together, we will continue to provide the best possible care and service to the senior community.”

In her free time, Wendy enjoys running, taking long walks with friends, and spending time with family.  Wendy and Jim are also active in the local car enthusiast community and enjoy weekend rallies on the beautiful back roads of Connecticut.

In addition to Wendy's appointment, effective February 1, 2023, First Selectwoman Tooker promoted Holly Betts to Assistant Director of WCSA and Jason Wilson to Program Specialist, effective January 1, 2023. 

“The Senior Center's success can be attributed to a variety of factors, including a Town administration that prioritizes seniors, participants who both contribute and drive programming, and our professional staff members who facilitate connections and run the programs day in and day out,” said Daignault. “Under Sue Pfister's leadership, the WCSA's dedicated team helped to build the center of Westport's dreams.”

Daignault added, “Today, we prepare for a new era of growth and prosperity for our most esteemed senior residents. I could not be more excited to welcome Wendy to the team.”