Matt Pugliese

Matt was born in Chicago, IL and grew up in Middletown, CT. He moved to Old Saybrook with his wife in 2007, who grew up in town. He began serving on Old Saybrook’s Economic Development Commission (EDC) in 2015 and served as its chair from 2018-2021. During that time, Matt led the EDC and Planning Commission’s update to the Economic Development portion of the Town’s Plan of Conservation and Development. 

In 2019, Matt was elected to the Board of Selectmen and has held that role for two terms. During his time in office, Matt provided support to the town’s emergency management team during the COVID crisis around small business emergency relief programs. Other notable efforts were leading the town’s launch of a “Gun Giveback Program,” securing funding for Old Saybrook Youth and Family Services’ translation services for non-English speaking families, and assisting with the town’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) task force.

Matt is running for Board of Selectmen because he brings a balanced, thoughtful, and practical approach to his work. His proven leadership over the last four years has helped shape a variety of initiatives and programs for the town.

If elected, his priority areas of concern are economic development (which includes water/sewer infrastructure and solutions), climate resiliency, housing for all, and investment in our parks and recreational assets.

While maintaining his position on the Board of Selectmen, Matt currently works as the Executive Director of Community Development for the State Department of Economic and Community Development.