Mayor David Martin announced today the City of Stamford’s Director of Administration Michael Handler will retire from his position on Friday, February 28th.  Mayor Martin will appoint an interim director while the City looks for a permanent replacement for the position.

“Mike has done a phenomenal job managing the city’s financial operations. His strong work ethic and enthusiasm will be missed. I wish him the very best,” said Mayor David Martin.  There are candidates currently under consideration for the Director of Administration, and an executive search firm will be used to identify a permanent director.

Mr. Handler informed Mayor Martin of his plans to leave the city government, where he has served for eight years, at the end of February.  Originally appointed to the position by former Stamford Mayor Michael Pavia in 2012, Mayor Martin reappointed Handler to his position in 2013.

“I cannot express how proud I am of all that we have accomplished over the past eight years.  I am truly grateful to Mayor Martin for the opportunity, and am confident that the City is in a terrific position.  I will surely miss working alongside terrific people and knowing that our collective efforts truly make a difference,” said Mike Handler.

As Director of Administration, Handler has been instrumental in improving the overall financial health of our City.  Among his accomplishments, Handler led the financial, operational and environmental turnaround of the Water Pollution Control Authority and the private transaction to ensure that the Smith House continued to serve the community.  Handler had an active role in our efforts to negotiate some of our more difficult labor contracts and he was a leader of a combined City and Board of Education effort to address challenges in our public school facilities.   Mayor Martin said, “The City appreciates Mike’s efforts and accomplishments, and we all wish him well in whatever the future holds.”