New Haven Register (New Haven, CT)
Town gets new economic development director
EAST HAVEN — Michelle Benivegna, the town’s former head of human resources, has been promoted to director of economic development and director of administration and management, according to Mayor Joe Carfora.
“Michelle takes on any challenge,” Carfora said in a release. “No task is too small and her preparation is second to none. She earned this promotion.”
Benivegna, who has worked under Carfora since he became mayor in 2019, will replace Jamie Cuticello, who resigned last month for personal reasons, Town Attorney Michael Luzzi said Tuesday.
“I want to thank Mayor Carfora for this opportunity,” Benivegna said in a statement. “I have believed in his vision from my first day here. I take great pride in our work, and greatly enjoy promoting our wonderful community.”
Carfora also announced that Ed Sabatino, a former radio personality and insurance salesman, has been hired as the town’s new HR director and assistant director of administration and management. Sabatino brings “superb interpersonal skills” to the position, with more than 20 years managing high-profile people in highly competitive environments, Carfora said.
“Truth be told, I have been recruiting Eddie since the beginning,” Carfora stated. “But the time and fit just wasn’t right. Now it is, and I amthrilled to gain his talents for our administration and our citizens.”
Since joining the town, Benivegna has been a tireless worker and skilled multi-tasker, according to the release. She has also been a “staunch advocate” for hiring women into leadership roles.
Benivegna worked on Carfora’s most central initiatives: improving residents’ quality of life, responsible budgeting, the ice rink rehabilitation and beach permitting process, the release added.
She participated in her first Economic Development Commission meeting as the town’s director on Jan. 12, according to meeting minutes, reporting on a recent event called “Let’s Connect,” in which local high school students participating in tech programs network with local businesses.
Sabatino worked as an on-air broadcaster and program director for WPLR from 2002-08, according to his LinkedIn page. “The lifelong East Haven resident began his radio career as a teen, and has since managed multiple stations throughout Connecticut, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts,” according to the release.
“For nearly the past 4 years I have been watching Mayor Carfora’s administration work to improve the quality of life for the residents of East Haven,” Sabatino said in a statement. “I am honored to accept this position, and I’m excited to get working.”
Benivegna began working with the economic development team when Cuticello notified town officials sometime this past fall that he would be leaving, according to Carfora.
Cuticello officially resigned Dec. 23, 2022, citing personal reasons “related to his family and military obligations,” Luzzi said. The town didn’t announce Cuticello’s departure until Jan. 20.
Cuticello, who serves as a member of the Army National Guard, was hired as the director of administration and management in April 2022 following the retirement of Ray Baldwin.