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“Having served as a chief elected official, I understand the intricacies and real world implications of the issues faced by First Selectmen, Mayors and their staff.”

Nan M. Birdwhistell was formerly the three-term First Selectwoman of the Town of Woodbridge.

She is resident part-time in the New Haven office, working as part of the Municipal Law practice, which provides legal counsel to towns on matters ranging from renewable energy projects for municipalities, land use planning, and employment and labor issues to contracts, commercial matters and other general legal matters.

Nan was the chair of the South Central Regional Council of Governments, a member of the Board of the Connecticut Council of Municipalities, and Vice President of the Council of Small Towns.

Nan has had a lifelong involvement in advocacy on behalf of issues affecting women as well as lifelong involvement in open space preservation.

In her spare time, Nan enjoys biking, canoeing and hiking.

  • Catherine Roraback Award, NARAL Pro-Choice Connecticut

  • James. W. Cooper Life Fellow of the Connecticut Bar Foundation

  • Governor’s Council on Women and Girls, Advisory Council (2019-present)

  • Jewish Foundation of Greater New Haven

  • Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce, Government Affairs Committee

  • Connecticut Health Investigative Team (C-HIT), Board Member

  • Planned Parenthood Votes! Connecticut, Board of Trustees (2010-2017)

  • Community Foundation for Greater New Haven, Women and Girls Fund, Grants Committee (2015-2017)

  • Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame, Board of Trustees (2009-2015)

  • Women Organizing Women Political Action Committee (WOWPAC), Past Chair and Board Member

  • Connecticut Public Broadcasting, Inc. (CPTV/WNPR), Board of Trustees (2005-2009)

  • Blue Ribbon Commission on Municipal Opportunities and Regional Efficiencies (MORE)

    • CT General Assembly-Appointed Member

    • Co-Chair, Town Functions Committee (2010)

  • First Selectwoman, Town of Woodbridge (three terms)

  • Senior Vice President, Regional Affairs, Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce

  • Director, Regional Cultural Plan for Greater New Haven (the comprehensive effort of Yale University, the City of New Haven, the region, the arts community, the business community, the Community Foundation of Greater New Haven and other funders to strengthen Greater New Haven as the cultural center of Connecticut)

  • Lobbyist and Attorney, State Department on Aging

Areas of Focus

Industries

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Credentials

Education

  • Yale School of Management (M.B.A.)
  • Harvard University (J.D.)
  • Emory University (B.A.)

Bar & Court Admissions

  • Connecticut