The Stonington Community Center, Inc (COMO) Announces the Retirement of Executive Director, Beth-Ann Stewart

“Most rewarding for me during these past 10 years as the COMO’s Executive Director has been the people I’ve met along the way. It has been my absolute pleasure to work with so many talented board members, volunteers and staff, both past and present, who worked selflessly on behalf of the COMO’s success and growth. I am so very grateful for these experiences and relationships,” said Stewart of her tenure. “While bittersweet, I’m excited for this next chapter in my life and look forward to watching the COMO’s next chapter unfold under the new Executive Director.” 

When announced to the Board of Directors, Board President Jill Corr remarked “Beth has been an instrumental figure in the success of the Stonington Community Center since she began as Executive Director in 2012. Beth’s tireless dedication to the COMO's mission has resulted in a safe and supportive environment for all members of the community. Her retirement is a significant loss to the COMO, and her presence will be deeply missed by staff, volunteers, and the community at large. Her leadership, vision, and commitment to the community have been invaluable, and the center is financially stronger and more diverse as a result of her work.”

Before joining the COMO in 2012, Stewart served for 12 years as the Town of Stonington’s first Human Services Director, charged with the restructure and centralization of the Recreation, Senior Services, Social Services and Youth Services Divisions. Prior to her role with the Town of Stonington, her career included work as a Victims Advocate, Adult Probation Officer, Mental Health Therapist, and Special Education Counselor and consultant. Additionally, she taught a graduate grant writing course at Salve Regina University for many years and has held numerous leadership positions on various local and regional boards throughout her career. 

The COMO Board of Directors will begin the process of finding Stewart’s successor, adding “...[Beth] has demonstrated exceptional leadership, a strong sense of community, fairness, creativity, and a deep commitment to the continued development of the organization while maintaining its important legacy…the Board of Directors is committed to finding a candidate who shares Beth's values and commitment to the community."  

About The Stonington Community Center
The Stonington Community Center, fondly known as the COMO, was founded in 1945, as a nonprofit with the goals of strengthening families and community. Over the years, the COMO’s 16-acre campus has grown to include its own classrooms, Thrift Shop, four decoTurf tennis courts, art and pottery studio, paddle tennis facility, and soccer fields. The COMO provides a wide range of educational, enrichment, athletic, family, and community partnership programs throughout the year. Located at 28 Cutler Street, the COMO has become an irreplaceable part of the Stonington community, serving countless children and families of the surrounding areas, regardless of financial need.