By James Lomuscio
Elaine Whitney: “I am bittersweet.” Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
Elaine Whitney, Westport’s Board of Education chairwoman, said today that she will relinquish the chair at the school board’s annual meeting Nov. 17 but plans to remain on the board.
Whitney, who joined the board in 2009 and became chairwoman two years ago, told the school board at Monday night’s meeting that she is stepping down to relaunch her career in healthcare strategy and policy.
“I worked for over a decade in healthcare strategy and policy, working for Ernst & Young and Blue Cross, Blue Shield in the consulting practice,” she said today. “I need to devote time to my career.
“I am bittersweet,” Whitney added. “I am very excited to renew my professional life, but I do find serving on the board very, very exciting.”
In addition to serving as board chairwoman, Whitney is currently vice president of professional development for the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education (CABE), a role she plans to keep. She is currently working in the volunteer post with staff to organizeCABE’s annual conference.
“I’m going to scale back, but I will continue to support education both on the state and local levels,” Whitney said.
When the school board meets Monday, it will elect new officers. In addition to Whitney, other current officers include Jeannie Smith, vice chairwoman, and Michael Gordon, secretary.
