By Beth Barhydt
Greenwich Public Schools recently announced a key administrative change with the appointment of Mr. Ben Branyan as the new Chief Financial and Administrative Officer. This transition, set to take effect on June 10, follows the upcoming departure of Mr. Blaize Levitan, the current officer in the role.
Well-acquainted with the Greenwich community, Mr. Branyan has served as the town administrator and chief operating officer. As the Town Administrator of Greenwich, a role he has held since his appointment by First Selectman Peter J. Tesei in 2015, Branyan has been responsible for the daily operational administration of various town departments under the supervision of the First Selectman. This position entails assisting in the development, submission, and administration of the town budget, reviewing departmental annual budgets, operations plans, and capital improvement programs. Moreover, Branyan represents the First Selectman in collective bargaining negotiations, confidential personnel issues, and financial management, while also liaising between the First Selectman and different departments, boards, committees, task forces, and community organizations. His responsibilities in the new role at Greenwich Public Schools will encompass finance, business services, safety and security, and facilities management.
“While I am certainly sad to see Ben leaving the Office of the First Selectman after nearly 10 years, 4 1/2 of which were during my administration,” said First Selectman Fred Camillo, “I am happy to see him moving on to the next challenge in his career. I know it was not an easy decision for him, but I know he put a lot of thought into it.”
“Personally, Ben was crucial in helping me move the ball forward on so many important projects for our town. The respect he commands is very apparent when you go around the community and speak with people who have dealt with him, as well as with other elected officials and department heads who have had that firsthand experience with him,” Camillo explained.
Mr. Branyan’s career spans various capacities in educational and municipal management. Before his engagement in Greenwich, he held the position of assistant town manager in Stratford, Connecticut, and in East Grand Rapids, Michigan. He also served as the chief operating officer for Stratford Public Schools and was the managing director of operations for Greenwich Public Schools.
In his extensive career, Mr. Branyan has been noted for his adept skills in operations management, program development, project execution, and budget administration. These skills are anticipated to be highly beneficial in his new capacity at Greenwich Public Schools.
Mr. Branyan’s tenure with the Town of Greenwich over the past 13 years has been marked by significant contributions in managing essential government services. His portfolio included oversight of law enforcement, firefighting, public works, parks and recreation, and administration. He played a critical role in developing and maintaining a 15-year capital plan and the town’s annual operational budget.
Reflecting on his appointment, Mr. Branyan conveyed excitement about the prospect of partnering with the administrative team at Greenwich Public Schools. He emphasized his past experience in enhancing town services and his commitment to focusing on the delivery of quality educational services in the community.
The appointment of Mr. Branyan is a strategic step for Greenwich Public Schools, signaling the district’s dedication to robust administrative leadership and the enhancement of its educational services. With a rich background in both the educational sector and municipal administration, Mr. Branyan is expected to contribute significantly to the advancement of the district’s goals.
“The Board of Education is getting the best of the best,” said Camillo, “and I am happy that he is staying here in town and look forward to working with Ben in his new role. I truly believe the citizens of Greenwich are about to see the relationship between town government and the BOE ascend to new heights previously not seen. I congratulate Dr. Jones and the administration on this move, and I look forward to helping in any way I can with the transition as well as future endeavors.”
