Processing Your Payment

Please do not leave this page until complete. This can take a few moments.

July 6, 2020

Hartford development director Johnson departs

HBJ File Photo Erik Johnson.
By Joe Cooper

Hartford development-services director Erik Johnson, who has overseen the city’s economic development efforts since 2018, is leaving his post. 
 
Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin on Monday said Johnson, who was hired in Sept. 2018, would pursue other professional opportunities, but did not further explain why he was resigning.
 
In a statement provided by the city, Johnson indicated the move was his decision.
 
“After a great deal of consideration, I have decided that it’s best for me and my family to move on and pursue new opportunities,” he said. “I look forward to helping ensure a smooth transition during these unprecedented times.”

[Read more: City’s development-services director Johnson says it’s time to refine, share Hartford’s ‘story’]

Bronin said I. Charles Mathews, a former deputy mayor who is formerly chair of the Hartford Stadium Authority, will serve as acting director of development services effective immediately.
 
Johnson will remain as a strategic and technical advisor as the city conducts a search for his permanent replacement.
 
Bronin in a statement thanked Johnson, previously the city of New Haven's housing administrator, for his service in Hartford.
 
“We wish him every success going forward, and we’re glad to have him support the transition process," the mayor said.
 
Mathews served as deputy mayor in the early 1990s and held several executive roles at United Technologies Corp. and the Quaker Oats Co. He is currently a board member of the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, and was formerly president of the Board of the Wilson Gray YMCA. Mathews also ran for Hartford’s mayoral seat in the Democratic primary election more than a decade ago. Mathews' son, Brian Mathews, is the city's housing director.
 
He earned a bachelor’s degree from Wesleyan University and a law degree from Cornell University. 
 
“Development services plays a crucial role in improving quality of life in our neighborhoods and driving economic development and growth throughout the city, and I am committed to doing the best job possible for the residents of Hartford during this critically important time," Mathews said in a statement.

Sign up for Enews

Most Recent

Most Recent

Related Content

Thumbnail Hartford announces plan for July 4 weekend basketball tournament
As major IT companies establish Hartford beachheads, political, business leaders see more room for growth
Bronin seeks to relax residency mandate for department heads
State looks to build greentech ‘innovation ecosystem,’ boost Hartford development with help from pandemic relief funds

0 Comments

Order a PDF