Please do not leave this page until complete. This can take a few moments.
Shari Cantor is the mayor of West Hartford, Connecticut, New England’s largest town, where she oversees a $300-million budget. As an elected official, Cantor builds consensus, working to use her positive influence, communication and collaboration skills. Her role requires her to be in constant contact with town administration, town council colleagues and state and federal delegations, as well as school system, non-profit, business, and spiritual leaders. On the town council since 2004, she leads with empathy and openness, making connections that solve problems. Cantor, a trustee of the University of Connecticut, is active in many other organizations as well.
What’s been your biggest professional accomplishment so far?
I have prioritized budget elements to minimize increases, saving taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars by creating a novel and strategic plan to address unfunded legacy costs that have increased exponentially over the last two decades in West Hartford. This was done with significant research, analysis and thought and minimizes risk by creating a reserve dedicated to market fluctuations.
What’s the next big goal you want to accomplish professionally?
There is so much that I want to accomplish professionally that the challenge is prioritizing all the work that needs to be done. We are strategically planning for the next 20 years, building on a sustainable community that is desirable to be in and accessible. We’re creating micropolitan districts that incorporate and enhance the work, live and play experience. To do this, we are transforming our transit-oriented corridor and encouraging investment and diverse development in our key business districts.
What’s one of the biggest professional challenges you’ve overcome?
As an elected official, I’m in the people business. Local government protects people and provides the best services we can. This past year has been so challenging. A health crisis was driving an economic crisis that shed light on a social crisis, that showed us that it is so important to show every person respect. To be an inclusive community, this has to be an intentional area of focus.
How has the COVID-19 pandemic forced you to adapt as a leader?
The COVID-19 pandemic has required us to constantly reevaluate and respond with agility, caution, creativity and optimism to a changing landscape. Communication – both for information and reassurance – has been especially important. I am so proud of everyone in the West Hartford community for coming together to take care of each other and continue to provide award-winning public education, be flexible to attract and retain businesses, raise diverse voices, meet fundamental human needs and offer all the services that provide an excellent quality of life during the pandemic.
What do you like to do outside of work?
When you’re mayor, you never stop working. You live in the work. Travel opens my eyes to opportunities that I can bring home to make our community better. I love to be outside hiking, running and biking. And of course I feel so blessed to have an incredibly supportive husband who is my best friend, and four wonderful sons and wonderful daughter-in-law.
The Hartford Business Journal 2025 Charity Event Guide is the annual resource publication highlighting the top charity events in 2025.
Learn moreHartford Business Journal provides the top coverage of news, trends, data, politics and personalities of the area’s business community. Get the news and information you need from the award-winning writers at HBJ. Don’t miss out - subscribe today.
SubscribeDelivering vital marketplace content and context to senior decision-makers throughout Connecticut ...
All Year Long!
The Hartford Business Journal 2025 Charity Event Guide is the annual resource publication highlighting the top charity events in 2025.
Hartford Business Journal provides the top coverage of news, trends, data, politics and personalities of the area’s business community. Get the news and information you need from the award-winning writers at HBJ. Don’t miss out - subscribe today.
Delivering vital marketplace content and context to senior decision-makers throughout Connecticut ...
All Year Long!
In order to use this feature, we need some information from you. You can also login or register for a free account.
By clicking submit you are agreeing to our cookie usage and Privacy Policy
Already have an account? Login
Already have an account? Login
Want to create an account? Register
In order to use this feature, we need some information from you. You can also login or register for a free account.
By clicking submit you are agreeing to our cookie usage and Privacy Policy
Already have an account? Login
Already have an account? Login
Want to create an account? Register
This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Our privacy policy
To ensure the best experience on our website, articles cannot be read without allowing cookies. Please allow cookies to continue reading. Our privacy policy
0 Comments