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Our Local Democratic Officials

Our Local Democratic Officials

Tolland DEmocrats

Our Local Elected Officials

Our elected and appointed Democrats are ready to keep Tolland moving forward — focused on supporting our schools, protecting taxpayers, and putting seniors, students, and Tolland first.

D=Democrat, U=Unaffiliated

Chris Moran- D
Chris Moran- D

Chair

Tolland Town Council

As a father and lawyer for the State of Connecticut, Chris brings proven leadership and a strong commitment to our community. He uses data to make smart financial decisions that invest in Tolland’s future while keeping the town moving forward.

Mary Rose Duberek - D
Mary Rose Duberek - D
Tolland Town Council

Mary Rose is a proven leader who knows how to work across the aisle and govern in a truly bipartisan manner. She shows up, listens, and leads with integrity and she’s committed to serving all residents of Tolland, no matter where they come from or who they voted for.

Shayne Jackson- D
Shayne Jackson- D
Tolland Town Council

Shane has lived in Tolland for 50 years, attended Tolland schools, and is raising three children here. With a background in a family-run business and a passion for bringing people together, she believes local government should focus on common sense, collaboration, and unity.

Marilee Beebe- D
Marilee
Beebe- D
Tolland Town Council

A dedicated public servant, long-time Tolland resident, mother, and current Town Council member. Marilee brings over 30 years of experience on key town boards like the Planning & Zoning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals.

Bret Wells- D
Bret Wells- D
Tolland Town Council

Bret has proudly called Tolland home for 14 years. A father, coach, and community advocate, he brings real leadership and a deep understanding of what makes our town special. Bret found the stability and strong educational values he was seeking when he moved to Tolland

Jenn Gallichant- U
Jenn Gallichant- U

Chair

Tolland Board of Ed

Jenn has served 4 years on the Board of Education, including as Chair of both the Communications and Negotiations Committees. A member of the Mental Health & Substance Abuse Task Force and a longtime volunteer in local education, with nine years on the Tolland Elementary Parent Teacher Organization

Joel Lopez- D
Joel Lopez- D
Tolland Board of Ed

A proud father, retired Naval Officer with 30 years of active duty service, and a dedicated member of the Tolland community. With experience on the Planning & Zoning Commission and the Veterans Recognition Commission, Joel is ready to bring his leadership, integrity, and strategic planning.

Dana Philbin- D
Dana
Philbin- D

Secretary

Tolland Board of Ed

A dedicated mother, community leader, and proven advocate for our schools, Dana brings 6 years of experience on the Board and over 25 years in business leadership. She’s committed to putting students first—academically, socially, and emotionally—while working across party lines to solve challenges.

Jayden Regisford   -U
Jayden Regisford -U
Tolland BOard of Ed

For the past 4 years, Jayden has been a dedicated advocate for maintaining and improving our schools’ curriculum and services while keeping the needs of all residents in mind.

Mackenzie Elish- D
Mackenzie Elish- D
Tolland Board of Ed

Brings a passion for education, community service, and strategic leadership background with over 15 years of volunteer service, including board positions with the United Way and an education foundation, as well as recognition in Hartford Business Journal’s “40 Under 40” in 2020.

Amanda Hickey- D
Amanda Hickey- D

Chair

Planning and Zoning

With over 20 years of public service experience and as Tolland’s representative to the Capitol Region Council of Governments, Amanda is committed to thoughtful, community-focused planning that puts people first.

Ben Chevalier- D
Ben
Chevalier- D

Secretary

Planning and Zoning

Eight years of experience on the Zoning Board of Appeals. With deep knowledge of local zoning and a strong record as a consensus builder, he is committed to smart development, preserving open spaces, and keeping Tolland affordable and welcoming for all.

Kathryn Deffely- D
Kathryn Deffely- D
Planning and Zoning

With 25 years of legal experience analyzing and implementing Connecticut laws and regulations, Kathryn brings invaluable expertise to the role. She is committed to supporting responsible business growth, establishing fair and consistent regulations, and preserving Tolland’s small-town character.

Merry Garrett- D
Merry
Garrett- D
Chair
Zoning BOard of Appeals

A 25-year Tolland resident, mother, and Justice of the Peace, dedicated to preserving the town’s history, beauty, and character. A retired Director of Regulatory Insurance Technology and longtime community volunteer, she believes in fair, balanced growth that protects Tolland’s small-town charm.

Jason Philbin- D
Jason
Philbin- D

Vice CHair

Zoning Board of appeals

Jason is a 25-year union member with strong leadership experience, including serving as Co-Chair for the Democratic State Central Committee for the 35th District. He’s committed to smart, inclusive growth that reflects Tolland’s values, bringing a working-family perspective.

Jamie Davis-D
Jamie Davis-D
Zoning board of appeals

A dedicated financial technology professional with deep roots in Farm Credit, committed to ensuring sustainable balance between rural and suburban land use for generations to come. With extensive experience in farming, conservation, animal rescue, and open space stewardship.

Noah Bryant-D
Noah Bryant-D
Zoning BOard of Appeals

Dedicated to making decisions with fairness and objectivity, he is committed to balancing growth with sustainability and affordability while preserving Tolland’s character. Passionate about supporting young people and improving the lives of all residents.