Congratulations Joe!

Executive Director Joe DeLong celebrates his first 10 years with CCM

CCM has had just three Executive Directors in its nearly 60 years as an organization, including the inimitable founder Joel Cogen for 40 years, Jim Finley, and Joe DeLong who joined us in April of 2015. Hailing from West Virginia, Joe won over the CCM board after a nationwide search, beating out nearly 60 applicants. Over the next ten years, he has managed to walk the fine line of bringing his vision of change for the organization while still remaining faithful to what made it successful for its first 50 years—a steely dedication to its members.

In his time, Joe has seen membership increase to its highest levels ever, brought on new employees with an array of skills, and fostered an environment where both members and team members succeed. CCM under his leadership has won major victories at the Capitol in Hartford for municipalities and at the Federal level during the COVID pandemic when the organization worked with NLC to secure county-level funds from the American Rescue Plan.

Initiatives like CCM CARES/Representation Matters and the Civility Pledge show his commitment to issues that connect us, even in times when we seem disconnected. And, we’d be remiss not to mention the 119K Commission, where Joe has been able to advocate on behalf of at-risk and disconnected youth while advocating on behalf of our members who want to provide a world-class education for their children.

CCM’s motto is to improve the every day life of every resident of Connecticut, and throughout his 10 years here, Joe DeLong has exemplified that through his actions and leadership. CCM would like to thank him and congratulate him on this milestone—whether or not he stays here for 40 years will be up to him.