After doing his part to help North Branford usher in major projects including a new high school and police facility, while managing daily administration of Town government departments, and helping the community carry on through the pandemic – among many other notable circumstances and milestones of the past 9 years – Town Manager Michael Paulhus has announced he will resign from his post as of August 5, 2022.

Paulhus has been hired as the next town manager of Plainville. He will begin his new job on August 15, 2022, according to a June 22 announcement made by the Plainville Town Council.

The news that he would be leaving North Branford was shared at the June 21 meeting of the North Branford Town Council and listed under resignations and appointments as an agenda item. At that time, Paulhus accepted an invitation from Mayor Jeffrey Macmillen to say a few words about his time serving this town.

"I want to start by saying thank you," said Paulhus. "It's been an honor and a privilege to serve this community for the past 9 years."

Addressing the council, Paulhus said, "...starting in 2013, I've seen a few different councils and enjoyed my time and interaction with all of them. I understand that it's a tough job that you do in terms of your service to the community; and it is democracy, and sometimes it's not pretty, it's not easy, and there's a lot of handwringing and debate and discussion that goes on."

"This is a great community. I've enjoyed my time here, and it's been a growth opportunity for me," Paulhus continued, adding, "I have an opportunity to move on to the town of Plainville Connecticut, and I'm looking forward to that. So it's sort of bittersweet for me; certainly, mixed emotions. But [during] my time here, I really enjoyed myself. It is quality people, quality community."

Paulhus offered the council his assistance during the transition period and in helping the council to find North Branford's next town manager.

On behalf of the council, Macmillen thanked Paulhus, saying, "We certainly wish you well, and we thank you for your time and service here in North Branford."

Macmillen also said that Paulhus will be an "asset" to Plainville.  Council members present at the meeting also thanked Paulhus for his service and wished him well in his new role. Macmillen said the public will be kept informed during the transition and as the council undertakes a search for the next town manager.

Paulhus was officially hired by North Branford during a special Town Council meeting on March 26, 2013 and began working at North Branford Town Hall on April 13, 2013. As reported by The Sound at that time, the council's choice in selecting Paulhus was made easier due to his past experience as a North Branford interim town manager, a post he held from December 2007 to May 2008. During his 2007-2008 service as interim town manager, Paulhus managed two municipal renovation and expansion projects: the $36 million renovation to North Branford Intermediate School and the $4.5 million renovation to the Edward Smith Library.

Prior to beginning his tenure as North Branford town manager in 2013, Paulhus was a financial advisor with RBC Wealth Management of Hartford (September 2008 - March 2013). Prior to that, Paulhus was first selectman of the Town of Windham, an elected position, from 2001 to 2007. Paulhus had previously provided 7 years of service as Windham's executive administrator, from 1994 to 2001. Paulhus holds a Master of Arts in Public Affairs from the University of Connecticut, Master of Arts in International Affairs from Ohio University and Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Blackburn College.

In addition to his work for the Town of North Branford over the past 9 years, in 2017, many residents first learned of Paulhus' exceptional volunteer work.  Serving with the U.S. Peace Corps, Paulhus took up residence in Tanzania from 1989 – 1991. In November 2017, he returned to Tanzania as a volunteer, for a two-week stay at an orphanage and school outside of Bagamoyo known as Baobab Home. The home has been helping children and families affected by HIV/AIDS and poverty since 2004.

Read The Sound's 2017 interview with Paulhus about his volunteer work in Tanzania here.