Hartford, CT According to the Connecticut Main Street Center (CMSC), Patrick McMahon has been named chief executive officer, effective August 21. McMahon will succeed CMSC’s founding CEO, John Simone, who is retiring after leading the organization for the past 17 years.

McMahon currently serves as the director of economic development for the Town of Suffield, and has previously worked in economic development in the towns of Windsor and Windsor Locks. McMahon brings a wealth of experience in neighborhood and downtown revitalization, small business development, historic preservation, land use planning, community facilities and infrastructure development, and housing services.  He is the immediate past president of the Connecticut Economic Development Association (CEDAS), and a member of the Northeast Economic Development Association (NEDA).

McMahon is passionate about Main Street revitalization and community development, and is very familiar with CMSC through participation in its member community network. McMahon also worked closely with CMSC as an integral member of a coalition that secured passage of new Tax Increment Financing (TIF) language during the 2015 legislative session, making it easier for all towns to take advantage of this valuable economic development tool.  Subsequent to the bill’s passage, Mr. McMahon was instrumental in drafting TIF District Master Plans passed in Windsor Locks (becoming the state’s first TIF District) and Suffield. 

“I am looking forward to working with the board of directors and staff of the Connecticut Main Street Center, as well as member municipalities, State agencies, private sector supporters and others to enhance downtowns throughout the State,” said McMahon. “There is great untapped economic and community development potential in our downtowns, town centers and village districts. It will be our role to unleash that potential so that our Main Streets are the thriving hearts of community life and economic opportunity.”

McMahon was chosen after an extensive search process led by a Transition Committee of the CMSC Board of Directors, and assisted by the Nonprofit Professionals Advisory Group, LLC (NPAG). The national search involved outreach by NPAG to more than 230 individuals, with a total of 53 candidates applying for the position. The CMSC board of directors was committed to identifying a candidate to serve as an engaging ambassador that will foster and develop deep relationships and strong, innovative alliances with key funders, partners, advocates, and political entities. 

CMSC’s board and staff are excited to begin working with McMahon as he leads CMSC’s efforts to become a transformative organization, a statewide champion, and a national model of large-scale systemic change in downtown revitalization and management.