Someone Is Excited About Their New Job At Town Hall

EAST HAVEN, CT —Officially, she's not yet on the job, but that didn't stop Elizabeth "Liz" Franco-Spano , the town's new director of recreation, from getting her feet wet. She starts work July 1. Technically.

It was announced in May that Franco-Spano, who has been a physical education and health teacher for more than 35 years and just last year named 2020 teacher of the year, was being tapped to lead the department. The director's position has been vacant since August 2020.

In addition to her role as a PE and health educator, she also has 15 years of "recreation and camp knowledge," including experience within the East Haven Recreation Department, and most recently as the camp and recreation director for the Silver Sands Beach and Tennis Club.

"Liz's 30-year commitment to this community is legendary; her impact through the years on our children speaks volumes," Mayor Joseph A. Carfora said last spring.

In a Facebook post from the recreation department, Franco-Spano is seen with East Haven assistant director of administration Michelle Benivegna.

Franco-Spano is a graduate of Southern Connecticut State University and earned a Bachelors of Science in Physical Education, Masters of Science in Physical Educationand, 6th Year in Education/Educational Foundations.

She has been honored throughout her career as follows: 6th Year in Education/Educational Foundations (2006); Merit Award - Town of East Haven (2007); Postal Award State of CT -Women Who Change America (2004); Citizen of the Year-Town of East Haven (2001); Joseph Melillo School Outstanding Service Award (1998); East Haven High School Hall of Fame - Inducted in 1997; Sons and Daughters of Italy- West Haven Elks Club (1996).