Dr. Scott Nickel to Start as North Branford Town Manager July 1, Emphasizes Community Engagement and Civility
June 23, 2026 | North Branford, South Central Connecticut Planning Region, Connecticut
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Dr. Scott Nickel, North Branford’s incoming town manager, said he will begin the position on July 1 and plans to spend his first weeks meeting department staff and residents to learn the town’s priorities. "I am looking forward to starting a new venture in life as town manager of North Branford, becoming part of the community and trying to be of best service as I possibly can," Nickel said.
Nickel, who described a 30-year career in education that included 25 years as an administrator and 10 years as superintendent in Ellington, said he will bring a listening approach rather than imposing preconceived plans. He told the Community Lens Addendum program he has been meeting departments while Mayor Anzelone has been introducing him to town operations in advance of his official start date.
Why it matters: North Branford must respond to state housing legislation and produce planning documents by upcoming deadlines. Nickel acknowledged the housing issue is a state and national challenge and said the town’s response should be formed in consultation with the Town Council, the Board of Education, department heads and residents rather than dictated by an incoming manager. "Part of what the town manager's job is to do is to understand that and to develop relationships and to truly get a sense of how I can support," he said.
On civic tone and community-building, Nickel described a locally developed "Seeds of Civility" document he helped create in Ellington and said the principles helped gain unanimous endorsements from local boards there. He framed civility as practical strategies for listening, respecting others and working together: "It's about listening and respecting others...we all are fallible humans. And that's all the seeds of civility is about," Nickel said.
Nickel also highlighted community events as part of his transition. He invited residents to the town's July 2 pavilion event, noting an expected 5:30 p.m. start and a 6:00 p.m. performance by the Middletown Philharmonic, where he said he plans to be available to speak with residents.
Background details Nickel provided include growing up in Rockville, attending Providence College, raising a family in Portland and prior administrative roles that included time in Hartford public schools, regional school district positions and several years as a middle-school principal in Durham.
The interview closed with Nickel reiterating his intent to listen and to support existing staff and elected bodies as North Branford prepares for future planning work. He said he looks forward to returning to speak with residents and to get more deeply involved in town activities after July 1.
Nickel, who described a 30-year career in education that included 25 years as an administrator and 10 years as superintendent in Ellington, said he will bring a listening approach rather than imposing preconceived plans. He told the Community Lens Addendum program he has been meeting departments while Mayor Anzelone has been introducing him to town operations in advance of his official start date.
Why it matters: North Branford must respond to state housing legislation and produce planning documents by upcoming deadlines. Nickel acknowledged the housing issue is a state and national challenge and said the town’s response should be formed in consultation with the Town Council, the Board of Education, department heads and residents rather than dictated by an incoming manager. "Part of what the town manager's job is to do is to understand that and to develop relationships and to truly get a sense of how I can support," he said.
On civic tone and community-building, Nickel described a locally developed "Seeds of Civility" document he helped create in Ellington and said the principles helped gain unanimous endorsements from local boards there. He framed civility as practical strategies for listening, respecting others and working together: "It's about listening and respecting others...we all are fallible humans. And that's all the seeds of civility is about," Nickel said.
Nickel also highlighted community events as part of his transition. He invited residents to the town's July 2 pavilion event, noting an expected 5:30 p.m. start and a 6:00 p.m. performance by the Middletown Philharmonic, where he said he plans to be available to speak with residents.
Background details Nickel provided include growing up in Rockville, attending Providence College, raising a family in Portland and prior administrative roles that included time in Hartford public schools, regional school district positions and several years as a middle-school principal in Durham.
The interview closed with Nickel reiterating his intent to listen and to support existing staff and elected bodies as North Branford prepares for future planning work. He said he looks forward to returning to speak with residents and to get more deeply involved in town activities after July 1.
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