Fairfield's 1st Selectman Names New Top Adviser

FAIRFIELD, Conn. – Fairfield’s first selectman has a new right-hand man. Michael Tetreau announced Monday that former Board of Finance member Robert Mayer will take over as his chief of staff next week.

“Looking forward, there are significant challenges facing our town in the areas of growing costs in pensions, retiree medical benefits and health insurance. We have to balance these cost drivers with the need to minimize the tax burden on our residents,” Tetreau said in a press release. “Mr. Mayer has the experience and skills to provide valuable support in evaluating how the town can best address these areas."

Mayer was CEO of HealthAmerica and CFO of Sierra Health Services. He has held a number of volunteer positions in the town in the past, including work on the Employees’ Retirement Board and serving as co-chair of the Fairfield Financial Plan Advisory Committee.

He was most recently a member of the Board of Finance. He was appointed to replace Tetreau when he took over as first selectman this summer. He was also elected to serve on the board from 2003-09. Mayer is also a certified public accountant and a Vietnam War veteran.

In his new role, Mayer will responsible for overseeing many of the day-to-day operations around Town Hall and managing the rest of Tetreau’s staff. He starts work Feb. 21.

Mayer will replace Thomas Bremer, who, since 2006, served as chief of staff to former first selectmen Kenneth Flatto and Sherri Steeneck and under Tetreau. Tetreau credited Bremer for help on many projects, including completing the third train station, acquiring the Army site, negotiating the purchase of the Hoyden’s Lane property, and acquiring the St. Emery’s site for the Board of Education to use as the alternative high school.

“Mr. Bremer has been an invaluable team player whose advice and leadership has been especially helpful during my transition from interim first selectman to first selectman,” Tetreau said. “I thank Mr. Bremer for his many positive contributions to the town and to the people of Fairfield during these past six years.”

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