The resignation of Suffield’s long-time town engineer, Gerry Turbet, reported in the December-January issue of The Suffield Observer, has been postponed a few weeks to allow a useful overlap with new town engineer Karen Isherwood, hired after a wide-ranging search and careful vetting. A recent interview with the Observer indicates that she is very well qualified, indeed, and is happy to take on a new challenge that will be nicely supported by her extensive experience.
Isherwood is a native of Enfield, a graduate of Enfield High and UConn (SBE and MBE), LEED certified, and is licensed in Conn., Mass., and R. I. In her two decades of experience, she has managed the land development, design, and permitting of projects large and small. Most recently, as deputy town engineer in Bloomfield, she gained experience with the “other side” of bringing a major project to satisfactory fulfillment. She and her family live in South Windsor, and, by happy coincidence, her mother lives in Park View Glenn, here in Suffield.
Bloomfield Town Engineer Jonathan Theisse told the Observer that his town will miss Karen in many ways; he said she was a real asset to the town and will undoubtedly be the same in Suffield. Her new boss certainly agrees. First Selectman Melissa Mack said, “I am so pleased that the town found such a strong Town Engineer candidate in Karen. With her vast knowledge and experience, I am confident she will play a critical role in continuing to improve our town’s amenities, including our sidewalk expansions and the Facilities Master Plan.”
Our new town engineer says she realizes it will be a challenge to learn about Suffield’s special needs and opportunities under the COVID-19 limitations. This reporter/retired engineer believes she will handle the challenge well.