Catherine Cecilia Maher (née Queeney; born November 19, 1953)[1] is an American executive and politician. She currently serves as a member of the Connecticut State Senate, representing District 26, which encompasses Darien, New Canaan, Redding, Ridgefield, Stamford, Weston, Westport and Wilton. She is a member of the Democratic Party.

Early life and education

Maher was born Catherine Cecilia Queeney to John Hart Queeney and Rosalie (née Kirby) Queeney.[2][3] She was one of six children and was raised primarily in Stamford, Connecticut, where she attended the local schools. She completed a Bachelor of Science in fashion merchandising at University of Massachusetts Amherst. In 1995, Maher completed a Master of Social Work at Columbia University in New York.[4][5]

Career

Maher started her career at the department store Lord & Taylor in 1977 and worked for several years for department stores such as Target Corporation. She later became an executive at various non-profit organizations in Connecticut, such as Sandy Hook Promise.[6][7]

Politics

In 2019, Maher unsuccessfully ran for the board of selectmen of Wilton, Connecticut.[8] In 2022, she was endorsed by the Democratic Party for the Connecticut State Senate.[9] She was elected in the primary election on November 8, 2022, succeeding incumbent Will Haskell.[10] She assumed office on January 4, 2023, and currently serves as chair of the Children's commission and vice chair of the Higher Education & Employment Advancement commission. She is also a member of Energy & Technology, Human Services, Internship and Judiciary commissions.[11]

Personal life

Maher married Gordon Roberts Maher, a Goldman Sachs banking executive, on September 7, 1980.[3] He died on October 5, 2020. Maher has three grown children, including Katherine Maher, and resides in Wilton, Connecticut.[12]

References

  1. ^ United States Public Records, 1970-2009
  2. ^ "Rosalie Queeney Obituary (2018) - Wilton, CT - Wilton Bulletin". Legacy.com. Retrieved 2023-04-11.
  3. ^ a b "Catherine Queeney, a Buyer, Married to Gordon R. Maher". The New York Times. 1980-09-07. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2023-04-11.
  4. ^ "Connecticut State Sen. Ceci Maher - Biography | LegiStorm". www.legistorm.com. Retrieved 2023-04-11.
  5. ^ "Ceci Maher CT State Senator for Darien, New Canaan, Redding, Ridgefield, Stamford, Weston, Westport, Wilton » CBIA". CBIA. Retrieved 2023-04-11.
  6. ^ Ross, Jeannette (2019-10-03). "Wilton Board of Selectman candidate: Ceci Maher". The Wilton Bulletin. Retrieved 2023-04-11.
  7. ^ Freda, J. D. (2022-03-09). "Wilton's Maher gains support in bid for CT 26th Senate District". The Wilton Bulletin. Retrieved 2023-04-11.
  8. ^ Ross, Jeannette (2019-10-03). "Wilton Board of Selectman candidate: Ceci Maher". The Wilton Bulletin. Retrieved 2023-04-11.
  9. ^ GMW, Reader Contributed to (2022-05-13). "ELECTION 2022 — 26th State Senate: Democrats Unanimously Endorse Wilton's Ceci Maher". Good Morning Wilton. Retrieved 2023-04-11.
  10. ^ Freda, J. D. (2022-11-09). "Wilton Democrats 'thrilled' by Election Day results, DTC chair says". The Wilton Bulletin. Retrieved 2023-04-11.
  11. ^ Hall, Foster. "About Senator Maher". Connecticut Senate Democrats. Retrieved 2023-04-11.
  12. ^ "Gordon Maher Obituary (2020) - Wilton, CT - Wilton Bulletin". Legacy.com. Retrieved 2023-04-11.