Learn more about my experience and vision

I love Waterford. As a little girl, I attended St. Mary’s School and was fascinated by the history and charm of our historic village. I moved here with my family 14 years ago and deeply appreciate this community for its beauty and walkability (my dog, Abby, and I enjoy our daily walks), but most importantly, for the amazing people who call it home. If elected in the upcoming Waterford mayoral election, I plan to leverage my executive leadership and management experience to implement local government initiatives aimed at enhancing our community’s quality of life, strengthening our community, and fostering meaningful community collaboration with our village's partners.

I grew up in Halfmoon and attended St. Mary's School, where I made my First Communion in St. Mary's Church. My childhood memories include outings to the 8th Street Park, St. Mary's Church Bazaars, and the 1976 Centennial Barge. In 2012, my husband Jeff, our son Nolan, and I moved into one of the oldest homes in the Village of Waterford, and St. Mary's became our parish church. It was a privilege to sing in the choir for several years alongside our amazing organist, Stan Mauraski. As part of my commitment to community collaboration, I have a daily step goal that encourages me to walk throughout our village and on our trails. I also have a passion for gardening— the more flowers, the better! We're gradually fixing up our historic home, built during John Adams' presidency. I'm also keenly interested in local government initiatives, especially as we approach the upcoming Waterford mayoral election.

I began my career in public service during the administration of Governor George Pataki, which provided me with a solid understanding of state government operations and compliance requirements. Additionally, I served as Executive Director of a statewide non-profit, where I advocated in front of the legislature and collaborated with various state agencies on local government initiatives. I managed a small team, ensuring payroll was met, securing funding, and reporting to a board of directors. I also played a pivotal role in founding and chairing the inaugural board of a local charter school. In my current position as a Senior Program Manager for a national consulting firm, I oversee large-scale training and technical assistance projects for federal and state agencies, ensuring fiscal compliance and project success. As a seasoned facilitator with over 15 years of experience in strategic and implementation planning around public policy, I have worked extensively on projects for service members, veterans, and their families. My focus has been on fostering community collaboration by helping states and communities coordinate their resources effectively. These diverse experiences have equipped me with valuable skills in advocacy and networking, enabling me to bring together individuals with varied perspectives, identify common goals, and develop actionable plans. These skills will be essential in promoting unity and progress in the upcoming Waterford mayoral election. You can view my LinkedIn Profile and professional recommendations at: (2) Michelle Cleary | LinkedIn