2025 Elections
Town Council
Hilary Ormond
Town Council
Lina Lee
Town Council
Heather Russell
Town Council
Mike Rodgers
Town Council
Hilary Ormond
Hilary is seeking a second term on New Canaan’s Town Council, where she’s served since 2021 with a strong focus on good governance, transparency, and support for the institutions that make our town exceptional—our schools, library, parks, and public services.
Hilary comes from a family rooted in service. Her father was a U.S. Navy submariner and Vietnam veteran; her mother has served nearly 30 years on City Council in Chesapeake, Virginia. Hilary holds degrees from the University of Virginia, John Jay College, and Fordham Law, and previously worked as a litigation attorney and federal court clerk in New York City.
Since moving to New Canaan in 2014, Hilary has been a full-time mom and tireless community volunteer. She co-chaired the fundraising campaign for the all-abilities playground at Waveny, advocated for park security cameras, and led the town’s first Pride recognition. She supports countless local causes and is an active member of 203 Action.
On Town Council, Hilary serves as liaison to the Affordable Housing Committee and co-chairs the By-laws & Ordinances Committee, working across the aisle on smart, balanced policy.
She hopes to earn your vote this fall and continue representing New Canaan with dedication and heart.
TOWN COUNCIL
Lina Lee
Lina Lee is a New Canaan resident and accomplished attorney with extensive leadership experience in the legal and nonprofit sectors. Since moving to town in 2023, she has developed a strong appreciation for New Canaan’s character, civic values, and engaged community. She is committed to preserving what makes the town unique while planning responsibly for the future—balancing long-term investment, principled management, and thoughtful growth that reflects residents’ priorities.
Lina currently serves as Executive Director of the Connecticut Bar Association (CBA), where she leads a statewide organization of more than 8,000 attorneys, judges, and legal professionals. She is guiding the CBA through its 150th anniversary year with a focus on revitalization, modernization, and expanded public impact. She also serves as Secretary of the Connecticut Bar Foundation, which administers over $371 million in legal aid funding across the state.
Earlier in her career, Lina founded a civil rights legal services organization in New York City and spent more than a decade as a practicing attorney and litigator. She has held appointed and elected leadership roles and earned recognition from City & State New York and PoliticsNY for her nonprofit leadership.
Lina is a graduate of Cornell University and Boston University School of Law.
TOWN COUNCIL
Mike Rodgers
Mike Rodgers is running for New Canaan Town Council to help preserve what makes our town special while planning smartly for the future. He brings common sense, life experience, and a deep commitment to keeping New Canaan strong, connected, and uniquely itself.
Mike grew up in Chester County, Pennsylvania, where his father was a township first selectman who championed land preservation. That early example shaped Mike’s belief in thoughtful growth and community balance.
Mike and his wife moved to New Canaan in 2002 because it felt like home. He launched a successful housewares business from their home, developing products now sold nationwide. That entrepreneurial journey sharpened his skills in problem-solving, budgeting, and long-term planning.
Mike and his wife adopted their son Edward from Guatemala in 2006. Raising a multicultural family deepened their commitment to inclusion and led Mike to serve on the board of a nonprofit that fosters equity and community understanding. Edward attended New Canaan public schools and is now a student at UConn.
Mike has also served his church as a deacon, usher, Sunday school teacher, and committee chair. He believes in service—and in New Canaan. He’d be honored to earn your vote.
Town Council
Heather Russell
Heather Russell is a seasoned communications professional and dedicated community advocate running for New Canaan Town Council as a Democrat. With a career rooted in public engagement, Heather is committed to helping New Canaan thrive as a vibrant, inclusive, and future-ready community.
Heather began her career by founding Houston Young People for the Arts, promoting youth participation in civic and cultural life. She later worked with the Houston Downtown Alliance, advancing revitalization efforts and community-centered events. After relocating to the Northeast, she served as Director of Communications at The Windward School, spearheading strategic initiatives to strengthen educational outreach.
For the past seven years, Heather has lived in New Canaan with her husband, a Connecticut native, and their two young daughters, who attend New Canaan Public Schools. She is an active parishioner at St. Aloysius, where she has taught Sunday School, and a member of the Junior League.
Heather’s priorities include excellent public schools, smart and sustainable development, support for local businesses, and transparent, forward-thinking governance. She brings to her candidacy a unique blend of professional expertise and a deep commitment to service—ready to help lead New Canaan with clarity, collaboration, and vision.
Town Council