Trumbullite to Head Barnum Festival

Former Trumbull First Selectman Paul Timpanelli has been named the Ringmaster of the 2014 Barnum Festival.

Timpanelli is the 66th ringmaster.

He was chosen at a special event at Sacred Heart University. Timpanelli is  president and chief executive officer the Bridgeport Regional Business Council. 

The organization was created in 1948 to commemorate the life and achievements of P.T. Barnum, world famous entrepreneur and former Mayor of Bridgeport.  

"Over the years, a veritable 'who’s who' of regional and community leaders have held the position.  Timpanelli succeeds 2013 Ringmaster John F. Stafstrom Jr., partner of Pullman & Comley LLC and 2011 Ringmaster Frank J. Carroll, International Vice President of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers," said Trumbull Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Karen DelVecchio.

”In his work with The Bridgeport Regional Business Council and his involvement in the community, Paul has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to the economic vitality of Bridgeport and the entire region” said  Barnum Festival President Michael Niedermeier.  “ We know he will bring that same commitment and energy to his role as the 2014 Barnum Festival Ringmaster.”

Timpanelli became President and CEO of the BRBC in December 1988 and as President, is responsible for the strategic planning, leadership development and economic development initiatives of the organization’s overall program of work.  

Prior to joining the BRBC, Timpanelli owned a real estate appraisal company, served three terms as First Selectman of Trumbull, and three terms as Town Clerk of Trumbull. 

Over the years, he has served on numerous boards and commissions and currently volunteers with various civic, governmental and political organizations including United Way of Coastal Fairfield County, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Committee of 100, RYASAP, Regional Institute of the 21st Century, Lakeview Cemetery and Connecticut Metropolitan Chamber Executives Council. 

“I am absolutely thrilled and honored to have been selected for this opportunity to showcase our city and our region and to participate in the redefinition of the festival in a way the will continue to build the region’s economy” said Timpanelli.  “I realize that I have very big shoes to fill and hope that I can live up to the expectations of the community.”

In his remarks at the announcement event, Timpanelli said he would “work tirelessly to continue the tradition started by my predecessors and to take the Barnum Festival to the next level and create a renewed, redefined, reinvigorated and redesigned festival in partnership with the Barnum Festival board and volunteers that certainly will keep and respect the traditions that have been established, but will hopefully get us to the next level.”