Trumbull Chief of Staff Resigning, Starting His Own Business

Where there was legislation, there was Dan Nelson.

After many nights spent with Town Council committees and at other meetings, Trumbull's chief of staff is moving on to his own business starting Dec. 9.

First Selectman Tim Herbst credits Nelson with negotiating favorable labor agreements, assisting in the restructuring of town departments and seeing important legislation passed.

"Nelson indicated that he will be leaving his position to focus his efforts on a startup company he has formed with a business partner geared towards advanced technology used by political campaigns to target and identify voters," Herbst said.

In a letter Herbst, Nelson stated, "I have found the last three years serving as your Chief of Staff to be an extremely rewarding experience and the job has provided me with a truly unique perspective on the operations of a municipality." 

Nelson went on to state that he was most proud of helping the administration implement legislative and policy initiatives. "I sincerely believe all this work has moved the town forward immeasurably and I am incredibly proud to have been a part of your team."

Herbst offered praise for his outgoing Chief of Staff and thanked his friend of 22 years for all of his efforts on his behalf.

"Dan Nelson has had such a positive impact and the people of Trumbull owe him a huge debt of gratitude. All the positive accomplishments of the last three years are in large part the result of Dan's hard work, perseverance and dedication to the Town of Trumbull," Herbst said.

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Herbst said Nelson:

• Introduced defined contribution plans into the town's pension system, while helping to negotiate several collective-bargaining agreements that will now include defined contribution plans for new employee hires.

• Played a key role in reforming departments within Town Hall, specifically the positions of Town Engineer, Economic and Community Development Director, and Director of Planning.
• Was instrumental in serving as the administration's legislative liaison to the Trumbull Town Council in getting important initiatives passed. These initiatives included charter revision, senior tax relief, a business tax incentive ordinance as well as procuring federal grants that include road and trail improvements within the Town.

"There have been many important legislative initiatives of the last three years and Dan was our point person in seeing that these important initiatives successfully made their way through the Trumbull Town Council."  

Finally, Herbst concluded that Nelson's business should become the new model in running local, state, or national campaigns.

“At age 29, I was the youngest person elected to the office of First Selectman in the Town of Trumbull and the first Republican re-elected to the office in 40 years largely because of Dan's voter outreach operation.  Dan is a tremendous asset and he will be greatly missed by all.  I thank him for all of his help and support,” he said.

Elaine Wang

“Elaine’s legal and business background will serve the Town of Trumbull well and I am excited she has decided to join our team,” Herbst said.

“As Chief of Staff, Elaine will be responsible for negotiating and managing all of our collective bargaining agreements as well as managing departments and personnel.  When I interviewed Elaine, I was impressed by her intelligence, honesty and diversity of experience.  I am confident that her background and skill set is an ideal fit for the administration,” Herbst said.

Since graduating from law school, Wang has worked for two family companies located in both the United States and China.  Wang, an attorney admitted to practice law in Connecticut and New York, brings experience from the legal and business sector to her new position, Herbst said. 

Wang indicated that she was excited by the opportunity to serve in the First Selectman’s administration and give back to her hometown.

“As someone who grew up in Trumbull, I knew that this was the Town I always wanted to return to and one day raise my family,” according to Wang.  “First Selectman Herbst and his administration are truly moving Trumbull forward in a positive direction and I am excited for the opportunity to join his team and help contribute to make Trumbull an even better place to live, work and raise a family.” 

Ms. Wang is a graduate of Phillips Exeter Academy in New Hampshire and then attended Tufts University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations and was a dean’s list student.

Then she attended Benjamin Cardozo School of Law in New York City.  While in law school, Ms. Wang interned for the Honorable Miriam Goldman Cedarbaum, Senior Judge on the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.  Wang also previously interned in the Washington, DC office of former United States Congresswoman Nancy Johnson.

Wang speaks three languages, including Italian, French and Chinese, Herbst said. 

Ms. Wang and her husband, Attorney Michael Chan, are residents of Trumbull.