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