Meet the Candidate: Jay DeVivo for Simsbury Board of Selectmen

Democrat Jay DeVivo is seeking a seat for Simsbury Board of Selectmen.

Education 

Boston College, BA, Economics

UCLA Anderson School of Management, MBA

Work experience

I began my career at a Boston-based mutual fund company. I then worked in private equity where I evaluated companies for potential investment.  During and after business school, I ran my own consulting business. My clients ranged from start-ups to publicly traded companies. Most of my engagements focused on strategic marketing, business planning, or product development. I am currently and Assistant Vice President of risk management for a large insurance company.

Why are you seeking office?

I am running because I think Simsbury is at a crossroads. If we want to preserve all that makes Simsbury special, we need to pursue responsible growth opportunities. I am committed to bringing in companies that will not only increase our economic base, but also are eager to integrate into our community.

What experience do you bring to the table?

Whether it is helping a startup differentiate itself in a crowded market, or helping a large company manage complex risks, I have had to work effectively across different groups that often have had competing priorities.

Simsbury has wisely invested in its assets and we are in a great position to attract the right kind of growth.  I can help make a compelling case for businesses to come to Simsbury and work creatively with all of the stakeholders – private companies, the town, and in some cases the state – to develop solutions that work for everyone.

What do you feel is the town's most pressing issue? 

Expanding our economic base in a responsible fashion.  Most people I have met tell me expanding our tax base is important, but they also express concern about continuing to preserve Simsbury’s unique character.   The good news is growth and protecting what makes Simsbury special is not an either/or proposition.

• Insurance/financial services
• Precision manufacturing/aerospace
• Bioscience
• Clean tech

These are kinds of businesses that will integrate well into our community, and Simsbury is in a great position to attract them. We offer employers a highly skilled and educated workforce, fantastic schools, a bucolic setting, and a rare quality of life. Employers have families too, and our unique set of strengths represent a real competitive advantage in attracting forward-thinking businesses.

What do you love most about town?

I love that we live among such a diversity of natural beauty; Simsbury is a place that can't be replicated. 

What do you like to do for fun?

I enjoy skiing, writing, and chasing around our boys – Jameson and Griffin – and our dog, Bella

How can residents keep up with you?  

You can email me at DeVivoForSelectman@gmail.com, you can find me on Facebook at “Jay DeVivo for Selectman,” or follow me on Twitter @JayDeVivo.