Kathleen Callahan

Kathleen Callahan brings a rare blend of technical expertise, policy insight, and community leadership to her candidacy for Stratford’s Planning Commission. With professional experience spanning both software engineering and social work, she offers a systems-level perspective grounded in data, relationships, and a deep respect for Stratford’s people and places.

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A graduate of the University of Connecticut with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering, Kathleen spent more than two decades designing, testing, and installing advanced radar and e-commerce systems—first at Northrop Grumman Norden Systems, and later as an independent contractor. Her work took her around the world, including eight months at Singapore’s top-rated airport overseeing radar safety systems and training air traffic controllers.

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In her late forties, Kathleen made a deliberate and courageous career change, returning to school to pursue an associate’s degree and then a Master of Social Work at Southern Connecticut State University, graduating at the top of her class. She has since worked in trauma-informed systems change, behavioral health, and community policy—guiding implementation of evidence-based practices, advancing equity, and collaborating with state agencies, legislators, and local organizations to improve outcomes across Connecticut.

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As Chair of the Stratford Democratic Town Committee, Kathleen is recognized as a consensus-builder who values transparency, inclusion, and results. She has also co-led the Connecticut State Taskforce on ACEs and Resilience, chaired the Education and Legislative Action Network of NASW/CT, and managed successful legislative campaigns.

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Kathleen and her wife of 27 years, Karen, chose Stratford as their home in 2010. Together, they share their lives with three rescue dogs. Raised in a politically engaged family, Kathleen credits her father, Paul—an elected official and Democratic City Committee Chair in Stamford—with teaching her civic responsibility, and her mother, Vera—who emigrated from Ireland at 16—with showing her the strength of community.

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Now, Kathleen is running for Stratford’s Planning Commission because she believes the town is at a turning point. “We need a forward-thinking, data-informed approach to land use—one that balances growth with preservation and centers community voice,” she says. “Smart, inclusive planning is how we create opportunity, strengthen our schools, and protect the natural assets that make Stratford special.”

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A woman in long-term recovery, Kathleen approaches every challenge with humility, persistence, and purpose. “I’ve rebuilt my life and my career through listening, learning, and leading with empathy. That’s how I’ll serve Stratford.”