Michael T. Paulhus

Town Manager

Town of Plainville

Michael’s path into public service began immediately following his graduation from Blackburn College with a Bachelor of Arts in Biology when he was selected to serve as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Tanzania. While there, he served for two years as a fisheries volunteer and rural extension agent working with fish farmers. Upon returning to the United States, he earned a Master of Arts in International Affairs from Ohio University and a Master of Arts in Public Affairs from the University of Connecticut. Michael began his administrative career in Windham, CT as the Executive Administrator and later served 3 terms as Windham’s First Selectman. The youngest ever elected to the office.

After 13 years of service to the Town of Windham, Michael left local government to work in the private sector as a Financial Advisor with RBC Wealth Management. Five years later, Michael was back in local government as the Town Manager in North Branford, CT and served for 9 years before moving on to his current community of Plainville, CT in 2022. With over 25 years of municipal service, Michael has gained invaluable knowledge of economic development, budgeting and finance, collective bargaining, and strategic planning. In Plainville, Michael began building a social media team focused on leveraging digital communications for better engagement and building trust within the community. Michael and his wife Natalka have two children, four grandchildren, and enjoy travel, finding good deals at tag sales, and spending time at the beach.