Matthew W. Hart

Adjunct Professor

Executive Director of the Capitol Region Council of Governments (CRCOG)

School of Public Policy

Education

Master of Public Administration, University of Connecticut
Juris Doctor, University of Connecticut
B.A., Political Science, State University of New York at Potsdam

Matthew W. Hart

Matt Hart recently began his tenure as the Executive Director of the Capitol Region Council of Governments (CRCOG), the largest of Connecticut’s regional planning organizations serving 38 municipalities and a population of 976,248 in the greater Hartford region. The CRCOG region is well-situated between New York City and Boston, and is rich in diversity, history, and natural resources. CRCOG’s team of professional staff work to promote responsible land use, sustainable transportation systems, economic vitality, and quality of life. The organization also advocates for its capital city and member towns and provides various shared services to facilitate governmental efficiency.

Matt is an accomplished manager and leader with broad experience in local government. He values open government, innovation, and teamwork, and has a passion for leadership and public service. Matt has championed regional solutions to improve service delivery and to promote equity and sustainability throughout his career.

Previously, Matt served as the Town Manager in West Hartford, Connecticut, where he helped lead the community through the COVID-19 pandemic. Matt also assisted the Town Council with supporting the town’s business community, improving customer and constituent service, and developing sound fiscal strategies designed to address budgetary and operational needs.

Before West Hartford, Matt served as Town Manager in Mansfield, Connecticut, where he played a critical role in developing of Storrs Center, a mixed-use, New Urbanism project located adjacent to the University of Connecticut’s main campus. Matt began his local government career with the town of Windsor, Connecticut, where he had an opportunity to learn many progressive management practices and principles. In addition, Matt has experience working in the private sector and is a veteran of the US Army and US Army National Guard.

Matt is currently an adjunct faculty member with the University of Connecticut’s School of Public Policy, which has recognized him for his contributions to the field of public administration and the school. He is also an active member of the International City/County Management Association (ICMA), and the Connecticut Town and City Management Association (CTCMA).

Matt earned his Juris Doctor (JD) and Master’s in Public Affairs (MPA) from the University of Connecticut, and his bachelor’s degree in political science from the State University of New York at Potsdam.