The Connecticut Conference of Municipalities (CCM) has announced the recipients of its 2025 municipal leadership awards, recognizing extraordinary public service and innovative local governance. This year’s honorees are Robert “Bob” Morra of Bolton, recipient of The Joel Cogen Lifetime Achievement Award, and First Selectwoman Sandra Allyn-Gauthier of Preston, recipient of the Richard C. Lee Innovators Award.
Morra is being recognized for more than six decades of service to the town of Bolton, where his leadership, dedication and hands-on commitment have shaped the community for generations. A lifelong resident, he has served in an extraordinary range of roles, including first selectman, Board of Selectman; deputy fire chief; chair of the Bolton Lakes Regional Water Pollution Control Authority (BLRWPCA); and member of numerous other boards and committees.
“I’d like to thank everyone. I’m deeply honored and really humbled for this award,” said Morra. “Being recognized for something that frankly you love doing your entire life is just something that’s incredibly awesome. I’d like to thank CCM for considering and choosing me for the award and the town of Bolton staff who nominated me. Now there’s one thing that you all, particularly those elected officials, should always remember about service. It’s not about you. It’s about the community and the people you serve. Remember that and you’ll be successful forever.”
Since joining the Bolton Volunteer Fire Department at age 18, Morra has devoted 65 years to public service, often showing up with his own equipment to assist with storm recovery, support emergency operations, or help build community facilities. His leadership advanced regional cooperation through CRCOG pilot programs, creation of the Eastern Highlands Health District, and establishment of shared municipal services.
Morra played a central role in forming the region’s first Water Pollution Control Authority to address sewer needs around Bolton Lake and securing multiple state and federal funding sources for the project. His advocacy has supported land preservation, trail development, capital improvements and countless community enhancements.
Known for his humility, persistence and deep commitment to Bolton, Morra continues to serve as BLRWPCA chair and remains an active community voice.
First Selectwoman Sandra Allyn-Gauthier is honored for her exceptional leadership, innovative problem-solving and collaborative governance that have transformed the town of Preston. Elected in 2019, just months before the onset of the pandemic, Allyn-Gauthier guided the town through unprecedented uncertainty while advancing strategic investments and long-term community growth.
Under her leadership, Preston has secured more than $12 million in grant funding to improve roads and bridges, upgrade public works facilities, enhance parks and recreation and strengthen public safety. She has championed transparent operations, equity in municipal staffing and modernization through a comprehensive compensation and classification study.
“Thank you very much. I’m honored for this award and I think everybody in this room believes in giving back, which is one of the reasons I decided to run as first selectwoman back in 2019,” said Allyn-Gauthier. “Similar to what Bob Morra said for the Lifetime Achievement Award, you can’t do it by yourself. I am very appreciative of the Preston team, the Preston boards and commissions, the Preston community, all of the partnerships that we’ve established. It’s truly a collaborative effort and none of these would’ve happened without them.” Her emphasis on partnership has yielded a groundbreaking Joint Strategic Plan with Preston Public Schools, joint staffing in finance and payroll and cost-saving regional purchasing. She has reinvigorated community engagement by restoring popular events, expanding recreational programs, and launching the Passport Program to boost local businesses.
Allyn-Gauthier’s commitment to shared services includes regional collaborations in zoning enforcement, assessor services and mechanical support that improve efficiency while reducing costs. With more than 20 years of service in elected and appointed roles, she exemplifies forward-thinking leadership that strengthens communities and inspires innovation.
The Connecticut Conference of Municipalities is the state’s largest nonpartisan association of municipal leaders, working to strengthen local government through advocacy, education, research, and service.
