Candidate for Board of Finance
Gwenne Celmer has served on the Board of Finance for the past 12 years, currently as Vice Chair. She has also served on town commissions and committees – often as Chair – including the Conservation Commission, Field Study Committee and Town Hall Building Committee, and served as Acting Chair of the Killingworth Democratic Town Committee.
In her professional career, Gwenne has managed creative departments at major advertising agencies in New York and Philadelphia, overseeing budgets ranging from multimillion-dollar global accounts to small local projects.
Her current business, Gwenne Celmer Marketing Services, provides medical and strategic content for pharmaceutical sales training and marketing communications for life sciences and technology companies.
Questions for the Candidate
What do you love about Killingworth?
Its privacy and natural beauty – a uniquely small town setting so close to suburban conveniences and urban centers.
Why are you running for this position?
Commitment to help safeguard the fiscal vitality of the town and its residents.
What are your qualifications for this position?
I have served on the Board of Finance for the past 12 years. During that time I’ve grown to understand the needs of the many stakeholders Killingworth depends on to support our infrastructure, ensure our well-being and safety, and provide the rich variety of cultural and recreational opportunities we all enjoy. My experience has also taught me how essential it is to anticipate change, forecast developments, and plan for them over the long term.
In the course of my professional career, I’ve managed creative departments at major advertising agencies in NYC and Philadelphia, overseeing budgets ranging from multimillion dollar global accounts to small local projects.
What inspired you to go into public service?
My firm belief that public participation is the bedrock of a democratic society.
What is your favorite Killingworth town landmark/business?
The Killingworth Library, Parmelee Farm, and the thriving businesses near the traffic circle are among the many places that help define Killingworth.
What would you like to improve in Killingworth? To change?
I would like to see a better informed, more active community, with greater civic involvement at all levels – from attendance at town meetings to volunteer efforts and service on committees and commissions. In addition, I have long advocated for state legislation that would give towns in regional school districts like ours the opportunity for direct oversight of school budgets. It may be surprising to some of our residents, but under current state law that is not an option for us.
Can you share the story of a community project you were involved in that was both meaningful for you and helped the town?
As a past Chair of the Field Study Committee I was privileged to have played a part in making both Bethke Field and the Eric W. Auer Killingworth Recreational Park a reality.
What organizations in town—or out of town—do you belong to?
In my 14 years in Killingworth I’ve served on numerous town committees and commissions.
Killingworth Democratic Town Committee 