First Selectman Dan Carter

Dan has been a Bethel resident for over to 20 years. Prior to entering public service, Dan served as an officer and pilot in the United States Air Force and is a veteran of Desert Storm. After leaving active duty, Dan enjoyed a 20-year career in sales, management, and recruiting roles which culminated in Dan owning his own business.

Prior to his election as Bethel's First Selectmen in February 2023, he represented Bethel as a State Representative from 2011 to 2017 and served on the Bethel Board of Finance.

In addition to his responsibilities as the town’s chief elected official and de facto town manager, Dan works at the regional and state legislative levels to advance the interests of Bethel residents and businesses. Dan currently serves as the Vice Chairman of the Western Connecticut Council of Governments, the Vice Chairman of the Housatonic Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization, and the Vice Chairman of the Housatonic Resource Recovery Authority. Dan has also remained active in the community on many boards.

Dan holds a bachelor's degree in political science from Bowling Green State University and a master's degree in airport management from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.  Dan is a husband to his wonderful wife Jane and a father of two grown children.