Outgoing Town Manager Matthew Sturgis was honored with respect and gratitude by friends, family, colleagues, and residents at the May 6, 2024 Town Council party at the Purpoodock Club.  The event included a video montage of messages from friends and colleagues of Sturgis, followed by speeches from select attendees.

David Backer, President of the TD Beach to Beacon 10K, thanked Sturgis for his support of the race with a personalized tote from the organization. Colleagues Chief Paul Fenton, Fire Chief Steve Young, Code Enforcement Officer Ben McDougal, and Assistant Town Manager Debra Lane spoke individually of their friendships and admiration for Sturgis.  Chief Fenton and Chief Young both credited Sturgis for facilitating fully-staffed departments, for which Young gave Sturgis an official hat from the Cape Elizabeth Fire and Rescue Department. Superintendent of the Cape Elizabeth School Department Dr. Chris Record, praised Sturgis for his support and long hours devoted to the School Building Advisory Committee.  

Former Town Council Chairs, Jamie Garvin and Jessica Sullivan, who both served alongside Sturgis, gave special tributes to Sturgis' long tenure with the town of Cape Elizabeth.  Current councilor and former Chair, Jeremy Gabrielson, spoke about Sturgis' steadfastness during the pandemic years.  Current Town Councilor Penny Jordan, who organized the event along with councilor Stephanie Anderson, delivered more heartfelt gratitude and delivered a parting gift from the entire council of a Portland Headlight photograph.  Chair Timothy Reiniger served as the Master of Ceremonies and gave Sturgis an official Town of Cape Elizabeth Chair in honor of his nearly 25 years of service to the town.

At the conclusion of the party, Sturgis thanked his wife Amy Sturgis and their daughter Liza, for their support and patience over the years, "They never ever complained," he said about the long hours and late nights he kept as Town Manager.  Sturgis praised his colleagues for their support and friendship over the years, "I loved coming to work every day," and the relationships formed with past and current councilors.

Sturgis' last day as Cape Elizabeth's Town Manager is May 8.  Former Town Manager Michael McGovern will step in as interim on May 9 up until six month or until the council hires a new manager.  

Video Link: https://reflect-cetv.cablecast.tv/store-5/1315-Farewell-Video-for-Matt-v1/vod.mp4

David Backer

Fire Chief Steve Young

Police Chief Paul Fenton and CEPD

Assistant Town Manager Debra Lane

Code Enforcement Officer Benjamin McDougal

Town Council Chair Timothy Reiniger

Superintendent Christopher Record

Councilor Penny Jordan, SBAC member Michael Hussey, and former councilor Mary Ann Lynch

Former Town Council Chair Jessica Sullivan

Former Town Council Chair Jamie Garvin

Chief Paul Fenton, former Housing Diversity Study Committee member Curtis Kelly, and Town Councilor Tim Thomson

Town Councilor and former Chair, Jeremy Gabrielson

Honoree, Town Manager Matthew Sturgis