Daniel A. Champagne

Daniel A. Champagne is the Mayor of Vernon, Connecticut, a position he has held since November 11, 2013. As the town's Chief Executive Officer, he is responsible for the administration of all municipal departments and agencies, ensures the faithful execution of laws and ordinances, prepares the annual town budget and report, and appoints department heads subject to Town Council approval. Champagne is a lifelong resident of Vernon, having graduated from Rockville High School before earning an Associate of Science in Criminal Justice from Manchester Community College, a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Eastern Connecticut State University, and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Connecticut.

Prior to serving as mayor, Champagne worked as a police officer for the Town of Vernon from 1990 to 2012, retiring after 22 years of service. During his law enforcement career, he received multiple Distinguished Service Awards (2001, 2004, 2005, 2008, and 2010) and Meritorious Service Awards (2004 and 2005). He also served in the Connecticut Army National Guard from 1987 to 1992. Before being elected mayor, Champagne served on the Vernon Town Council from 2005 to 2011, and was a member of the Vernon Drug and Alcohol Council, the Youth Services Advisory Council, and the School Readiness Council, all from 2010 to 2011. In addition to his role as mayor, Champagne was elected as a Connecticut State Senator representing the 35th District in 2018 and is a member of the Republican Party.