Preston — A second candidate and the first Democrat has announced plans to run for first selectman this fall, when 22-year incumbent Republican Robert Congdon will retire.

Democrat Sandra Allyn-Gauthier, 54, a member of the Board of Finance and a past member of various boards and civic groups in Preston and the region, announced Tuesday she will seek her party's nomination this summer.

Allyn-Gauthier, who is not related to potential Republican opponent Edward Gauthier, who announced in April plans to seek his party’s nomination, has 25 years of experience in banking, investment, finance and institutional advancement. She currently works as assistant vice president/financial advisor for People’s United Securities, a subsidiary of People’s United Bank.

She said she has been considering running for first selectman for several months and has attended many town board and commission meetings in recent months. Last October, she attended the annual Connecticut Conference of Municipalities conference and other CCM workshops, including one on community engagement, to prepare for her campaign.

“We’re at a pivotal crossroads,” Allyn-Gauthier said of Preston, “with Bob retiring, the Preston Riverwalk plans. With my career path, my background and career pathway it’s the right mix for the town.”

Allyn-Gauthier said Preston must prepare for the proposed major development by Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment at the former Norwich Hospital property and what is likely to be ancillary development throughout town. But she also knows that longtime Preston residents and newcomers who have moved to town want it to retain its small-town character.

“We need to try to forecast what is going to be needed with emergency services, services in general,” Allyn-Gauthier said, “while trying to forecast revenues, maximizing efficiencies, balance the growth while protecting our rural integrity. Most people move to Preston for the small-town community feel.”

In a press release announcing her candidacy, Allyn-Gauthier cited fiscal management as a “strong skill set,” including regulatory compliance, developing and implementing budgets and audit and internal controls and processes.

She has a bachelor's degree in marketing and a master’s degree in business administration.

She has lived and been actively involved in the Preston community for over two decades. She has served on the Board of Finance since last July, and previously served for four years on the Board of Education and a few years on the Zoning Board of Appeals, and was a founding member of the town Ethics Commission.

Allyn-Gauthier also is active with the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut and served for two years as director of institutional advancement for the Three Rivers Community College Foundation.

She and her husband, Jon Gauthier, and 20-year-old daughter, Mackenzie, are lifelong Preston residents.

c.bessette@theday.com