Groton — When Cindy R. Landry was hired in 1982, she never dreamed she would spend her entire career with the town and that it would all be in the finance department.

She started off in the tax office, then moved to accounts payable and held positions as accounting supervisor and treasurer. She became finance director in 2014. Last Friday, she retired after serving 40 years with the town.

“Forty years is a long time and I saw a lot of changes over the years but it passed so very fast,” Landry said. “I’ve worked with some amazing people throughout the years and cannot speak highly enough of my staff both past and present. I am especially grateful for the terrific bosses I had — each in their own way taught me so much and gave me the opportunities to gain the experience that helped me to reach the position of finance director.”

Delia Morrison, who was appointed as deputy finance director in 2019, has been named interim finance director, and the permanent position has been advertised, Town Manager John Burt said.

The finance director is “the Chief Financial Officer of the Town and plans, organizes, coordinates, manages, and directs all divisions of the Finance Department and oversees their adherence to the Town’s fiscal management policies," according to the job posting. The director “is responsible for accounting, investment, cash management, revenue collection programs, and purchasing,” and prepares annual financial reports.

Landry said she enjoyed all her years with the town and had the opportunity to constantly learn. It was really the people who made her want to stay with the town for her entire career.

“It was like a family,” she said. “Everyone was just so happy. Everyone helped each other out.”

People were always willing to teach and train each other: “I’ll be eternally grateful for being hired here,” she said.

Even though she held positions as supervisor and finance director, Landry said she always thought of herself as a “worker bee” like everybody else and just felt like she worked for the town and its residents. She tried to be accommodating and help anyone who had questions.

Landry said she would especially like to thank Burt for his support these last few years. She said she will miss the town and her fellow employees but is looking forward to her next chapter.

Landry, 63, said she is retiring because it is time. Her husband retired a couple of years ago, and Landry, who was born in the South and moved to Groton at age 12, said she’s a Southern girl at heart and will return to the South to go back to her roots and be closer to her family. She has one son.

“Cindy was an incredible employee with a wealth of historic knowledge, which can’t be replaced,” Burt said. “We worked well together and she was always someone I could depend on. She will be missed here.”

Groton employees and officials who worked closely with her also gave her accolades.

“I don’t know if I know anybody that has the memory for detail that she has, and her ability to recall situations and facts and numbers just always blew me away, but I would say she really did well for the Town of Groton,” Assessor Mary Gardner said. “You’re in a hard position as director of finance because everybody is coming to you for something, but she really did well for Groton taxpayers and made the best decisions for the town.”

“I always thought she did a great job, and she was really a pleasure to work with,” Gardner added.

"The Town has been fortunate to receive so many years of service from Director Landry," Town Mayor Juan Melendez Jr. said. "She always took the time to answer any questions I had. She will be missed."

Town Councilor Melinda Cassiere said she cannot thank Landry enough for her years of dedicated service. “She was always kind, prepared and demonstrated professionalism and patience with elected officials during any of our budgetary questions or concerns,” Cassiere said. “I congratulate her on her retirement.”

“Director Landry has provided the town of Groton exceptional financial oversight for many years and her contribution to the Town of Groton's strong financial position cannot be understated,” said Groton Town Councilor David F. McBride Jr., who is also New London’s finance director. “She is very well known in the municipal world of finance and the Town Council and the Administration want to wish her the very best in her well-deserved retirement.”

Town Councilor Rachael Franco said she thinks Landry “is a Municipal Accounting Rock-Star, and her shoes will be very hard to fill.”

“During her time at Groton Town Hall, Cindy worked in various positions as she advanced her career to finally retire as Director of Finance. She also spent extensive time after hours and on weekends attending Groton's budget meetings, Town Council, and RTM meetings," said Franco, who added that she has the utmost respect for Landry and thinks she has genuinely earned and deserves a long and enjoyable retirement. She said she wishes Landry all the best.

Town Councilor Bruce Jones called Landry a “huge asset to the town.” He said she was very, very dedicated and tireless and was always willing to help and answer questions. She clearly explained financial matters and was approachable in terms of explaining the financial workings of the town.

"I enjoyed working with her," Jones said. "I wish her the best in her retirement. She'll be missed."

k.drelich@theday.com