Gill Announces Retirement
by Kathy Savolt and Cindy Goldstein
In a press release dated November 6, 2026, Village Manager Kathleen Gill announced her retirement effective January 8, 2027 (see HERE). Gill thanked the Mayor and Trustees, the staff and the community partners for their dedication. She also expressed appreciation to residents and business owners for sharing their ideas and concerns.
Rumors Had Been Flying
Rumors of staff leaving had circulated over the past few months after the difficulties caused by the mosquito problem, primarily in the Shore Acres neighborhood, and the negotiations with LMC Media. Residents have been angrily attacking Village officials and demanding their resignations. Social media was rife with attacks on Gill, claiming she “didn’t care” and “never smiled.” Insiders speculated that Gill would leave and then other staff would follow.
Reaction Has Been Both Shock and Sadness
Mayor Sharon Torres released the following statement to The Mamaroneck Observer:
“I cannot thank Kathleen enough for the leadership, dedication, and steady hand she has brought to the Village during some very challenging times. Her hard work has helped put the Village on stronger financial footing, secure tens of millions of dollars in grant funding, and make meaningful progress on flood mitigation efforts that are so important to our residents. Beyond these accomplishments, I am personally grateful for her guidance, partnership, and unwavering commitment to doing what is best for our community. Kathleen’s contributions to the Village have been invaluable, and the impact of her leadership will be felt long after her retirement. While I am sad to see her go, I am incredibly happy for her as she begins this well-deserved next chapter. I wish her nothing but happiness and all the very best in her retirement.”
Washingtonville resident Laura Abbate reacted with sadness and sent the following statement on behalf of herself and the residents of Washingtonville:
On behalf of the Washingtonville Neighborhood Association, and as a fourth-generation resident of the Village of Mamaroneck, I am deeply dismayed by the resignation of Village Manager Kathleen Gill.
Kathleen took the time to meet with residents one-on-one and as a community. She walked through Washingtonville in the snow to see our living conditions firsthand and understand what needed to be brought up to par. She listened to our concerns, responded to our needs, and recognized the overcrowding and quality-of-life issues our neighborhood has endured. As the driving force behind the Quality of Life Committee, she made residents feel heard.
She also worked diligently to address serious concerns affecting our community, including possible environmental and health issues, Brownfields, flooding, and the impacts of decisions that have too often left Washingtonville feeling overlooked. She was willing to ask difficult questions, get to the bottom of issues, and work alongside her team to find solutions. It was not an easy job; she inherited a Village facing years of mismanagement, mistrust, and deeply rooted problems.
I am very disappointed by the behavior of the Board of Trustees and the lack of unity and teamwork shown at a time when our Village needs leaders working together to build a better community. Instead of allowing her the time and support to create meaningful change, the poison and venomous attacks took their toll.
Kathleen Gill was a true pioneer and a force for this Village. She brought back steps and priorities that had been missing, including advocating for our civil servants and bringing a renewed sense of accountability and direction. I truly believed that, with her expertise and steadfast leadership, the Village of Mamaroneck was slowly but surely beginning to turn a corner.
I had hoped to see ten years of Ms. Gill helping to change our path. Her resignation is a tremendous loss—not only for Washingtonville, but for the entire Village of Mamaroneck.
Trustee Maria DeRose said this was “a sad day for the Village of Mamaroneck” and that this “put the Village in not an ideal spot.” She complimented Gill and said she personally wished her well.
Jennifer O’Neill, President of the Chamber of Commerce, expressed surprise and wished Gill well in her retirement. She hoped “the Village would fill the position with someone looking out for the interests of the local businesses.” Michael Murphy of Murphy Brothers and former President of the Chamber said that “the business community felt like they were making headway in the Village with Gill.” He stressed that the Village needs continuity to get things done and was sad to see Gill go.
Gill’s Tenure
In the less-than-two years Gill has been Village Manager, she has contributed immensely to the Village. Her list of accomplishments is long and really was just beginning. She had identified many, many initiatives that needed attention.
Here’s just a sample, in no particular order, with links to articles from past editions of The Mamaroneck Observer:
Halstead Avenue Intersection: https://www.mamaroneckobserver.org/post/residents-question-halstead-avenue-safety-after-accident
Prospect Ave/Mamaroneck Ave: https://www.mamaroneckobserver.org/post/board-finds-funds-for-new-signals-at-troubled-intersection
Water Fee for Pay for Flood Mitigation: https://www.mamaroneckobserver.org/post/new-fee-to-come-out-of-water-customers-pockets
Flood Mitigation Public Meeting: https://www.mamaroneckobserver.org/post/comprehensive-flood-mitigation-meetings-scheduled
Grants and Flooding: https://www.mamaroneckobserver.org/post/village-seeks-additional-grants-to-fund-priorities https://www.mamaroneckobserver.org/post/flood-mitigation-update-1 https://www.mamaroneckobserver.org/post/implementing-the-flood-plan
Affordable Housing: https://www.mamaroneckobserver.org/post/conference-outlines-new-ideas-for-affordable-housing
Village Contract Overcharges: https://www.mamaroneckobserver.org/post/careless-or-corrupt-taxpayers-foot-the-bill
LMC Media: https://www.mamaroneckobserver.org/post/cable-tv-three-municipalities-and-a-not-for-profit
Tougher Stormwater Laws: https://www.mamaroneckobserver.org/post/village-passes-tighter-stormwater-law https://www.mamaroneckobserver.org/post/stormwater-101-why-the-village-is-working-to-strengthen-flood-control-laws
After one year – Gill interview: https://www.mamaroneckobserver.org/post/village-manager-gill-s-first-year-how-did-it-go
Renewed Ties with Chamber: https://www.mamaroneckobserver.org/post/chamber-of-commerce-hosts-q-a-session-with-village-officials
While not everyone agreed with all of her initiatives, most residents felt relief that the Village was finally moving in the right direction.
Next Steps
No one from the Village has announced any next steps, but in the past, the Village retained executive recruitment firms to assist with the search for Village Managers.
