| Ceci Maher | |
| District: | 26th |
| State Senate: | Connecticut State |
| Predecessor: | Will Haskell |
| Term Start: | January 4, 2023 |
| Birth Name: | Catherine Cecilia Queeney |
| Birth Date: | 19 November 1953 |
| Party: | Democratic |
| Children: | 3, including Katherine |
| Residence: | Wilton, Connecticut, U.S. |
| Education: | University of Massachusetts Amherst (BS) Columbia University (MS) |
Catherine Cecilia Maher (née Queeney; born November 19, 1953)[1] is an American executive and politician. She currently serves as a member of the Connecticut State Senate, representing District 26, which encompasses Darien, New Canaan, Redding, Ridgefield, Stamford, Weston, Westport and Wilton. She is a member of the Democratic Party.
Maher was born Catherine Cecilia Queeney to John Hart Queeney and Rosalie (née Kirby) Queeney.[2] She was one of six children and was raised primarily in Stamford, Connecticut, where she attended the local schools. She completed a Bachelor of Science in fashion merchandising at University of Massachusetts Amherst. In 1995, Maher completed a Master of Social Work at Columbia University in New York.[3] [4]
Maher started her career at the department store Lord & Taylor in 1977 and worked for several years for department stores such as Target Corporation. She later became an executive at various non-profit organizations in Connecticut, such as Sandy Hook Promise.[5] [6]
In 2019, Maher unsuccessfully ran for the board of selectmen of Wilton, Connecticut.[5] In 2022, she was endorsed by the Democratic Party for the Connecticut State Senate.[7] She was elected in the primary election on November 8, 2022, succeeding incumbent Will Haskell.[8] She assumed office on January 4, 2023, and currently serves as chair of the Children's commission and vice chair of the Higher Education & Employment Advancement commission. She is also a member of Energy & Technology, Human Services, Internship and Judiciary commissions.[9]
Maher married Gordon Roberts Maher, a Goldman Sachs banking executive, on September 7, 1980.[10] He died on October 5, 2020. Maher has three grown children, including Katherine Maher, and resides in Wilton, Connecticut.[11]