LEDYARD TOWN COUNCIL CANDIDATES
WHIT IRWIN
Whit is running for re-election to the Ledyard Town Council to continue supporting small, transparent government that values local control, fiscal responsibility, strong leadership, and traditional conservative principles. He is dedicated to maintaining Ledyard as a phenomenal small town where families thrive.
Whit moved to Ledyard in 2005, intending to stay only three years, but quickly became a lifelong resident. Married to Holly since 2002, they have three children: Conor (deceased), Gretchen, and Charles. Whit served over 27 years in the U.S. Coast Guard, primarily as a rescue helicopter pilot, and has dedicated more than two decades to teaching and mentoring in various aviation and academic roles. He currently works as an Operations Research Analyst at Sonalysts, Inc.
Prior to serving on the Town Council and its Administration Committee, Whit was a member of the Ledyard Board of Education during the COVID-19 pandemic, bringing valuable experience to his local government work.
EARL (TY) LAMB
Ty is running for Town Council to champion inclusion, strengthen connections across generations, and ensure Ledyard remains a welcoming, supportive community where all residents—especially those who feel overlooked—have the opportunity to thrive.
Ty is a lifelong Ledyard native, U.S. Army veteran, and Ledyard High School graduate who returned home after a career that spanned the U.S. and Brazil. A graduate of the Florida Institute of Technology with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering, he brings decades of engineering and leadership experience in the defense, optics, and aerospace industries, including his current role as Principal Engineer at General Dynamics Electric Boat.
Deeply rooted in the community, Ty serves as Chair of the BOE Finance Committee, Chair of the Ledyard Historic District Committee, is an active member of the Ledyard Historical Society, and has held short-term roles such as Recording Secretary for the committee to review the budget process. His volunteer work stretches from local civic engagement to international outreach, including supporting underprivileged communities in Brazil, founding a Portuguese-speaking church in Massachusetts, and decades of service to organizations for people with disabilities.
CAITLYN GRECO
Caitlyn is running for Town Council to promote transparent, efficient, and community-focused local government. She is dedicated to ensuring taxpayer dollars are used wisely, residents’ voices are heard, and Ledyard remains a great place to live, work, and raise a family.
A proud Ledyard resident since December 2021, Caitlyn is a mother of three—two of whom attend Ledyard Public Schools. She understands the importance of strong schools, vibrant neighborhoods, and fiscal responsibility. Caitlyn also served as Team Parent for Ledyard Little League for two years, further demonstrating her commitment to community involvement.
A Rhode Island College graduate with a bachelor’s degree in finance, Caitlyn brings a diverse background in finance, technology, and education. Known for her thoughtful input during budget discussions, she offers creative, practical ideas to reduce unnecessary expenses without compromising essential services.
WILLIAM BARNES
William is seeking his second term on the Ledyard Town Council, driven by a deep commitment to serving his community and prioritizing the needs of Ledyard’s residents. He believes in thoughtful, fiscally responsible decision-making that balances the town’s growth, infrastructure, and quality of life while preserving its character and strong sense of community.
William has proudly called Ledyard home since 2002, raising three children who attended Ledyard Public Schools. A strong believer in community service, he has coached youth baseball, soccer, and basketball, supported local scouting as Scoutmaster and now as Chartered Organization Representative for Troop 16, and served on the Ledyard Historic District Commission from 2018 to 2025 before being appointed to the Town Council in early 2025.
An active member and Moderator of Ledyard Congregational Church, William also brings a distinguished 30-year career in the U.S. Marine Corps, retiring as a Colonel. He holds a B.S. and M.S. from Worcester Polytechnic Institute, an M.A. from the U.S. Naval War College, and is a licensed Professional Engineer, Project Management Professional (PMP), and Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP). Professionally, he has led in cybersecurity for decades, retiring from Pfizer as Deputy Chief Information Security Officer and now serving as Chief Information Security Officer at Electric Boat.
GARY MCKEON
Gary’s lifelong commitment to giving back is rooted in the values instilled by his parents in Norwich. Whether as a volunteer firefighter, law enforcement officer, or fire chief, he has dedicated his life to protecting and serving others. Now running for Ledyard Town Council, Gary’s focus is on fostering open communication—both with the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and across party lines—because, as he believes, everyone ultimately wants what’s best for Ledyard, even if there are different paths to getting there.
Gary has lived a life devoted to public service, community, and family. Married to his late wife, Belinda Yvonne (Hayward) McKeon, for over 36 years, he is the proud father of five and grandfather to 18. A Norwich Free Academy graduate (Class of 1978), Gary began his career in public safety working for the Town of Ledyard as a constable under the resident trooper program from 1978–1989. He went on to serve as the first Fire Chief of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, where he created and implemented fire and safety policies that supported the growth of Foxwoods Resort Casino and other tribal properties, ensuring fire code compliance and public safety.
In 1995, Gary and Belinda founded Joshua’s Limousine Service, which has grown into a global logistics company providing professional luxury transportation. In 2013, they launched Scooter A Long, LLC, originally designed to serve visitors with mobility challenges at Foxwoods and now providing accessibility at major events such as Woodstock and the Dream Ride. Gary has also served in multiple leadership roles, including on the Boards of Directors for the Mystic Schooners summer baseball league, the Connecticut Tourism Coalition, and the Connecticut Eastern Tourism District, where he represents Ledyard to ensure fair distribution of state tourism funds. He has also served as union steward for the Ledyard Police Department and held a past director role with the New England Livery Association.
TIM RYAN
Tim is running for Town Council to bring strategic, transparent, and fiscally responsible leadership to Ledyard. He is committed to ensuring that the town’s resources are used wisely, that residents’ priorities are heard, and that Ledyard remains a welcoming and vibrant community. Tim believes in planning for long-term stability while preserving the qualities that make Ledyard a great place to live.
Tim moved to Ledyard in 2019 with his wife Amy and their twin daughters, after living in Southeastern Connecticut since 2003 when he began his career at Electric Boat. He holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and a Master’s in Engineering Management, and brings a strong history of public service. Before settling in Ledyard, Tim served on New London’s Charter Review Board, Planning & Zoning Commission, and as Vice Chair of the New London Republican Town Committee. In 2024, he was appointed to Ledyard’s Planning & Zoning Commission.
Tim is committed to procedural and fiscal transparency in government, advocating for strategic and balanced budgeting that prioritizes the essential needs of residents while respecting what the town can afford. He supports regionalization and shared resource initiatives when they offer mutual benefits, and encourages responsible business growth that integrates seamlessly into the town’s character—preserving the qualities that drew his family and so many others to make Ledyard their home.