Meet Jim Messa

Jim Messa has proudly called the Town of New Hartford home for over 22 years. He lives on Sherrill Lane with his wife, Kristin, and their son, Gavin. For Jim, family is everything—and that spirit of commitment, compassion, and responsibility carries through everything he does.

Jim’s life is a reflection of public service in action. He actively serves his community by volunteering at the St. John’s Food Pantry, where he helps local families put food on the table with dignity and compassion. Whether he’s loading boxes, organizing shelves, or lending a hand to neighbors in need, Jim believes that true leadership starts with showing up for people—even when no one is watching.

Jim brings more than 20 years of experience in management, fundraising, and public service. He currently serves as Vice President of Development for Community Wellness Partners, a senior care nonprofit where he leads strategic fundraising to support healthcare and wellness for our aging population. Previously, he held senior roles at Cathedral Corporation, where he built teams, managed operations, and worked across public and private sectors to solve problems and build solutions.

His professional life has been guided by integrity, accountability, and a results-driven mindset—qualities that earned him the trust of colleagues and constituents alike.

For the past 11 years, Jim has served as First Ward Councilman for the Town of New Hartford, earning a reputation as a principled and responsive leader. He’s known for doing the homework, showing up for tough conversations, and standing up for what’s right—even when it’s not easy or popular.

Jim served five years as a New Hartford Police Commissioner, where he championed public safety with fairness and a steady hand. And when politics got in the way of progress, Jim didn’t fall in line—he stood his ground. Time and again, he has voted with the people, not the party.

Jim isn’t afraid to ask hard questions, push for transparency, or challenge the status quo. That’s because his loyalty is—and always has been—to the residents of New Hartford.

Jim earned his associate degree in Criminal Justice from MVCC and his bachelor’s degree in Business and Public Management from SUNYIT. That dual background—law and leadership—has shaped his approach to town government: smart, fair, and focused on real results.

Beyond politics and profession, Jim has always made time to give back. He’s a former Little League coach, a youth sports supporter, and a community volunteer who doesn’t just talk about service—he lives it.

New Hartford deserves leadership that listens, acts, and never forgets who they work for. Jim is running for Town Supervisor because he believes public service should be honest, transparent, and accountable. He believes in local government that works for all of us—not just the well-connected few. And he believes that together, we can build a future rooted in community, trust, and shared values.

Jim Messa is not here for the headlines—he’s here for the hard work. He’s ready to lead, ready to listen, and ready to fight for a New Hartford that works for everyone.