Mary Ellen Heyman

Biography 

Mary Ellen took office as Irondequoit’s supervisor in January 2006 and immediately began establishing policies and initiatives to improve the quality of life for all Irondequoit residents.   

Many of her actions are guided by three important principles.  First, she is committed to open, honest, accountable government.  Second, she believes strongly in fiscal responsibility and transparency.  Third, she constantly looks to the future, making decisions that will make Irondequoit a better place in the long run.   

Mary Ellen has restored the Town’s financial position by cutting spending, implementing fiscal controls, creating efficiencies, and securing outside grant funds.  She has advanced innovative services and initiatives such as a new and vastly expanded Town website, an update of the Town’s obsolete comprehensive master plan, the most comprehensive energy and environmental policies of any municipality in the state, and targeted Community Development Block Grant Funds to better support youth and vulnerable neighborhoods – spending on people, not things.  

Mary Ellen adheres to a philosophy of “practical environmentalism,” taking steps that preserve our environment for the future, while enhancing our economy and quality of life now.  She has implemented an ambitious program to modernize the Town’s infrastructure (sewers, drainage areas, sidewalks, streets); protect the fragile and unique steep slopes along Irondequoit Bay; reduce energy usage; and attract well-planned development. 

Citizens are consulted and involved every step of the way through meetings, workshops, task forces, committees, surveys, and other forms of public engagement.  Whenever she asks, “Do you love Irondequoit?” the community always answers “Yes.”  The overarching goal is a shared vision of Irondequoit as an attractive community where everyone can realize their personal dreams.    

Before her election as supervisor, Mary Ellen served as President of the East Irondequoit School Board, PTA President, President of the Irondequoit Volunteer Ambulance, and Genesee Valley PTA Chairperson.  She worked for Drs. Gwen Sterns and Joe Silverberg at Rochester General Hospital.   

Supervisor Heyman is married with three children. She was re-elected to a second term in November, 2007.