Bristol Mayor Art Ward serves as a member of the Executive Committee. A Bristol native, Mayor Ward has devoted much of his life serving his hometown and country. Upon graduation from Bristol Eastern High School, Ward served in the Marine Corps, earning a Purple Heart for distinguished service in Vietnam. He has served as past commander of the American Legion and is a life member of the American Legion, the Disabled American Veterans and Veterans of Foreign Wars. Ward is retired from the Connecticut Department of Veterans’ Affairs, where he served as a veterans’ service officer until his election as mayor in 2007. His service to Bristol includes 14 years on the City Council and seven years on the Zoning Board of Appeals.