Steve Karl is a lifelong New Canaan resident and a proud fifth-generation member of the community. Deeply rooted in the fabric of the town, Steve’s dedication to public service and civic involvement spans decades, inspired by a long family legacy of leadership—his great-grandfather Henry Kelley served 23 years on the Board of Education, and his great-granduncle Charles Kelley was First Selectman for 16 years. His father Leo continuously served on the Health and Human Services board for over fifty years. 

A graduate of New Canaan High School’s Class of 1980, Steve went on to earn a BA in Business Management and Marketing from Sacred Heart University, where he served as Student Government President and remained active in campus initiatives. While in college, he began working in the family’s automotive and real estate business—an experience that taught him invaluable lessons in customer service, leadership, and adaptability.

Steve and his high school sweetheart, Tracey Lee Geist, purchased their first home in New Canaan in 1989 and raised four boys, all of whom attended the local public schools. He’s coached youth sports including baseball, football, soccer, and lacrosse, and went on to become a member of the NCHS All Sports Booster Club for years. He’s now a proud grandfather to two beautiful girls.

Steve has served New Canaan in numerous official capacities, including 16 years on the Town Council, where he held the roles of Vice Chair and Chair. His committee work has touched every corner of town life, from Public Works to Education to Ordinances and By-Laws. He has also served on the New Canaan Library Board of Trustees and Building Committee, the Republican Town Committee, the Parking Commission. In all these roles, Steve has prioritized transparency, collaboration, and results. He is currently a member of the NC Poinsettia Club and the NC Gridiron Club.

He is running for re-election as a Selectman to continue giving back to the town he calls home. With New Canaan facing important decisions on infrastructure, housing, and community development, Steve brings a steady hand, decades of experience, and a passion for consensus-building to the table. He understands that change is inevitable, but maintaining our town’s historic identity is critical to its long-term success.

 Steve believes local government should be driven by respectful dialogue, thoughtful leadership, and a shared goal of keeping New Canaan the best place to live, work, and raise a family. In addition, working to ensure residents the opportunity of retiring and “staying put” in New Canaan is also one of his priorities.

When he’s not serving the town, you might find Steve golfing, skiing, gardening, or traveling somewhere exciting. But no matter where life takes him, his heart is always at home in New Canaan.