1 Dinner Ticket

(Stamford, CT- January 5, 2026) – State Street DebaEng Society has named, lifelong Stamford
resident, Arthur (Arty) Selkowitz as the 2026 Person of the Year. The Person of the Year honors
a Stamford, CT leader who embodies great moral character, leadership, and commitment to the
Stamford community. This is the 78th year State Street DebaEng Society has named a Person of
the Year.
An advertising executive who retired in 2002, Arty was Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of
D’Arcy, Masius, Benton & Bowles, one of the largest global advertising agencies. During his
advertising career he helped build such brands as Crest, Bounce, Cadillac, and Mars candies. In
the 90’s he helped major clients open up new markets in Eastern Europe and Asia. He is a past
Board member of the American Association of Advertising Agencies and was a recipient of the
United Jewish Federation of New York’s Global Leadership award.
Arty has devoted decades to public service and is currently active in several community
organizations. He was a long-time member of the Board of Directors of the Jewish Community
Center in Stamford, was President of the organization, and currently sits on its Leadership
Advisory Council. As a board member of the Stamford Museum and Nature Center, Selkowitz
chaired the Strategic Planning Committee that plotted the current expansion of the museum
facilities. He also served on the Advisory Council of Children’s Learning Centers.
At his retirement, at the request of then Mayor Dan Malloy, Selkowitz became a charter
member and then Founding Chairman of the board of the Mill River Park Collaborative,. He
helped guide that project past many skeptics and obstacles for the park to become one of
Stamford’s crown jewels. In 2023 when he stepped down after two decades from active
leadership of the Park, he became Co-Chair of the Avon Theatre Film Center and is
spearheading the renovation and expansion of this iconic landmark with Co-Chair Susan
Cullman and Executive Director Peter Gistelinck.
In 2012 he was named “Citizen of the Year” in Stamford and was recognized by Moffly Media as
“Outstanding Philanthropist” in 2011. In 2020 he received the Arlene & Irwin Ettinger Legacy
Award from the Stamford Jewish Community Center.
“Stamford is a great city because of the many people who dedicate themselves to giving back to
the community. No one better exemplifies that dedication than Arty Selkowitz! From his
service to the Stamford Jewish Center to his incredible work for the Mill River Park and most
recently his efforts to renovate the Avon Theatre, Arty has made a lasting mark on the fabric of
Stamford that will last for generations. State Street Debating Society is proud to name Arty
Selkowitz our Person of the Year”, said Mike Cacace, Chairman, State Street Debating Society.
Arthur Selkowitz said, “The State Debating Street Society is emblematic of the wonderful
community spirit that permeates Stamford and its citizens. Being recognized by the Society as
worthy of joining the list of past honorees is humbling and gratifying.”
We will celebrate Arty at the Annual State Street Debating Society Person of the Year Dinner on
March 10, 2026 at The Waters Edge at Giovanni’s in Darien, CT.
For tickets and more information go to: statestreetdebating.org