Jody Dietch to Be Honored as This Year’s O’Sullivan Award Recipient

Press Release, Orange, CT - February 2, 2026

Dedication, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to community are hallmarks of this year’s O’Sullivan Award honoree, Jody Dietch. This annual award, presented by the Orange Democratic Town Committee, recognizes an Orange resident for outstanding community service in the spirit of the O’Sullivan family.

Dietch was born in New Haven and moved to Orange at the age of four. With brief stints out of town, she returned to Orange to raise her family. Her lifelong connection to the town has shaped a deep commitment to public service and civic engagement.

Dietch served on the Orange Board of Education from 2007 to 2015, holding numerous leadership roles including Secretary, Vice Chair, Chair of the Finance Committee, and Chair of the Personnel, Policy, and Transportation Committee. Her passion for public service led her to seek town elected office, running for the Board of Selectmen in 2013 and 2015, and for First Selectman in 2019. She also served the town as Constable from 2023 to 2025.

Given her long-standing commitment to education, Dietch served on the Race Brook School PTA as President and as a member of the playground committee. As PTA Co-President, working alongside school leadership, she helped develop both the vision and financial support for the Race Brook School track.

Dietch has been a member of the Orange Democratic Town Committee (ODTC) since 2010, and has served as Treasurer, Secretary, and Chair. Her leadership has helped shape the organization through the implementation of systems still in place today, including strengthening the Nominating Committee, managing fundraising efforts, and overseeing communications through the development of the website, email system, and social media presence. She also served as the first Connecticut Van Manager for the ODTC and served this past year on both the Nominating and Fundraising Committees. For many years she also chaired the ODTC's presence in the Orange Memorial Day parade.

Dietch’s commitment to public service extends to the greater community. She served on the board of Kids Count of Milford from 1999 to 2012, including terms as Secretary and President, and chaired its annual Harborlight Happening fundraiser. She has volunteered with Congregation Or Shalom, assisting with the design of its 25th anniversary commemorative book, and with the Jewish Home for the Aged as a representative for the Community One commemorative book. Dietch has also volunteered with the Orange Volunteer Firemen’s Carnival and helped found The Orange Times, where she wrote a regular column highlighting local volunteers. Professionally, Dietch was the owner of the Little White House Learning Center from 1998 to 2008. She currently serves as Executive Director of Congregation Mishkan Israel in Hamden.

Dietch and her husband Jeff have two sons, Howie and Mike. Both she and her sons are graduates of Race Brook School, Amity Middle School, and Amity Regional High School. She is also a proud Savta (Hebrew for grandmother) to grandsons Noah and Aaron.

Dietch will be honored by the Orange Democratic Town Committee on Wednesday, March 25, at 5:30 pm at Birchwoods at Oak Lane. For information on attending or placing a congratulatory ad in the commemorative program, please contact Melissa Johnston at msmelissajohnston@gmail.com or 203-520-0331.

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