Linda Habgood, Councilwoman Ward 1

Linda Habgood

Since moving to Westfield in 2000, Habgood has been a committed and ardent volunteer. Most notably, she was co-head of the Citizens Action Committee that advocated for the ‘Centralized Kindergarten Bond’ that enabled the creation of Lincoln School in 2005. She has served in a wide variety of leadership positions, including Finance Chair of the Presbyterian Nursery School and Kindergarten Board, Fundraising chair of the Westfield HS PTSO and was a two-time producer of the Washington School Show. She is also a board member and active fundraiser for the New Jersey Festival Orchestra.
“Our town has a winning combination of attributes — smart citizens, strategic location, financial strength and great schools,” said Habgood. “I am committed to making Westfield even better.”
“Our AAA credit rating is both a source of pride and an asset,” said Habgood, who has dedicated her 28-year career in finance to building public/private partnerships. “If wisely used, we can address pressing problems like our downtown. In addition, I look forward to finding new revenue sources for our town. Raising property taxes can’t always be our answer.”
Habgood is the co-owner of a financial advisory business that facilitates foreign direct investment in healthcare, clean power, education, start-ups, telecommunications, and infrastructure around the world. Her knack for structured finance and problem-solving have enabled her company to close more than $11 billion in transactions for 1000+ clients. Habgood holds a BA (Presidential Scholar) from The College of William and Mary and an MBA from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania.
She and her husband, Gary Zanfagna, an attorney for Honeywell, have two sons at Westfield High School: Phil, who will be Habgood's campaign manager, is a senior; and Andrew, a sophomore. Both boys are active in the WHS Basketball program, Model UN and Choir. They all are active members of the Presbyterian Church in Westfield, where Habgood serves as a mission trip advisor and a long-time member of the Youth Commission. The family can be spotted all over Westfield walking Daisy, their fluffy sheepdog.