WESTPORT — The new director of the Westport Center for Senior Activities has been hired from a similar post in Weston.

Wendy Petty, who has served 11 years as director of the Weston Senior Activities Center, will take the Westport post on Feb. 1, replacing Sue Pfister, the longtime director who retired at the end of last year.

First Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker, announcing Petty’s appointment Friday, also promoted Holly Betts to be the center’s assistant director, and Jason Wilson was named program specialist.

The Westport Center for Senior Activities, 21 Imperial Ave., operates as a division of the town’s Department of Human Services, under supervision of Director Elaine Daignault.

Petty, a Fairfield resident, helped the Weston Senior Activities Center achieve “significant growth” during her tenure, according to Friday’s announcement. Her professional background includes non-profit operations, team leadership, grant and program development, and budget administration, officials said.

Originally from southern California, Wendy and her husband Jim raised their children in Weston, and recently moved to Fairfield. She has a B.A. in counseling and human services from Notre Dame de Namur University.

“Wendy’s collaborative approach makes her an ideal candidate to lead the WCSA after the retirement of longtime Director Sue Pfister,” Tooker said in a press statement. “She brings professional expertise, operational management and local knowledge to the human services team and, most importantly, to the WCSA.”

Petty, in the statement, said, “I am very excited to join WCSA’s team and look forward to building on their success as an exemplary hub for local seniors.

“Together, we will continue to provide the best possible care and service to the senior community,” she added.

“Under Sue Pfister’s leadership,” Daignault said, “the WCSA’s dedicated team helped to build the center of Westport’s dreams.

“Today, we prepare for a new era of growth and prosperity for our most esteemed senior residents. I could not be more excited to welcome Wendy to the team.”