Edition Eleven
Edition 11: June 2024
Commissioner's Corner
This edition of DAS Newsline seeks to keep you informed of the latest updates from the department, including the opening of the DEEP Western District Headquarters, the successful completion of the Aspiring Leaders Development Program, and much more.
Executive Branch's First Net-Zero Energy Building Opens
On June 20, DAS joined DEEP, Lt. Governor Bysiewicz, and legislators, to officially open DEEP's new Western District Headquarters located in Black Rock State Park.
This was no ordinary ribbon cutting, as the new building is the first-ever net-zero energy executive branch state building, designed to meet LEED Platinum standards. The new headquarters also consolidates work that is currently spread across 11 buildings in 5 towns.
Aspiring Leaders Graduation
Earlier this month, DAS celebrated the 25 graduates of the 2024 cohort of the Aspiring Leaders Development program,
Starting in March, this extraordinary group of managers has participated in an intensive training program under the statewide learning and development team.
The participants were nominated by their agency heads for their leadership abilities, and they grew tremendously throughout the program. We can't see what the future holds for the Aspiring Leaders class of 2024!
Learn more about the Aspiring Leaders program:
GreenerGov Awards
DAS brought home several awards at the GreenerGovCT awards ceremony earlier this month. Congratulations to Ryan Ensling on receiving the Changemaker Award, and to David Barkin for receiving the GreenerGov Challenge Award.
Both Ryan and David are relentless in their work at putting sustainability at the center of everything we do at DAS, and we are thrilled they are being recognized for these efforts.
GreenerGov CT Awards Honor State Government Leadership in Sustainability Efforts (ct.gov)
Trainings and Presentations
Leasing and Property Transfer
On June 12, DAS Statewide Leasing and Property Transfer presented an overview of its real estate services to state agencies and the Judicial Branch to ensure that all agencies are fully informed about the leasing/property transfer and assignment of space process, in DAS’s continuing effort to reduce the amount of time the process takes and to ensure all involved are following statutes.
Leasing and Property Transfer Holds Statewide Presentation (ct.gov)
Real Estate and Construction Services
This spring, the DAS Real Estate and Construction Services team completed a three-part training for construction administrators working on Connecticut Department of Administrative Services projects. The training was hosted by the Connecticut Chapter of Construction Management Association of America and held at Goodwin University.
Office of Education and Data Management
In May, the Office of Education and Data Management held an all-day energy conservation code training for more than 100 building code and design professionals.
Fleet Operations
Earlier this month, DAS Fleet Operations held a training to ensure all agency transportation administrators are aware of recent changes to General Letter 115, including how to respond to violations documented by the newly implemented telematics system. More than 130 employees participated from more than 50 agencies. We will continue to offer similar trainings as we work to improve safety and compliance within our state fleet.
Supporting Pollinators at Our Facilities
Last week was Pollinator Week. DAS is in charge of maintaining the Governor's Residence, and in recent years, that work has included the addition of many native and pollinator-friendly plants.
Take a moment to check out some of the efforts that the DAS team has taken to support the bees (300 species of which call Connecticut home!), butterflies, birds, and other pollinators who support our food system, ecosystem, and economy.
VIDEO: Supporting Pollinators at the Governor's Residence (LinkedIn)
DAS Continues Recruitment Efforts
The DAS Talent Solutions and Equal Employment Opportunity teams continued to work tirelessly to reach out to prospective employees through attendance at career fairs at CT State Housatonic and other locations in recent weeks.
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