Volume 2, Issue 2
Volume 2, Edition 2: September 2024
Commissioner's Corner
Dear Legislative Partners:
In this edition of DAS Newsline, we celebrate the official opening of the Applied Innovation Hub at Central Connecticut State University; highlight a major construction milestone at the Connecticut National Guard's Putnam Readiness Center; showcase the successful execution of the eighth annual Connecticut Digital Summit, and more.
Please feel free to share this information with your constituents,
Sincerely,
Michelle Gilman
Commissioner, DAS
Opening the Applied Innovation Hub
Earlier this month, the DAS team joined Governor Lamont and colleagues from Central Connecticut State University and the CSCU system to officially cut the ribbon for the Applied Innovation Hub, the four-story, 87,000 square foot state-of-the-art academic building that now houses many STEM-related courses and programs. It also includes an extended reality lab -- which gives students the opportunity to work with immersive technologies such as virtual reality and augmented reality -- in addition to robotics and mechatronics spaces.
DAS was proud to administer the $54 million project. The building serves as a testament to the state's commitment to fostering the next generation of engineers and innovators.
CCSU’s new innovations hub designed to meet state workforce needs (hartfordbusiness.com)
Refreshed Experience at the Big E
This year, the Connecticut building at the Big E has a new look. In conjunction with our colleagues at DECD, the DAS team updated the interior of the building with new signage and branding, removed stalls to facilitate better flow, and created an interactive exhibit area to showcase Connecticut's innovative spirit.
This sets the stage for the next round of upgrades, slated to begin following the 2025 Big E, which includes a full roof replacement, exterior repairs, soffits and gutters, brick facade improvements, painting, and interior electrical upgrades.
Thanks to the DAS Facilities team for their incredible work getting the building ready for this year's fair.
Introducing the new Chief Information Security Officer
DAS is thrilled to welcome Gene Meltser as the new Chief Information Security Officer for the State of Connecticut, working on the DAS BITS team.
"My vision is a government that encourages secure and efficient interactions that preserve privacy and security, with sensible controls and demonstrable confidence that we take security seriously. I plan on working with my team, our leadership, peers, state agencies, and stakeholders to influence positive change via openness, good decision-making, mutual growth, and continuous learning, with the goal of making all of us collectively better and more secure," Gene says.
Please join us in welcoming Gene to DAS.
Connecticut’s New CISO Gene Meltser Aims to Reduce Risk (Government Technology)
Successful Digital Summit
The eighth annual Connecticut Digital Summit was a testament to the incredible talent of DAS's leaders. Tackling topics from AI, to digital transformation, to digital identity, to workforce development, and everything in between, leaders from DAS served on nearly every panel discussion.
More than 200 IT leaders from state and local government attended the event and shared their experiences in the digital government space.
In one particularly interesting highlight of the event, Chief Information Officer Mark Raymond outlined his top eight steps governments should take -- steps Connecticut is currently taking -- to improve digital government delivery.
Mark Raymond's 8 Steps to Improve Digital Government (LinkedIn)
Training Building Officials
We are excited to share that our recent licensure training program for people wanting to become building officials resulted in 24 candidates finding code official roles with municipal building departments, which brings much needed relief to those critical and often overburdened teams. Several also found positions in other sectors.
The next set of pre-licensure training programs is set to begin in January 2025 -- please feel free to share this information with anyone who might be interested in a career as a building official.
How to become a Licensed Building Code Enforcement Official (ct.gov)
Updated Business.CT.gov Launched
Earlier this month, the DAS Digital Services team announced the launch of the updated business.ct.gov, the State of Connecticut’s online business portal. In a process that included stakeholders from several state agencies, the updated portal improves accessibility, user experience, and the array of services offered.
Major Milestone in Putnam Readiness Center
DAS recently joined Congressman Joe Courtney, Major General Francis J. Evon, Commissioner Ronald Welch, State Representative Rick Hayes, and many others for the topping-off ceremony to celebrate the last beam being added to the top of the brand-new Connecticut National Guard Putnam Readiness Center. Slated to open in 2025, the new facility will support the 643rd Military Police Company and will return the Guard to northeastern Connecticut for the first time since the former Putnam armory closed more than 15 years ago.
DAS is proud to administer this project in close partnership with the Connecticut Military Department, and we are looking forward to returning for the official opening next year.
VIDEO: Putman National Guard Readiness Center Topping Off Ceremony (LinkedIn)
Continued Recruitment Efforts
DAS Talent Solutions and Equal Employment Opportunity staff continued their outreach efforts, attending career fairs at UConn and the Connecticut Police Academy, among many others.
If you know of anyone interested in state employment, more information and an online application is available at the Online Employment Center.
State of Connecticut Executive Branch Online Employment Center (JobAps)
Overall Government Experience Award Finalist
DAS was honored to be recognized as a 2024 Government Experience Overall Finalist by the Center for Digital Government. Congratulations to the BITS Digital Government and Operational Excellence team for this prestigious recognition. It is a testament to an unwavering commitment to improving the digital experience for residents.
Government Experience Awards 2024 Winners Announced (Government Technology)
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