Dan O’Keefe Confirmed as DECD Commissioner

The Connecticut General Assembly confirmed Gov. Ned Lamont’s nomination of Dan O’Keefe to lead the Department of Economic and Community Development March 25.

The state House unanimously endorsed O’Keefe’s nomination following an earlier unanimous vote by the legislature’s Executive and Legislative Nominations Committee.

O’Keefe, who has 25 years experience in the software, consumer and financial technology investment markets, served as commissioner-designate since he was nominated in November to replace Alexandra Daum.

He joined the Lamont administration last July, when he was appointed the state’s first chief innovation officer. 

“I think Connecticut is showing the rest of the country that leadership can come from the center,” O’Keefe said after the confirmation vote.

“Let everyone else tend to their distractions, we are just going to demonstrate how you get things done.”

CBIA president and CEO Chris DiPentima said O’Keefe’s nomination comes at a key time for Connecticut.

“Bringing more businesses and workers to the state, and making this a more affordable and attractive place to live and work, are critical to moving the economy forward,” he said.