Connecticut State Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development

Commissioner

 

Alexandra DaumAlexandra Daum, Commissioner

On November 16, 2022, Governor Ned Lamont announced his appointment of Alexandra Daum as Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD). 

Daum previously served as Deputy Commissioner and Chief Investment Officer of DECD. In this role, she drove public investment in local economic development projects and initiatives across Connecticut, including greenfield and brownfield real estate developments, public-private partnerships, urban revitalization efforts and opportunity zones. She also managed Governor Lamont’s community redevelopment initiatives, most notably the Connecticut Communities Challenge Grants, Brownfield Municipal Grants, and the Community Investment Fund 2030.

Prior to joining DECD, Daum was the founder and principal of Field Properties, a real estate investor in New Haven. She began her real estate development career at Trammell Crow Residential in its Northern California division. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Harvard College and an MBA from Harvard Business School.

 

Paul O. Robertson, Deputy Commissioner

Paul O. Robertson was named Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer of the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) in February of 2022.  In this role, he oversees all business development, government affairs, tourism, marketing, and communications activities of the department.  In addition, he serves as chair of the Social Equity Council that is helping develop an equitable cannabis entrepreneurship ecosystem.

Paul has extensive experience as a business, marketing and media consultant and is a proven leader in building organizations, improving processes, and developing talent.  He has served as chairman of the Connecticut Convention & Sports Bureau (CTCSB) where he was responsible for bringing international, national, and regional conferences, conventions, and sporting events to the state.

Previously, he served as Senior Vice President of Corporate Development at Connecticut Public Broadcasting. His extensive background in broadcasting management and sales includes jobs as the Station Manager of Radio Disney Connecticut, Associate General Manager at IMG Learfield representing UCONN Sports, Sales Manager at NBC 30 NBC Connecticut, and as an Sr. Account Executive at CBS Radio (Audacy)in Farmington.

Paul holds a bachelor’s degree in Communications from the University of Hartford.


Robert Hotaling, Deputy Commissioner

Robert Hotaling was named Deputy Commissioner and Chief Investment Officer of the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) in February of 2023.  In this role, he drives public investment in statewide economic development efforts including commercial real estate projects, public-private partnerships, and performance-based tax incentives for employers. As CIO, he will maximize the return on the state’s investments by ensuring that public spending catalyzes private activity.

Prior to joining DECD, Rob was Senior Managing Director Enterprise Engineering and Head of Digital Delivery at Webster Bank. His extensive background includes Founder & CEO at Verbi, Vice President of Cloud & Mobile at Kitchen Brains, Director of Mobile Solutions at Walker Digital, IT Solution and Mobile Application Architect & Managing Consultant at IBM GBS, and Chief Technology Officer at Supply Insight. He earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and master of community service from the University of Connecticut, and professional certifications in Innovation & Entrepreneurship and Leadership & Strategy Implementation from Stanford University Graduate School of Business.