Press Releases
12/04/2018
Gov.-Elect Lamont Announces Ryan Drajewicz as Chief of Staff, Melissa McCaw as OPM Secretary
(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor-elect Ned Lamont today announced two personnel appointments for his administration: Ryan Drajewicz will serve as Chief of Staff in the Office of the Governor, and Melissa McCaw will serve as Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management (OPM).
Ryan Drajewicz is the current Executive Director of the Lamont-Bysiewicz Transition, where he is responsible for ensuring that the Governor-elect and Lieutenant Governor-elect are ready to govern on Day 1. Working closely with Governor-elect Lamont, he is responsible for setting the strategic vision of the transition, designing the structure of the Governor’s office and aligning it with the top talent, assessing government agencies and advising the Governor-elect on personnel appointments, and setting the legislative agenda. Drajewicz spent nearly a decade working in the United States Senate for U.S. Senator Chris Dodd. Drajewicz most recently worked in the financial services industry at Bridgewater Associates as a Senior Management Associate and was part of the firm’s Core Management Team. He lives in Fairfield with his wife Kate and young son Charlie. Drajewicz is a proud native of Haddam, CT and a graduate of Barry University.
Melissa McCaw has over seventeen years of budgeting, financial analysis and planning experience in government and higher education organizations. McCaw currently serves as the Chief Financial Officer and the Director of Budget, Management & Grants for the City of Hartford, where she has worked for nearly 3 years. McCaw was the Budget Director at the University of Hartford for nearly seven years, and served as a Budget Specialist at OPM for nearly eight years. She received a Bachelor of Arts from Wesleyan University and a Master of Public Administration, Public Finance & Budgeting from the University of Connecticut. She was born in Norwalk and raised in Waterbury, where she attended Crosby High School. She and her husband Willis have three children: Jordan, Grace, and Gabrielle.
“To grow our economy, add jobs, and give the business community confidence, we have to fix our budget challenges. Melissa will help lead that effort, and I’m proud to announce her as a critical member of the team,” said Lamont. “I am impressed by Melissa’s background and professional accomplishments, deep dedication to the future success of our state, and optimistic vision for Connecticut.”
“I look forward to achieving the Governor-elect’s vision for a budget and policy plan that addresses Connecticut’s fiscal crisis, spreads out economic opportunity, and helps grow Connecticut’s middle class,” said McCaw. “It's been an honor to serve the constituents of Hartford as part of Mayor Bronin's administration, and I am honored to have the opportunity to serve in the Lamont-Bysiewicz administration. I am excited to take on this challenge with a team of smart, driven individuals who are committed to our state’s future.”
“Ryan shares my commitment to building an administration that is dynamic, entrepreneurial, and inclusive. He will be my partner in leading the Office of the Governor, hiring excellent staff, and staying true to our core mission of a Connecticut that works for everyone,” said Lamont.
“I am looking forward to helping the Governor-elect make his vision for Connecticut a reality,” said Drajewicz. “I know he is prepared to make the tough decisions that will move Connecticut in the right direction.
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