Michelle Halloran Gilman

Commissioner, Department of Administrative Services

Michelle Halloran Gilman was appointed by Governor Ned Lamont in February 2022 to serve as Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Administrative Services (DAS).

As Commissioner, Gilman oversees a $250 million annual budget and leads a team of approximately 1,000 employees delivering critical services to Connecticut’s executive branch. These services include statewide human resources, IT infrastructure, procurement, construction management, and fleet operations. Gilman has led efforts to modernize and streamline these operations to better serve the state and its residents.

Under her leadership, DAS has intensified its focus on climate sustainability, resiliency, and environmental stewardship. Gilman has championed a range of green initiatives across state agencies, including energy-efficient building projects, renewable energy integration, and sustainable fleet transitions. She plays a key role in the GreenerGovCT Steering Committee, promoting strategies to reduce the state government's carbon footprint and build climate-resilient infrastructure.

Major projects completed or slated for completion during her tenure include:

• A new School of Business at Southern Connecticut State University, the first net-zero energy building constructed by the state.
• The new Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) Western District Headquarters, the first net-zero energy facility in the state’s executive branch portfolio.
• A major renovation of DEEP’s Quinebaug Valley State Fish Hatchery, designed to cut annual water use in half and reduce energy consumption by 8%, supporting greener operations at one of DEEP’s most important environmental facilities.
• The new Bullard-Havens Technical High School, slated to open in late fall 2025, which will be the most sustainable technical high school in Connecticut’s history, serving as a model for future education infrastructure projects.

These projects reflect a broader commitment to increasing energy efficiency, reducing environmental impact, and maximizing the productive use of state-owned space.

Gilman has also overseen the development of a comprehensive statewide Digital Opportunity Plan to ensure all residents—especially those in underserved communities—can fully participate in the digital economy. Her efforts in centralizing IT services have improved operational efficiency and expanded access to shared knowledge and technical support across state agencies.

Dedicated to fostering inclusive economic growth, Gilman has worked closely with federal, state, and non-profit partners to increase engagement with small and minority-owned businesses, removing barriers and improving access to contracting opportunities.

Before leading DAS, Gilman served as Deputy Chief Operating Officer to Governor Lamont, where she helped coordinate statewide operations and policy implementation. Earlier in her career, she advised elected officials at both the state and federal levels, including U.S. Senator Christopher Dodd and State Comptroller Kevin Lembo.

A lifelong Connecticut resident, Gilman is a graduate of Central Connecticut State University. In her free time, she enjoys hiking with her husband Tim and their dog Harper, cheering on the Boston Red Sox, and spending time with her two sons.