Name: Gene Meltser
Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
Department of Administrative Services
1. What do you do?
My primary responsibility is reducing cybersecurity risk for the State of CT, DAS, our agencies, and the clients we support, and bringing a credible voice to current and imminent cyber issues. I plan on working with our team in addressing and demystifying security in the technologies we use, helping those around me develop skills and grow their careers, with the end result of delivering secure and trustworthy services to our clients.
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.
2. Why do you work for the State of Connecticut?
Quite simply, because this is where both the size of opportunity to positively influence security culture, and the amount of those affected who may need it the most intersect. Having spent the last 30 years in private industry, I believe it’s a perfect place to make a difference.
3. What do you love about your job so far?
The people are what makes a culture, and I am extremely impressed with the team, my co-workers, peers and leadership. Everyone is open to sharing and helping each other, encouraging growth and learning as we work. I recognize the positive traits of a well-functioning organization and am very glad to be a part of it.
4. What are some of your favorite activities outside of work?
Road biking, windsurfing, making pizzas, spending time with my family and our 120lb rottie, the gym, spending time with friends, and traveling are some of my favorite things I enjoy when I am not driving our 3 boys to and from sports.
5. Where is your favorite place that you have traveled?
Probably Costa Rica, for its easy vibe, warm water and tropical forests.
6. What would you tell someone who is interested in working for the state?
Enjoy working on every possible technology, learn non-stop in an environment that will allow you to learn and grow, and with people who care? Then jump right in!
7. Where is your favorite place in Connecticut?
The Northwest corner, and Mystic are CT gems. West Hartford minus the traffic.
8. If you could choose one superpower, what would it be, and why?
Teleportation, but I can also bring friends.
9. Who inspires you and why?
My dad, who faced challenges and choices at half my age with clarity and resolve I only hope to get to someday. Hemingway, also, for being an absolute legend and not just living, but thriving at everything he did and faced in his life.
10. Tell us your favorite fun fact.
My favorite fact is you can’t fold a regular piece of paper more than 13 times onto itself without tearing, doesn’t matter the size. If you fold it just 42 times, the thickness is the distance to the moon, and just at 103 folds, the thickness exceeds the size of known universe. Exponential numbers are fun!
