DAS Employee Spotlight Heather Petit

1. Can you share your current role and key responsibilities within the State of Connecticut?

Currently, I am a Grants and Contracts Specialist in the Office of Grants Administration at the Department of Administrative Services.  My colleagues and I manage school building construction projects for public school districts, RESCs, and endowed academies.  Some of my work includes federal and state reporting, data analysis, and assisting districts with any inquiries or questions they may have.

2. What motivated you to pursue a career with the State of Connecticut, and what has been your journey here? 

I have worked for the State of Connecticut for approximately 17 years.   All my time in the state has been working toward the betterment of outcomes for children, the disabled, and marginalized populations.  I worked for several years as a children’s policy analyst at the legislature as nonpartisan staff, in the Department of Children and Families' investigation unit, and as the administrative manager at UConn Health School of Medicine's Department of Child and Family Studies/UCEDD.

I really appreciate my role at DAS as I am able to continue that work and assist in helping districts provide the best environments they can for their students and staff.

3. What achievements at the State of Connecticut are you most proud of, and what impact have they had? 

I am most proud of the role I have had in supporting children.  I drafted legislative language for a bill that was later signed into law by the Governor, which enables better communication between first responders and children/adults with disabilities. I wrote policies for the state and was honored to be part of the Achievement Gap Task Force, Two-Generational Interagency Working Group, Connecticut K-3 Literacy Initiative, CT Interagency Birth to Three Coordination Council, Reducing School Exclusion of Young Children Work Group, and formerly chaired the CGA Trafficking in Persons Council.

4. What hobbies or activities do you enjoy outside of your work, and how do they enrich your life? 

I am fortunate to serve as Chair of the Board of Education in my hometown.  I also enjoy time with my family and friends, reading, and going on walks with our dog, Cannoli.

5. Could you share a memorable travel experience and what made that destination special for you? 

A memorable travel experience was my girls’ vacation with my daughter and mother to Kennebunkport.  We were able to enjoy whale watching, lobster boating, crabbing, the ocean, and walking around Kennebunkport, visiting the small-town shops.

6. What advice would you give to someone considering a career with the State of Connecticut?

I would tell them to ask questions when they need to, own and learn from their mistakes as we all make them sometimes, and to truly embrace their service to the wonderful residents of our state.

7. What’s your favorite spot in Connecticut, and what makes it special to you? 

The State Capitol and Legislative Office Building will always hold a special place in my heart, as such good work gets done there.  I also enjoy the arts, and appreciate the wonderful museums, shows and theater performances throughout the state.  Our daughter is a dancer, so I will forever be grateful for Ekklesia Ballet in Middletown, whose profits go to help the homeless shelter and foodbank in Middletown.

8. If you could have any superpower, what would it be and how would you use it to make a difference? 

If I could choose any superpower, it would be the ability to heal – to instantly cure illness, injuries, and pain – physical, mental, and emotional. 

9. Who is the person you admire, and what qualities do they possess that inspire you?

My mom, the classiest lady I know, who loves with her whole heart, and always puts others before herself.

10. What’s an interesting or fun fact?