Name: Joe Stanford
Title: Director of Agency Success
Department of Administrative Services Bureau of Information Technology Solutions (BITS)
This is a special Employee Spotlight, as Joe Stanford, our esteemed Director of Agency Success within BITS, will be retiring effective this Friday, June 27, and we celebrate his remarkable journey and invaluable contributions to the State of Connecticut. While we will miss Joe's leadership and expertise, we are excited for his next chapter.
Joe has dedicated his career to serving the public, and his passion for meaningful work shines through in his words: “The State offers a deeply rewarding career path with a broad range of opportunities for personal and professional growth. If you’re mission-driven and enjoy serving the public, this is a place where your work can truly make a difference.”
His journey began in the U.S. Air Force, where he gained extensive experience in information technology. After transitioning to the private sector, Joe took on the role of Director of IT for a manufacturing company before returning to public service.
Throughout his time at the state, Joe has been instrumental in numerous initiatives that have transformed how we operate. He proudly recalls his work leading the shared services initiative for health and human services, especially the successful implementation of the Care-4-Kids solution for the Office of Early Childhood.
Collaborating with Mark Raymond on the IT Optimization initiative to shape what has become Agency Success is another milestone Joe considers a highlight of his career.
Most recently, he expressed pride in working with DCF leadership on the strategic pivot for the CT-KIND project, which will lead to the implementation of a Comprehensive Child Welfare Information System set to launch in August 2025. “The impact of that project will be felt for years to come,” Joe noted.
Outside of work, Joe enjoys an active lifestyle, sharing, “I’m an avid golfer, and I play tennis occasionally. Most importantly, I treasure the time I spend with my granddaughters and family. These moments bring much-needed balance, perspective, and joy to my life.”
His perspective on life is encapsulated beautifully in his fun fact: “My youngest son played 11 seasons in the NFL. Watching his journey has been one of the proudest experiences of my life.”
Joe’s dedication to building relationships continues outside of the office. He fondly speaks of his Tuesday night league at Keney Park Golf Course, where he has made irreplaceable friendships over nearly two decades. “The connections I’ve made through those years make it a special place in my life,” he shared.
As Joe embarks on this new adventure, he leaves behind a legacy of leadership, collaboration, and dedication to public service.
We sincerely thank Joe for his impact on the State of Connecticut and his unwavering commitment to serving our community. We wish him all the best as he transitions into retirement.
Read the full transcript of Joe’s employee spotlight below:
1. Can you share your current role and key responsibilities within the State of Connecticut?
I currently serve as the Director of Agency Success within BITS (Bureau of Information Technology Solutions). I and my teams are responsible for managing relationships with leadership across all agencies we support. I provide strategic oversight and leadership for several critical functions, including:
Customer Success Managers
The Project Management Office (PMO)
The Vendor Management Office (VMO)
2. What motivated you to pursue a career with the State of Connecticut, and what has been your journey here?
Before joining the State, I worked for a community action agency and found great personal fulfillment in supporting those in need. Transitioning to the Department of Social Services felt like a natural progression, allowing me to continue serving the public in a meaningful way.
My journey in Information Technology began in the U.S. Air Force, where I spent nine and a half years working in nearly every IT role available. After my service, I moved into the private sector, eventually becoming Director of IT for a manufacturing company overseeing U.S. and international operations. This broad experience laid the foundation for my current public sector work.
3. What achievements at the State of Connecticut are you most proud of, and what impact have they had?
One of my earliest and most meaningful accomplishments was leading the Shared Services initiative for Health and Human Services, including the successful implementation of the Care-4-Kids solution for the Office of Early Childhood.
Collaborating with Mark Raymond on the IT Optimization initiative and helping shape what has become Agency Success has also been a highlight of my career.
Most recently, I’m especially proud of working with DCF leadership on a strategic pivot for the CT-KIND project, which led to the implementation of their Comprehensive Child Welfare Information System—set to go live in August 2025. The impact of that project will be felt for years to come.
4. What hobbies or activities do you enjoy outside of your work, and how do they enrich your life?
I’m an avid golfer, and I play tennis occasionally. Most importantly, I treasure the time I spend with my granddaughters and family. For someone who has always been career-driven, these moments bring much-needed balance, perspective, and joy to my life.
5. Could you share a memorable travel experience and what made that destination special for you?
A few years ago, my wife and I vacationed in the Dominican Republic with our four adult children, their families, and extended relatives. It was a wonderful family getaway. What made it truly special was being able to enjoy quality time with everyone, while also carving out a few quiet moments just for the two of us.
6. What advice would you give to someone considering a career with the State of Connecticut?
The State offers a deeply rewarding career path with a broad range of opportunities for personal and professional growth. If you’re mission-driven and enjoy serving the public, this is a place where your work can truly make a difference.
7. What’s your favorite spot in Connecticut, and what makes it special to you?
Keney Park Golf Course in Hartford is one of my favorite spots. I’ve been part of a Tuesday night league there for nearly two decades. The friendships and connections I’ve made through those years are irreplaceable and make it a special place in my life.
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 a superpower within state government, I’d be “The Approver”. The ability to quickly clear roadblocks, streamline processes, and accelerate the implementation of meaningful solutions would be a game-changer for driving impact.
9. Who is a person you admire, and what qualities do they possess that inspire you?
I greatly admire Mark Raymond. His logical approach, calm demeanor, and ability to see the best in others are traits I deeply respect and strive to emulate.
10. What’s an interesting or fun fact?
A fun fact about me: my youngest son played 11 seasons in the NFL. Watching his journey has been one of the proudest experiences of my life.