Name: Lily Nodiff
Title: Executive Office Administrative Aide 1
Department of Administrative Services
Office: Governor’s Residence
1. Can you share your current role and key responsibilities within the State of Connecticut?
My current role is Executive Office Administrative Aide 1. I am responsible for maintaining the Governor’s Residence for the First Family. I prepare their meals, coordinate with caterers for events at the residence, and assist with state functions. Additionally, I oversee room care, create floral arrangements, handle light gardening, and maintain the antiques and fine art.
I believe I have a unique role within the state of Connecticut. I appreciate working in a building with so much history and beauty. It is amazing to see the legacies of past Governors through the art and heirlooms. Every corner of the residence has a story!
2. What motivated you to pursue a career with the State of Connecticut, and what has been your journey here?
This is my first role with the state of Connecticut. I previously heard how highly ranked the benefits are for working for the state of Connecticut, and it is true! Growing up in the hospitality industry, this is hard to come by. I have enjoyed weekends off, paid holidays, great health insurance, and work-life balance, to name a few.
3. What hobbies or activities do you enjoy outside of your work, and how do they enrich your life?
Learning is one of my favorite parts of life. I love that there’s always something new to master. Recently, I’ve tried my hand at installing hardwood floors, drywalling, chainsaw skills, and violin lessons.
When I’m not experimenting with new hobbies, I’m usually decorating wedding cakes, working in my garden, or hiking with my Doberman pup, Odin.
4. Could you share a memorable travel experience and what made that destination special for you?
I have been lucky to travel to many countries and states and hope to visit them all one day. However, my most memorable travel experience was briefly living in a small village in Ireland along the shores of Lough Swilly. I was there for an externship, working at a hotel as a pastry cook. It was certainly interesting to navigate life in another country, and I also learned invaluable kitchen skills. The hotel grew its own fruits, vegetables, and herbs and sourced hyper-local milk and cheese. Beyond the kitchen, I was taught European hospitality methods and welcomed by the locals. It was a great way to experience a different country and grow my professional career.
5. What advice would you give to someone considering a career with the State of Connecticut?
If you are considering a career with the state, it is easy to get started. The job postings are very transparent, which makes it easy to find something that will work for you and your qualifications.
6. What’s your favorite spot in Connecticut, and what makes it special to you?
The first thing that comes to mind for my favorite spot in Connecticut is Rich Farm in Oxford. They have the best ice cream. My parents would take me and my six brothers and sisters while we were growing up. It is still part of our summer ritual and we have the best memories together.
7. Who is the person you admire, and what qualities do they possess that inspire you?
One person I admire is Ruth Bader Ginsburg. She did many things in her lifetime, but most importantly, she pioneered legal gender equality. I admire how daring and bold she had to be in her career to advocate for the things she believed in.
8. What’s an interesting or fun fact?
Scientists have determined it would take approximately 20 minutes to fall from Earth’s surface to its core. Of course, under perfect, frictionless conditions.
