Name: Margaret “Peg” Hackett
Title: Statewide Director, Learning & Development
Department of Administrative Services
Office: 450 Columbus Boulevard, 15th Floor, Human Resources
1. Can you share your current role and key responsibilities within the State of Connecticut?
I am the Statewide Director of the DAS Learning & Development team within the Statewide Human Resources organization. I report to the Chief HR Officer and the DAS Deputy Commissioner, Nick Hermes. The team I lead supports the in-scope Executive Branch agencies, which are part of the centralized HR organization.
The Learning & Development team fosters employees' continuous growth and development through modern, relevant learning to address strategic needs and drive results for the State of Connecticut. This includes a variety of learning content to support mandatory, functional, and soft skills needs, Benefits and Leaves services, leadership and professional development, certifications, and more.
Our team also administers the state’s LinkedIn Learning platform, which offers about 20,000 on-demand courses taught by industry experts and notable leaders. Because the platform also supports custom materials, we provide guidance to state agencies on deploying content specific to a role or a team.
2. What motivated you to pursue a career with the State of Connecticut, and what has been your journey here?
My motivation to pursue a career here is probably no different than anyone else’s – to work at the State of Connecticut, we must all believe in and carry out our mission of serving the public good and optimizing outcomes for residents and businesses.
My career has been in Human Resources, specifically in learning and development and talent acquisition. The scope of my work has focused on consulting on learning needs to support business transformation initiatives and startup organizations.
3. What achievements at the State of Connecticut are you most proud of, and what impact have they had?
I’m most proud of having built a highly talented, curious, and creative Learning & Development team, including Camille Kurmay, Assistant Director, and Learning Consultants Guthrie Mitchell and Amy Wieliczka. The core of our work is to design learning solutions and programs that have an impact on the performance and growth of our workforce, allowing us all to better serve the needs of the public. As individuals, our team members are able to draw on their unique skills, strengths, interests, and experiences to enhance their work and elevate the quality of our deliverables.
Another significant achievement is the team’s 2023 rebranding of the Aspiring Leaders Development Program, which has welcomed 90 participants since the launch.
4. What hobbies or activities do you enjoy outside of your work, and how do they enrich your life?
My hobbies and activities include some basic and fulfilling things like scenic walks, reading, performing arts, summer concerts, HIIT classes, swimming, day trips, watching lacrosse games, and enjoying coffee and meals with family and friends. I previously held elected office in my town and am currently co-chair of the sustainability commission. Collectively, these outside interests give me a sense of purpose, something to look forward to, and a feeling of belonging.
5. Could you share a memorable travel experience and what made that destination special for you?
I was born and raised in the Boston suburbs and have an appreciation for interesting historical places with walkable, livable downtowns and inviting parks and outdoor spaces. For me, it’s all about the power of small moments instead of a singular travel destination. I have many standout memories with family and friends, a few of which are bike-riding in Breckenridge, CO and breathtaking views of Sapphire Point, touring the red rocks of Sedona, AZ, the active volcano Kīlauea on the Big Island of Hawaii, kayaking with my sister, Kathy on the Potomac in DC, and the beauty of Carmel and Big Sur, CA.
6. What advice would you give to someone considering a career with the State of Connecticut?
A few things that come to mind:
- Reflect on the mission of the agency you’re interested in and the ways in which you may be able to contribute to it. Being into your agency’s mission makes a big difference in your success.
- There’s a lot of great initiatives happening at the state that you can impact, and it’s important to know the “why” behind your work and frame it in terms of Challenges, Actions, Results (CAR): what challenge needed to be addressed, the actions you took, and the results or outcomes that followed.
- Curiosity, adaptability, and commitment to learning drive success. Be intentional about your own development. As my father always said, “The time is going to pass whether you do it or not, so do it.”
7. What’s your favorite spot in Connecticut, and what makes it special to you?
There’s so much history and beauty to be had in Connecticut. One of my favorite, and close-by, spots is Elizabeth Park in Hartford and West Hartford. I also enjoy Litchfield, Stonington, Noank, and Mystic.
8. If you could have any superpower, what would it be and how would you use it to make a difference?
My superpower would be to engineer true work-life balance for society, starting with banishing the “Sunday Scaries” – that anxiety that shows up as the weekend winds down and we start thinking about the week ahead. Instead, Sunday would feel more like a huge disco party where you could dance the night away, wake up energized, and start your Monday in the groove.
9. Who is the person you admire, and what qualities do they possess that inspire you?
My sister Kathy, who passed away in 2024, has always been an inspiration to me. There is a saying that the greatest gift you can give someone is your time. Kathy understood the mission. She was an intelligent, trusted, and compassionate friend and confidante to many, with brilliant perception and insight, helping people realize breakthrough and positive defining moments.
10. What’s an interesting or fun fact?
Our dog, Augie, is a retired racing greyhound who is also very affectionate and gentle. The fun fact about greyhounds is that they are often referred to as “45 mph couch potatoes.” While they’re known for their elite sprinting, they are very much into lounging a good part of the day.
