DAS Employee Spotlight Thomas Armstrong

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Thomas Armstrong

 

NAME Tom Armstrong
Title: Director, Strategy and Enterprise Architecture
Department of Administrative Services

1. What do you do?
I’m the Director of Strategy and Enterprise Architecture within BITS. I focus on developing enterprise standards, exploring emerging technology, and creating a more user-friendly, nimble, State government. I also lead the creation of and updates to the State’s Information Technology Strategy and oversee a few of our technology platforms.

2. Why do you work for the State of Connecticut? 

I love working somewhere that I can make a difference. It’s humbling to think about the myriad ways State government affects the lives of Connecticut residents. Working every day to make a difference, in some small way, is extraordinarily fulfilling.

3. What do you love about your job so far?

It sounds cliché, but the people are by far the best part. Their commitment to the mission and deep expertise within their domain are magical. What we’re doing is hard, but brick by brick, we’re building something special.

4. What are some of your favorite activities outside of work?

I’m a homebody. I like nothing more than sitting by a fire with a good book and a dog at my feet. Of course, my dog demands more activity (and attention).

5. Where is your favorite place that you have traveled?

I really liked Ireland. My view is probably a bit warped because I had 9 straight days of perfect weather, but the history, the people, and the Guiness made for a very fun trip!

6. What would you tell someone who is interested in working for the state? 

Do it! When I was considering this job, a lot of people tried to talk me out of it. Many people still have an image of government as slow, bureaucratic, and boring. But, if that version of government work ever existed, it’s gone now. We’re working with the latest cutting-edge technology, redefining our service delivery models, and changing how we take care of our people. And we’re doing it all at a scale that is truly impressive.

7. Where is your favorite place in Connecticut? 

Sleeping Giant State Park. It’s probably because I grew up a few miles from there, but I love the sense of nature, the quiet, and the wildlife (though I could do without the snakes).

8. If you could choose one superpower, what would it be, and why?

Probably something like teleportation or super speed (think The Flash, Superman). I struggle to get places on time (was Connecticut traffic always this bad?), so teleportation would certainly come in handy.

9. Who inspires you and why?

I’ve spent quite a bit of time reading about Winston Churchill. His unwavering courage, relentless optimism in the face of insurmountable odds, and his eloquence provide a great model for many of us. “We shall defend our Island, whatever the cost may be; we shall fight on the beaches; we shall fight on the landing grounds; we shall fight in the fields and in the streets; we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender.”

On a personal front, I have fantastic parents who worked hard every day to ensure my brother and I always had everything we needed (and many things we didn’t).

10. Tell us your favorite fun fact.

The first ever Fax Machine, “The Printing Telegraph,” was invented in 1843.  The Meiji Restoration in 1868 officially abolished the Samurai. Abraham Lincoln was assassinated in 1865. Which means…There was a brief moment in history when Abraham Lincoln could have communicated with a Samurai via Fax.

General Government Informative
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