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Employee Spotlight: Alice Pritchard
Director of Workforce Development and Strategic Initiatives
Department of Administrative Services
1. What do you do at DAS?
I am the Director of Workforce Development and Strategic Initiatives. One of my major objectives is to identify and aggregate the workforce needs for the state’s executive branch agencies and then work both internally and externally to build career pathways and promote retention and advancement for state employees.
2. Why do you work for the State of Connecticut?
The state provides critical services and supports for our communities and all that live in them. I'm really excited to play my part in making sure the state agencies have a workforce that can support that mission today and into the future.
3. What is your favorite part of your job?
Meeting with people, hearing about their roles, activities and challenges and working together to find solutions.
4. What is workforce development
There are lots of definitions of workforce development but at its core I believe it means to provide individuals with the skills they need to succeed in their professional lives. I see the goal of workforce development to ensure a robust pipeline of workers are trained and ready to work at every level of the organization and to promote career growth and economic competitiveness for both individuals and companies. For the state, that means partnering with feeder institutions like school districts, technical high schools, colleges and universities, the state’s workforce system and organizations, labor union apprenticeship and training programs, adult education providers etc. to facilitate career pathways into public service within our state agencies.
5. What are some of your favorite activities outside of work?
Camping, listening to live music, watching sports, reading lots of fiction, and staying connected to family and friends
6. What would you tell someone who is interested in working for the state?
I think public service is a bit of a calling and allows me at least to feel like I am giving back while allowing me to build my own personal and professional skills.
7. If you could choose one superpower, what would it be, and why?
I like the idea of being able to spin gold from straw but only to be used for charitable purposes. I’d love to fund organizations doing good work like soup kitchens and animal rescue as well as individuals who need help getting through tough times who need support or those addressing discrimination.
8. Where is your favorite place in Connecticut?
My home has always been my respite, especially during the pandemic. But second would probably be Mystic. One of my favorite towns and first I visited when I moved to the state so left early imprint on me.
9. Who inspires you and why?
Lots of people really. I have several mentors who have taught me by example and from whom I learned a great deal personally and professionally. But I'm also inspired daily by people I meet who work hard, support and nurture their families and friends, and make a difference in the lives of others through charity and community activities.
10. Tell us your favorite fun fact.
If it’s about me, it's probably that I was raised in the South and though I've been in Connecticut for 35 years, I will always be a bit of a southern girl.
