DAS Employee Spotlight Nick Hermes

Nick Hermes  Deputy Commissioner – Statewide Human Resources   Department of Administrative Services

1. What do you do?  

I am a Deputy Commissioner and the Chief Human Resources Officer here at the Department of Administrative Services.

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

I love working for the State of Connecticut. Aside from the many interesting challenges and engaging opportunities associated with being the state’s largest employer, the chance to be in public service in my home state has always been at the center of why I am here.   

3. What is your favorite part of your job?  

There are many aspects of my job that I truly enjoy, but there isn’t one thing that I enjoy more than working alongside incredibly smart, dedicated, hard-working people on our HR team and those with whom we partner day to day. 

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

I will always be partial to the Big Island of Hawaii. That is where my wife Aileen was born and raised, and her parents and some other family still call home. It’s also where our three children were born and raised until they were in elementary school so the ties there will always make it a special place for us. 

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

To check out our jobs site and go for it of course!  

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

Well, given that I’m in HR, the ability to read minds would come in handy! 

7. Where is your favorite place in Connecticut?  

My father’s side of the family is from the Mystic/Stonington area (I had a great grandmother who worked at the Mystic Seaport until she was 96 years old). I have many great memories as a kid spending time with friends and family there and enjoy returning with my family. 

8. Who inspires you and why?  

Definitely my wife Aileen. She is a special education teacher, a Lt. Colonel in the Army Reserves, and a Doctoral Candidate. I honestly don’t know how she does it all with such patience and grace. She’s a great example and inspiration for our family and others.