Employee Spotlight Theresa Judge

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Theresa Judge

 

Theresa Judge
Human Resources Business Partner 3

Department of Administrative Services
DAS SmART HR

1. What do you do?

I am the Director of the DAS SmART Human Resources unit responsible for providing Human  Resources support and services to multiple state agencies and over 2700 employees.  I work with Commissioners and Agency Heads to develop and implement strategic workforce planning to meet their operational goals and business needs.  I also advise on policies and procedures, compliance with federal and state employment laws, and employee relations, to name a few.

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

Both my father and my brother worked for the Department of Corrections and my father always talked about how great the job and benefits were.  I originally applied for and came into state service at the recommendation of a colleague I had worked with in my prior job, and he told me I would love working for the state and DAS. He wasn’t wrong.  Supporting so many agencies gives me a glimpse into the great work we all do on behalf of Connecticut’s citizens, and I am truly proud to be a part of it.
 

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

Just about everything! From the day I walked through the door, I felt supported by management and surrounded by people who wanted to share their knowledge to help me grow and empower me in my role.  I love my SmART HR team who are more like family, and I truly love helping employees out.  Everyone has a story, and everyone has a story outside of work. Nothing brings me greater joy than the times I have been able to help people who are going through a tough time and seeing them come out on the other side, many times for the better.

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

I love to travel, especially cruising.  I enjoy musical theater and going to New York to catch a Broadway show.  I also enjoy golfing (please do not ask me what my handicap is; just because I enjoy the game does not mean I’m good at it), spending time at the beach or floating in the pool. But my favorite activity will always be hanging out with my husband and daughter, joking around and laughing so hard that we cry.

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

The Caribbean. I love the ocean and the beaches; it is my happy place.

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

Go for it! The work/life balance and benefits are amazing. You will meet so many people who will be rooting for your success, and you will become a part of something bigger, giving back to the community.  The work state employees do is often overlooked but so extremely important and we can always use the help.

7. Where is your favorite place in Connecticut? 

Wow, this is a hard one because Connecticut has so many great places to explore and experience. If I had to pick one place, it would be Groton Long Point because, during the summers, when our daughter was younger, we would pack up the beach gear and spend the day there.  I have so many great memories, and it was so relaxing.

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

To be able to heal people’s emotional scars or at least let them see themselves the way others do.  If more people knew how much they meant or how important they were to the people in their lives maybe it would change their outlook and give them a positive voice when they need it most.

9. Who inspires you and why?

My mom. She is the kindest, most generous and faithful person I know. She taught me how powerful love, friendship, kindness and forgiveness are and if I become half of the woman she is, I will consider myself successful.

10. Tell us your favorite fun fact.

When I was in 8th grade I won an award for having the highest hair in the school (lots of Aqua  Net in those days) and my award was a jar of rubber cement glue!!

General Government Human Resources
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