(NEW HAVEN, CT) – Governor-elect Ned Lamont today announced three senior personnel appointments in his Administration: Marc Bradley as External and Constituent Affairs Director, Maribel La Luz as Director of Communications and Rep. Chris Soto (D–New London) as Legislative Affairs Director. Soto will complete his current term as a state representative, but will resign his member-elect status and will not be sworn in to a new term in the House of Representatives.
Bradley will lead outreach to constituents across the state, including community leaders and local elected officials. La Luz will direct media strategy across executive branch agencies, and serve as the Governor’s lead spokesperson. Soto will oversee the Governor’s legislative affairs in both chambers and advise the governor on pending legislation.
“Marc, Maribel and Chris will have key roles in ensuring my office is accessible to people across the state of Connecticut – from constituents to local leaders, media, businesses and the legislature. I’m excited for them to be an integral part of my team,” said Governor-elect Ned Lamont.
Marc Bradley is the Legislative and Municipal Liaison for the Lamont-Bysiewicz Transition, where he is responsible for outreach and communication with state and local officials. Previously, Bradley worked as Campaign Manager for Lamont’s successful 2018 election for governor. Bradley first moved to Connecticut in 2006 where he served as a senior advisor for Lamont during his United States Senate campaign. Bradley received his B.A. in Political Science and History from Saint Lawrence University. Bradley lives in Norwalk with his wife, Kelann Stirling and their daughter, Philippa.
Maribel La Luz comes to the Governor’s office from the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) where she serves as Director of Communications, reporting to the President and managing strategic communications for 17 higher education campuses and institutions throughout the state. She formerly served as Director of Communications and New Media for the City of Hartford. La Luz previously worked as the Vice President of Communications for the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, a Washington D.C. based national organization that promotes the development of Hispanic small businesses. La Luz holds a Master’s in Secondary Education, a Marketing Management certification from New York University and a Bachelor’s from the New School University. She lives in Hartford and is an active board member for the Mark Twain House.
State Representative Chris Soto represents New London in the Connecticut General Assembly. In that capacity, he serves as the House Vice-Chair of the Appropriations Committee among other committees. Soto has been a champion for New London, helping author and pass legislation to make Sober Homes safer for those in recovery, strengthen magnet schools outside the Sheff Region, and help position the Port of New London to prepare for the exciting development of Offshore Wind Expansion. Prior to joining the legislature, Soto served five years on active duty as a Coast Guard Officer with tours in Miami and New York, primarily in Law Enforcement roles. Soto also founded and served as Executive Director of Higher Edge, a college completion organization that guides Eastern Connecticut’s low-income & first-generation college-bound students on the path to a college degree and beyond. Soto has a Bachelor’s in Operations Research from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and a Master’s in Public Affairs from Brown University.
“I am honored to serve the people of Connecticut by engaging with them in every corner and community of this great state,” said Bradley. “I look forward to facilitating an open line to the Governor’s office and welcoming new voices to the table.”
“It’s a real honor to have been chosen to work for Governor-elect Ned Lamont, and be part of an administration that has made transparency, collaboration and candor among its priorities,” said La Luz. “At a time when the value of media could not be more evident, I’m excited to continue working with my colleagues there to ensure the challenges and opportunities we face in Connecticut are communicated clearly and regularly.”
“I am honored to answer the call from Governor-elect Lamont,” said Soto. “On the campaign trail, he outlined his policy priorities to improve the lives of Connecticut residents. I look forward to working with both sides of the aisle in the legislature to move the state forward.”