(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he is nominating Josh Geballe of Guilford to serve as Commissioner of the Department of Administrative Services (DAS). In this position, Geballe, who has an extensive background in information technology and business management, will be tasked with leading a review of human resources, procurement and IT practices across state agencies to assess opportunities that can streamline processes, improve services, and produce savings.
Geballe is an experienced business executive, investor, advisor, and is currently a lecturer at the Yale School of Management. His background includes leadership roles with several technology-oriented companies, including as vice president and general manager of Thermo Fisher Scientific, a multinational scientific technology company; chief executive officer of Core Informatics, a software start-up focused on scientific data management; and as vice president in the technology services business at IBM, a multinational information technology company. Among other issues, Geballe will be tasked with modernizing the state’s IT systems and procurement processes.
“The Department of Administrative Services is the backbone of the core functions of our state government and it must be a key player in our administration’s efforts to streamline and reengineer how state government serves Connecticut’s taxpayers,” Governor Lamont said. “Josh will bring a proven private-sector approach to the business of state government, particularly through his experience working in high-tech industries that are transforming how companies function and serve their customers. I am asking him to take a thorough look at state government in Connecticut and develop efficiencies that improve day-to-day functions and service. I’m excited to have him leading this agency and the critical work ahead.”
“This is an opportunity to use my professional skills and experience in the interest of public service to the state that I call home,” Geballe said. “I like Governor Lamont’s approach to governing – bringing new ideas to the table to address emerging challenges and positioning Connecticut to lead. DAS is a large agency, and one in which I am eager to get started. Together, we can ensure that employees have the tools and services they need to best serve their number one customer – state taxpayers – in a way that supports efficient work practices at a cost savings.”
DAS has wide-ranging administrative responsibilities in state government, including the function of the state’s information technology infrastructure, the design and construction of state facilities, statewide human resources, procurement of goods and services for public purposes, collection of debt owed to the state, enforcement of building and fire codes, oversight of school construction grants to municipalities, among many other functions.
Geballe will begin serving as the Commissioner-designate by March 1. His nomination will be sent to the General Assembly for its advice and consent.