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(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he is planning to appoint Antonio “Tony” Guerrera as commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) when he begins his second term in office early next year. Guerrera will succeed Sibongile “Bongi” Magubane, who will retire from the position at the conclusion of the governor’s first term.
Guerrera is currently deputy commissioner of the DMV in a position that he has held since March of 2019.
“I consider the administrative practices of the DMV to be critically important because this agency essentially operates as the face of state government, interacting with large groups of the public on a near daily basis, and I want it to function as conveniently and efficiently as possible,” Governor Lamont said. “During our first term, a significant number of improvements were implemented under the leadership of Commissioner Magubane that resulted in more DMV services being available online than ever before. In fact, as of 2021 the majority of Connecticut residents are choosing to renew their licenses over the internet rather than completing this transaction in person. I want to keep this momentum going, and I know that Tony Guerrera has the experience and determination to oversee this task. I greatly appreciate Bongi Magubane for the service she has given to our administration and the people of Connecticut over the last four years, and I look forward to Tony transitioning into this role.”
Immediately prior to joining the DMV, Guerrera served in the Connecticut House of Representatives for 20 years, representing the 29th Assembly District of Newington, Rocky Hill, and Wethersfield. In this capacity, he served several terms as co-chair of the Transportation Committee. While serving as a legislator, Guerrera was a self-employed small business owner. During his time as Transportation Committee co-chair, he championed sweeping changes to the state’s teen driving laws in 2008 that led to dramatic reductions in fatal crashes involving this age group. These changes included a required two-hour safety information class for parents and teens, improved training requirements, and extended curfew and passenger restrictions, among other items. In 2016, he championed legislation that allowed for certain DMV services to be conducted by other third-party entities in addition to automobile clubs and associations, allowing for the creation of more DMV Express Centers around the state that add convenience for customers. Prior to his service in the Connecticut General Assembly, he served as mayor of Rocky Hill and was also a member of its town council.
“I am deeply honored and humbled to be nominated for this position by Governor Lamont, and I look forward to building upon the success of the last four years,” Guerrera said. “Under Governor Lamont’s leadership, the DMV streamlined several processes and moved Connecticut residents from in-line to online. Much of our success would not be possible without our dedicated employees who work tirelessly to bring concepts to fruition. As part of Governor Lamont’s second term team, I pledge to work in the best interest of all Connecticut residents. I look forward to stepping into my new role, and more importantly, I am eager to keep the momentum going.”
Governor Lamont is set to receive the oath of office and begin his second term on January 4, 2023. At that time, Guerrera’s nomination as commissioner will be forwarded to the General Assembly for its consideration.