(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced Amy Porter, commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Aging and Disability Services (ADS), has agreed to serve in the role of acting commissioner of the Connecticut Office of Health Strategy (OHS) for an interim period while decisions are being made regarding the future leadership of the state agency.
The position of OHS commissioner will become vacant at close of business today following the departure of Commissioner Deidre Gifford, who announced last month her plans to retire from state service. During this interim period, Commissioner Porter will serve in dual capacities as acting commissioner of OHS while maintaining her current position as commissioner of ADS.
“Amy Porter has served in leadership roles in Connecticut state government for well over a decade and she is intimately familiar with our state’s health and human services needs, especially the needs of the most vulnerable populations that depend on access to affordable, quality healthcare,” Governor Lamont said. “I appreciate Amy for agreeing to serve at OHS on an acting basis while we explore the future leadership of this agency. I also want to express my gratitude to Deidre Gifford for the exceptional service she has provided to the people of Connecticut over these last several years. Deidre has served tirelessly and with dedication, and I’ve been fortunate to have had her as a member of our administration. I appreciate all that she has provided our state, and I wish her the best on this well-earned retirement from a career filled with significant accomplishments in the service of the people of Connecticut.”
Commissioner Porter has served as the head of ADS and its predecessor agencies since January 2012. She has spent her entire career working in the field of rehabilitative services and advocating for the independence and well-being of individuals with disabilities and older adults. Before ADS was formed, she worked for the Connecticut Department of Social Services. She has a doctorate in rehabilitation counseling from Boston University and is a certified rehabilitation counselor.
ADS is the state agency responsible for delivering services, maximizing opportunities, and advocating for older adults and people with disabilities.
OHS is the state agency responsible for implementing data-driven strategies that promote equal access to healthcare, improve the value of healthcare, contain healthcare costs, and ensure better healthcare systems for the state’s residents.