A Message from the Commissioner

Kellie-Marie Vallieres

Kelli-Marie Vallieres, PhD
Chief Workforce Officer

A sustainable workforce system aligns around our greatest strength: the unique, capable workforce that moves Connecticut forward. With the right alignments and focus, this workforce can power shared success: connecting employers with the skilled talent they need and building an economy where people from all backgrounds can live, work, and thrive in our state.

Every one of our workforce development efforts is intentionally a collaboration between key stakeholders, which include government, business, K-12, higher education, workforce development boards, unions and community-based organizations, working in lockstep to develop policies and programs that address employer needs and uplift communities.

In all our efforts, we are steadfast in our commitment to eliminating barriers to participation in workforce opportunities by providing those individuals who need it with supports that include transportation, childcare, housing and more.

We’re proud of the work we’ve accomplished in collaboration with our key partners but remain acutely aware of the significant work that remains ahead. We invite you to learn more about our objectives and strategies for a workforce system that works for all Connecticut residents.

Kelli-Marie Vallieres on LinkedIn  
Work Forward: Pathway for Growth Governor's Workforce Strategic Plan

Authority and Responsibility

In 2020, Connecticut established the Office of Workforce Strategy as an executive branch agency to serve as the staff to the Governor’s Workforce Council to provide strategic guidance and support the implementation of workforce initiatives and investments across the state.

The Governor's Workforce Council (GWC) is Connecticut's State Workforce Board. The GWC is responsible for setting strategy and policy for the state’s Pre-K through retirement workforce pipeline, and to serve as the primary coordinator for businesses, educators, trainers, state agencies, state workforce boards, non-profits, and others.

In April 2025, the Governor’s Workforce Council published an updated Strategic Plan, designed to provide a roadmap for workforce development efforts throughout the state.  The Plan is anchored by three guiding values:  Collaboration; Opportunity; and Impact, and aligned across three objectives:  Drive Growth; Build Skills; and Expand Access.

Read the Governor's Workforce Strategic Plan