Commencement Speaker

Michelle Halloran Gilman was appointed by Governor Ned Lamont in February 2022 to serve as the commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Administrative Services.

In her capacity as commissioner, Gilman manages an annual budget exceeding $250 million and supervises approximately 1,000 employees responsible for delivering statewide human resources, information technology, procurement support, construction management, fleet services, and more, primarily catering to Connecticut’s executive branch.  

During her tenure, she has focused on stabilizing the state’s workforce in a competitive, post-pandemic economy to address the service delivery needs of Connecticut residents. Gilman has implemented various recruitment and retention initiatives, particularly targeting the healthcare, engineering, and information technology sectors.

Aiming to enhance efficiency, Gilman spearheaded the development of a statewide digital equity plan to guarantee that all residents have the necessary education and hardware to participate in the digital economy. Additionally, Gilman has overseen ambitious climate sustainability measures across the department and collaborated with federal, state, and non-profit partners to expand agency capacity in support of small and minority businesses engaging with the state.

Gilman also actively participates in several policy boards, including the State Bond Commission, the Connecticut Paid Family Leave Authority, the IT Capital Investment Committee, and the GreenerGovCT Steering Committee on State Sustainability.

Prior to her current role, Gilman served as the deputy chief operating officer to Governor Lamont, where she successfully managed COVID-19 initiatives, notably the nationally recognized free testing program for vulnerable populations and the implementation of the state’s vaccination program.

A lifelong resident of Connecticut, Gilman is a proud graduate of Central Connecticut State University. In her leisure time, you can find her cheering on the Boston Red Sox, hiking with her dog Harper and husband Tim, or spending quality time with her two sons.