Press Releases
09/28/2017
Gov Malloy Announces Commissioner Connolly to Step Down from the Department of Veterans Affairs
(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Dannel P. Malloy today announced that Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) Commissioner Sean Connolly will depart from his position with the agency effective Wednesday, October 4, to pursue other professional opportunities.
“It is incumbent upon our government to honor the bravery and sacrifices that our veterans have made, and ensure that they receive the care, compassion and services they require,” Governor Malloy said. “As Commissioner of Veterans Affairs, Sean Connolly has stuck true to this mission, with a tenure marked by significant achievements and improvements in serving our state’s veterans. I thank Commissioner Connolly for his steadfast service and advocacy on behalf of Connecticut’s bravest.”
“Commissioner Connolly has been a tireless advocate for veterans and I thank him for his service to Connecticut,” Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman said. “He and his team have worked diligently and collaboratively in service to our veterans, ensuring better educational opportunities and job training, strengthening housing initiatives and healthcare supports, and raising awareness of the issues facing veterans today. I join veterans throughout Connecticut in applauding his efforts and accomplishments.”
“Serving as Commissioner of the Department of Veterans Affairs has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life,” Commissioner Connolly said. “I am honored to have been given the opportunity by Governor Malloy to serve our state’s veterans and couldn’t be more proud of our dedicated staff and the work that we’ve accomplished together. I am confident that the Department of Veterans Affairs will continue to provide our veterans with the quality advocacy, care, and service they deserve.”
Governor Malloy appointed Commissioner Connolly to the position in March 2015. An East Hartford native, Commissioner Connolly served our country valiantly during his more than seven years on active duty. A veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, he was a Prosecutor and Brigade Legal Advisor with the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) at Fort Campbell, Kentucky as well as in Kuwait and Iraq. He also previously served as Assistant Legal Advisor and Executive Officer for the Office of the Secretary of Defense, Office of the Appointing Authority for Military Commissions.
Commissioner Connolly’s military awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Iraqi Campaign Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. He continues his service today as a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve.
Governor Malloy announced that Thomas Saadi, Chief of Staff and General Counsel of DVA, will serve in the position of Acting Commissioner until a permanent successor is named.
The mission of DVA is to provide care for veterans and their dependents. In “serving those who served,” the agency provides critical resources and care for the hundreds of thousands of selfless veterans across Connecticut.
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