Treasurer-elect Erick Russell Announces Key Staff Positions and Appointments
Van Buren, Tyler
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2022
TREASURER-ELECT ERICK RUSSELL ANNOUNCES KEY STAFF POSITIONS AND APPOINTMENTS
(HARTFORD, CT) – Treasurer-elect Erick Russell on Tuesday announced key staff positions and appointments for his first term. Russell will take the oath of office and be sworn-in on Wednesday, January 4, 2023, alongside Connecticut’s other constitutional officers.
Russell announced that Sarah Sanders will be appointed Deputy Treasurer. Sanders currently serves as an Assistant Treasurer, overseeing the agency’s Debt Management division. Edward “Ted” Wright will continue in his role as Chief Investment Officer of the Connecticut Retirement Plans and Trust Funds (CRPTF). Andréa Comer will serve as Chief of Staff. Doug Dalena will be General Counsel and Senior Advisor.
“I’m thrilled that our team combines diverse experience, unbounded talent and deep institutional knowledge,” said Treasurer-elect Russell. “The staff we’ve assembled has the skill and experience necessary to move the state forward through sound investments and expert financial management. I’m eager to hit the ground running with this talented group and looking forward to a productive and impactful legislative session.”
Sanders brings decades of experience in debt management and public financing and is highly respected within the office and across state government. She first started at the agency in 1997. From 2017 to 2019 she served as Director of Finance at Rhode Island Housing in Providence before returning to the Treasury to head its Debt Management division.
Wright was named Chief Investment Officer in 2021 by Treasurer Shawn T. Wooden following an extensive nationwide search. As CIO, Wright advises the Treasurer and is responsible for the day-to-day management of the CRPTF with assets valued at over $40 billion. Prior to his appointment, Wright was the Principal Investment Officer and Head of Global Equity at the Los Angeles County Employees Retirement Association (LACERA).
“Sarah and Ted each have substantial records of accomplishment and have earned the admiration of the people they’ve worked with,” said Russell. “In addition to being exceptionally talented, they also share my commitment to strengthening the state’s financial standing, honoring our obligations to retirees and advancing equity through our investments.”
Comer has been leading on issues of equity throughout her career in government, media and nonprofits. She will continue that work at the Treasury, seeking opportunities to level the playing field and empower disadvantaged communities. Comer has been serving as Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Consumer Protection and chair of the state’s Social Equity Council.
Dalena is an accomplished attorney and is currently Corporation Counsel for the city of Stamford. He previously served in Gov. Ned Lamont’s administration where he helped navigate the legal complexity and urgency of the state’s pandemic response. Dalena, a Navy veteran, also served as for Gov. Dannel Malloy.
“I value the leadership that Andréa and Doug have demonstrated throughout their careers,” said Russell. “They have made principled and transformative contributions everywhere they’ve served and I’m grateful that they’re committed to doing the same at the Treasury. I’m confident that we have a team in place that will navigate every challenge and take advantage of every opportunity to make our state a better, fairer place to live.”
Other appointments and key positions include:
- Alex Marcellino will continue in his role as Assistant Treasurer for Strategic Planning and Management Services.
- Tyler Van Buren will serve as Director of Communications. He previously held the same role at the Office of the State Comptroller.
- Kevin Alvarez will serve as Deputy Chief of Staff and Policy Director. Alvarez previously served as New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker’s Deputy Chief of Staff.
- Bettina Bronisz will succeed Sanders as Assistant Treasurer for Debt Management.
- Jamie Mowat Young will continue in her role as Assistant Treasurer for the Second Injury Fund and Unclaimed Property.
- Robert Scalise will continue in his role as Assistant Treasurer for Cash Management.
- Cheryl Rice will continue in her role as Communications Manager.
- Jennifer Putetti will continue in her role as Director of Legislative Affairs.
- Kenneth McClary will be Director of External Affairs; previously, McClary served as Executive Assistant under Treasurer Wooden.
- Nancy Spagnolo will continue to serve as Executive Research Analyst.
*** END ***
MEDIA CONTACT:
Tyler Van Buren