Governor-elect Ned Lamont announced his transition plans Thursday on the steps of the state capitol. Lamont says that he'll have two transition groups -- one focused on the budget, and the other on economic development.
"We have hit the ground running, and we are going to be ready to go on Day One," said Lamont. "I think it's going to be a very different group of experiences. I believe in continuity, but I also really believe in big change."
He said he wants the right mix of government insiders, Republicans, and some new voices to offer a fresh take on operations.
His transition director will be Ryan Drajewicz, an executive from the world's largest hedge fund, Bridgewater Associates, based in Westport. Drajewicz is taking a leave of absence from his job to assist Lamont.
Other members of the team announced Thursday were Attorney General George Jepsen, State Representative Toni Walker, Elsa Nunez, the president of Eastern Connecticut State University, and George Moran, president of non-profit YearUp.
"More broadly the transition is looking at the organization of government, and what is the right mix of commissions and commissioners. Not just people but structure," said Lamont.
"We've done an awful lot of outreach over the last 48 hours. This is going to be a smooth and productive and constructive transition."
And he promised a more collaborative relationship with the legislature, something his predecessor Dannel Malloy has at times struggled with.
"I've talked to legislative leaders on both sides of the aisle, and said this is a new relationship, it's a fresh start. We're going to be getting together very soon to set an agenda."