Gov.-elect Dan Malloy announced Wednesday that Colleen Flanagan, his transition team communication director, will continue in that role as a permanent member of his administration.
Malloy said Flanagan, who recently served as communications director for retiring U.S. Sen. Chris Dodd, was a good fit because she understands the need for transparency within his administration and is familiar with the rapidly changing nature of media.
“Colleen is smart, tough, and she really understands the old and new media,” Malloy said in a prepared statement. “Given the way communications has changed dramatically over the past few years, it’s more important than ever that we’re in constant touch with the people we were elected to serve.”
Flanagan also was Dodd’s national press secretary during his 2008 presidential campaign and has served as communications director for U.S. Sen. Kay Hagan (D-N.C.), as well as a communications consultant to the Connecticut Democratic Party.
Malloy also named Arielle Reich his director of intergovernmental affairs and special assistant to the governor. Reich worked for Malloy as his executive aid when he was Mayor of Stamford and Malloy said he has come to rely on her judgment.
“She knows me as well as anyone, and she is my right-hand person. Arielle’s strength is that she makes things happen fast, Malloy said.