(Updated 2:03 p.m.) Former West Hartford Sen. Jonathan Harris, who ran briefly for Secretary of the State last summer, was named Deputy State Treasurer Wednesday.
Harris replaces Howard Rifkin, who worked as deputy treasurer from 1999 until this past December when he retired.
After an extensive search, state Treasurer Denise Nappier said hired Harris because of the sum of his experiences.
“The sum of Jonathan’s experiences gives him a rich perspective that will enhance the communications, policy and strategic development work of the Treasury,” Nappier said in a statement Wednesday.
“I look forward to the opportunity to work with Treasurer Nappier in promoting the financial health of our state and drawing from my experience, working in collaboration with others, to chart a more disciplined fiscal course that serves the best interest of all the citizens and taxpayers of Connecticut,” Harris said Wednesday.
A lawyer from West Hartford, Harris served for six years as a state Senator and before that as Mayor of West Hartford.
As deputy treasurer, Harris will help Nappier manage the state’s pension fund investments and the state’s common cash pool.
In addition to Harris, Nappier also promoted her legislative liaison Christine Shaw to chief of staff.
Shaw, who has worked in the Treasurer’s office for 12 years, will oversee the operating divisions of the Treasury—including the pension fund, cash and debt management functions—and joins Harris as a key member of Nappier’s leadership team.