Comptroller-Elect Sean Scanlon Announces Executive Staff Appointments
HARTFORD – Comptroller-elect Sean Scanlon today announced ten executive staff appointments for the Office of the State Comptroller (OSC).
“In order to build the more affordable Connecticut I promised to fight for during the campaign, I needed to build the team to help me do it,” said Scanlon. “Each of the appointees I’m announcing today come from different backgrounds but share my vision and are ready to hit the ground running next week to help me make Connecticut an even better place to live, work and raise a family.”
Tara Downes, Deputy State Comptroller
Tara Downes will transition from serving as Assistant State Comptroller to Deputy State Comptroller. After graduating from Hofstra University with her bachelor’s in Print Journalism, Tara started her career in Connecticut covering breaking news and local government. She began in state service as Policy and Communications Advisor to the Connecticut Attorney General before serving as Director of Communications at the OSC. She presently serves as Assistant State Comptroller in the current administration. She holds a Master’s in Public Administration from the University of Connecticut.
Robert Blanchard, Chief of Staff/Assistant State Comptroller
Chief of Staff Robert Blanchard will return to government after working as an Associate Vice President for Prosek Partners in New York. Previously, Robert served as Deputy Communications Director during Governor Ned Lamont’s first term after serving as his Political Director and Deputy Communications Director during the 2018 gubernatorial election. He previously also served in the administration of former State Attorney General George Jepsen. Robert holds a bachelor’s in History from Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs.
Madi Csejka, Press Secretary
Madi Csejka will serve as Press Secretary. Prior to her appointment, she served as the Executive Assistant to the Commissioner of the Connecticut State Department of Education, where she helped facilitate communications and outreach. Madi holds a bachelor’s degree and teaching certification in English Education from Southern Connecticut State University and is currently pursuing her Master’s in Public Administration at the University of Connecticut.
Kass Fruin, Executive Assistant to the Comptroller
An alumna of Central Connecticut State University, Kass Fruin will serve as Executive Assistant to the Comptroller. Kass has spent the last two years working for the Connecticut General Assembly (CGA), where she has served as the Clerk for the Human Services Committee and as a Constituent Engagement Coordinator.
Kevin Kurian, Legislative Liaison and Outreach Coordinator
Kevin Kurian will serve as Legislative Liaison and Outreach Coordinator. Kevin holds a bachelor’s degree from New York University in Political Science. Before joining the OSC, Kevin served as Outreach Coordinator for DesegregateCT, and he most recently worked as the Political Coordinator in Connecticut’s 5th Congressional District on Governor Lamont’s re-election campaign.
Betsy McDermott, Director of Operations and Special Programs
Assuming a new role in the OSC is Betsy McDermott. During prior administrations, she has served as Assistant to the Comptroller and most recently as Director of Community and Legislative Affairs where she helped stand up the Premium Pay and CT Essential Workers Relief Fund Programs to provide critical support to Connecticut’s essential workers. Betsy, a graduate of Marymount University, will now serve as Director of Operations and Special Programs.
Yamuna Menon, General Counsel/Assistant State Comptroller
Attorney Yamuna Menon will continue serving as General Counsel/Assistant State Comptroller. Yam received her undergraduate degree from Johns Hopkins University and J.D. from UConn Law. She also serves on various legal and local boards and commissions in her community.
Charlotte Moller, Policy Director
Also currently part of the OSC staff, Charlotte Moller will transition to serve as the Policy Director. After graduating with her bachelor’s in Public Policy and Management from State University of New York at Albany, Charlotte worked as an analyst for the New York State Assembly. She returned to Connecticut to obtain her Master’s in Public Policy with a certificate in Public Financial Management from the University of Connecticut. Currently, Charlotte is an Economist at the OSC.
Christina Pen, Director of External Affairs
Christina Pen joins the administration after working in the Connecticut General Assembly and will serve as the Director of External Affairs. During her time with the General Assembly, Christina’s roles have included Constituent Engagement Coordinator, Finance Revenue and Bonding Committee Clerk, and Legislative Aide to Scanlon. Most recently, she served as Comptroller-Elect Scanlon’s campaign manager. Christina holds a bachelor’s in Political Science from Central Connecticut State University.
Morgan Roane, Director of Strategic Planning and Organizational Culture
Morgan Roane, currently Human Resources Director for the OSC, will transition to serve as Director of Strategic Planning and Organizational Culture. Prior to joining the OSC, Morgan served as an Agency Labor Relations Specialist at the Department of Transportation and a Human Resources Specialist at the Department of Administrative Services. Morgan earned her bachelor’s in Sociology from Fairfield University and her master’s in Public Policy from Trinity College.