Governor Names Scott Jackson as Department of Labor Commissioner

Gov. Dannel Malloy has chosen former Hamden Mayor Scott Jackson as the director of the state Department of Labor and Kurt Westby as the deputy commissioner of the Department of Labor.

“I’ve known both Scott and Kurt for a number of years.  I am confident that with their extraordinary qualities and skill-sets – they will work with the diverse group of stakeholders to move the Department of Labor forward,” Malloy said in a statement. “Scott is a friend and an exceptional public servant. Kurt has spent his career trying to improve the lives of Connecticut residents.  I believe they both will work together successfully to ensure that the state’s workforce is successful while enabling and our business community to thrive.”

Jackson, who served as mayor of Hamden for three terms, has most recently served as the undersecretary for Intergovernmental Policy for the state.

The state senate will have to confirm Jackson's appointment. Jackson will begin serving as Commissioner of the Department of Labor on Wednesday, Feb. 3.  He will succeed Sharon Palmer, who retired from the position in December. 

Westby currently serves as a consultant to SEIU, where he manages staff and negotiations in Connecticut, as well as in Florida and New Orleans. 

Previously, he has served as vice president and a district leader with SEIU Local 32BJ, and also served for 18 years as Vice President of the Connecticut AFL-CIO.

“I am honored to serve the Governor and residents of Connecticut as Deputy Commissioner and look forward to improving the lives of all working families,” Westby said in a statement.

Westby will begin in the position of Deputy Commissioner on Monday, Feb. 15.
 

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