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August 6, 2024

Cannabis social equity council names former legislator new executive director

Photo | House Democrats Former CT state Rep. Brandon McGee.
By Skyler Frazer

The group tasked with overseeing social equity initiatives tied to Connecticut’s recreational cannabis industry has selected a new executive director after its previous leader resigned from the post last month amid controversy, the group announced today.

Brandon McGee, former state representative and Hartford mayoral candidate, is the new executive director of the Connecticut Social Equity Council (SEC) effective Aug. 30. He takes over for Ginne-Rae Clay, who announced her resignation in July after coming under fire from fellow SEC members 

The Connecticut Mirror reported in June that the SEC’s chair, Andréa Comer, received a complaint that Clay suggested that a license applicant make a donation to the church she attends. Clay denied the allegation, and Gov. Ned Lamont recently requested an audit of the group after members of the legislature began pressing for details about SEC spending.

During his career at the legislature representing Hartford, McGee spent time as chair of the Housing Committee and Black and Puerto Rican Caucus. He’s currently the deputy commissioner of the state Department of Housing.

The SEC created a hiring panel to search for Clay’s successor, narrowing down three candidates who were interviewed. The council approved McGee’s selection at a recent meeting.

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