Gov. Lamont nominates tech exec. Geballe as DAS commish

Photo | Twitter via Josh Geballe Josh Geballe

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By Joe Cooper

Gov. Ned Lamont on Friday nominated Josh Geballe, a veteran tech executive, advisor and investor, to lead the state Department and Administrative Services (DAS) as commissioner.

Geballe, a Guilford resident, will succeed DAS Commissioner Melody A. Currey, who has led the agency for the last four years.

Geballe, who has served several posts in information technology and business management, will lead the state’s efforts to modernize its procurement process, human resources and IT systems to “assess opportunities that can streamline processes, improve services and produce savings,” state officials said Friday afternoon.

His nomination will require approval from Connecticut's General Assembly, as he’s expected to begin work March 1.

Currently a lecturer at the Yale School of Management, Geballe previously served the last year as vice president and general manager of Massachusetts-based biotech company Thermo Fisher Scientific. He also served as chief executive of software startup Core Informatics from 2013 to 2017 and worked in several executive posts at IBM from 2002 to 2013, according to his LinkedIn page.

Thermo Fisher Scientific acquired Core Informatics, a cloud-based platform providing scientific data management, for $94 million in March 2017.

Geballe also currently serves on boards for the Connecticut Business & Industry Association and Guilford Savings Bank. He recently completed his term serving on the Connecticut Technology Council's board.

“Josh will bring a proven private-sector approach to the business of state government, particularly through his experience working in high-tech industries that are transforming how companies function and serve their customers,” said Lamont, a former businessman who launched a telecom company in the 1980s.

“I am asking him to take a thorough look at state government in Connecticut and develop efficiencies that improve day-to-day functions and service. I’m excited to have him leading this agency and the critical work ahead,” Lamont said.

In other Capitol news, Commissioner Catherine Smith announced Friday would be her last day leading the the state Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD).

The newly minted governor over recent weeks has nominated a diverse cast of cabinet members, but DECD’s lead post has not yet been addressed.