Daniel O’Keefe

Dan O’Keefe was nominated by Governor Ned Lamont as the next Commissioner of the DECD in November 2023 and will serve as Commissioner-designate until confirmed by the Congressional Assembly. He has served as the State of Connecticut’s first Chief Innovation Officer since July 2023 and will continue in this additional role until a successor is found. Dan serves as a passionate advocate for the economy and communities throughout Connecticut, focusing on economic growth, workforce development, vibrant communities and job creation.

Prior to entering public service, Dan was a technology investor for 25 years, investing in high growth, innovative companies in the software, consumer and fintech markets. Dan also serves as a Board Member and Chairperson Emeritus of The Opportunity Network (www.OppNet.org), an education and career-skills focused non-profit reaching over 40,000 high-potential students from historically marginalized communities.

Dan holds an MBA with High Distinction (Baker Scholar) from Harvard Business School, where he served as president of its Alumni Board, and an AB from Brown University, where he serves on its president’s Leadership Council.