Gov.-elect Dan Malloy made two additional appointments today, tapping transition team press aide Colleen Flanagan as his director of communications and Arielle Reich as his director of intergovernmental affairs/special assistant to the governor.
Flanagan was a familiar presence in Connecticut news stories during the 2010 election cycle, when she was the sharp-tongued spokeswoman for the state Democratic party. She also held communications jobs with U.S. Sen. Chris Dodd (including serving as his national press sercretary during his presidential run) and North Carolina Sen. Kay Hagan.
"Colleen is smart, tough, and she really understands the old and new media," said Malloy said in a statement announcing the appointments. "Given the way communications has changed dramatically over the past few years, it's more important than ever that we're in constant touch with the people we were elected to serve. Colleen understands that I'm 100% committed to having an Administration that is open, transparent, and accessible. She's a person I trust to be a strong voice for my Administration."
Reich has a long history with Malloy, serving as deputy campaign manager, as well as his executive aide when he was mayor of Stamford. She also worked on Ned Lamont's 2006 U.S. Senate run.
"Arielle worked for me in the Mayor's office in Stamford, on the campaign trail, and during this transitional phase," Malloy said in the statement. "She knows me as well as anyone, and she is my right-hand person. Arielle's strength is that she makes things happen - fast. I've also come to rely a great deal on her judgment. She'll be a tremendous asset to this Administration."