Former Gov. M. Jodi Rell’s commissioner of economic development, Joan McDonald, has found a new home in the administration of a Democratic governor, but it’s not Dan Malloy’s.
McDonald is heading back to New York to become Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s commissioner of transportation. Before coming to Connecticut, McDonald was the senior VP of transportation for the New York City Economic Development Corporation. She also worked for the MTA.
McDonald was one of Rell’s favorite commissioners, to the extent that she was rumored to eventually take over the key position of secretary of policy and management in the Rell administration. It never happened.
Cuomo announced the appointment today. His announcement included a glowing quote from Malloy:
“Commissioner McDonald is a talented and hardworking individual, dedicated to helping create new jobs and engaging Connecticut’s business community. I’ve enjoyed my working relationship with her, and we’re sorry to see her go, but I know that her work ethic, her experience and her dedication to the job will be of great service to the people of New York State.”