Governor Ned Lamont has appointed Amy Porter, Commissioner of the Department of Aging and Disability Services (ADS), to serve as acting commissioner of the Connecticut Office of Health Strategy (OHS). Porter will temporarily lead both agencies following the retirement of outgoing OHS Commissioner Deidre Gifford.
The transition becomes effective today, June 20, as Gifford steps down after several years in state service. Governor Lamont praised Gifford’s leadership and thanked her for her dedication to improving healthcare access and affordability in Connecticut.
“Amy Porter has served in leadership roles in Connecticut state government for well over a decade and she is intimately familiar with our state’s health and human services needs, especially the needs of the most vulnerable populations that depend on access to affordable, quality healthcare,” Governor Lamont said. “I appreciate Amy for agreeing to serve at OHS on an acting basis while we explore the future leadership of this agency. I also want to express my gratitude to Deidre Gifford for the exceptional service she has provided to the people of Connecticut over these last several years. Deidre has served tirelessly and with dedication, and I’ve been fortunate to have had her as a member of our administration. I appreciate all that she has provided our state, and I wish her the best on this well-earned retirement from a career filled with significant accomplishments in the service of the people of Connecticut.”
Porter has led ADS and its predecessor agencies since 2012 and has dedicated her career to advocating for individuals with disabilities and older adults. She holds a doctorate in rehabilitation counseling from Boston University and is a certified rehabilitation counselor.
The Office of Health Strategy plays a key role in implementing data-driven policies to promote healthcare equity, reduce costs, and improve outcomes. Porter will continue leading ADS while temporarily guiding OHS through its leadership transition. No permanent appointment has been announced.
