Andréa Comer

MPA Fellows, Class of 2023

Chief of Staff, CT State Treasurer Erick Russell

Throughout her career, Andréa has been driven by an unwavering passion for leveling the playing field for underserved communities. In her current role as Chief of Staff for Connecticut State Treasurer Erick Russell, she represents senior leadership in designing and directing all executive and management services functions for the Office. Previously, Andréa served as Deputy Commissioner for the Department of Consumer Protection, where she coordinated the launch of the cannabis market’s social equity program, and as Chief External Affairs Officer for the CT Paid Leave Authority. Prior to state service, Andréa held several leadership positions in for-profit and nonprofit entities, focused on strategic planning, program management, and organizational effectiveness. 

Andréa holds a B.A. in journalism from SUNY Buffalo State, an MPA from the University of Connecticut, and professional certificates from the Aspen Institute, Harvard Extension School, and Pepperdine Graziadio Business School. Andréa chairs the CT Social Equity Council and serves on the boards of 4-CT and the CT Paid Leave Authority, and is the first Black female Pension Commissioner for the City of Hartford. She co-chaired Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam’s inaugural transition team and his Blue Ribbon Commission on Education, and served on Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont’s inaugural transition committee. She has been recognized by the 100 New England Women of Color, CT Commission on Children, CT NAACP, Urban League of Greater Hartford, YMCA of Greater Hartford, Humans of Public Service, and American City and County, which named her a 2023 Exemplary Public Service Awardee.

She and her husband Brad are the proud parents of a public school teacher.