Brendan Lawlor

MPA Fellows, Class of 2028

Dispatcher, Connecticut State Police

My name is Brendan Lawlor, and I am a public safety professional with a diverse background spanning emergency communications, financial services, insurance, business operations, and leadership. I currently serve as a State Police Dispatcher with the Connecticut State Police, where I have worked since 2021. In this role, I coordinate emergency communications involving police, fire, medical, and other public safety incidents and work closely with state and local agencies to evaluate situations, prioritize resources, and support effective responses.

In addition to my professional career, I am actively involved in my community and the fire service. I serve as a Lieutenant and Firefighter with the Glastonbury Fire Department, where I have been involved since 2023. I also serve on the Board of Directors of the Irish American Home Society. These experiences have strengthened my leadership, communication, decision-making, and ability to work effectively as part of a team, particularly in high-pressure environments.

Prior to entering public safety, I spent many years working in the financial services and insurance industries. My experience includes positions with Hewlett Packard, Voya Financial, Prudential, and State Farm, where I worked in financial analysis, procurement, proposal management, sales, client relations, and business development. These roles provided me with a strong foundation in business strategy, financial analysis, project management, and organizational leadership.

I earned my B.A. in Political Science from the University of Connecticut and also completed a certificate in Peace and Conflict Resolution at American University. Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to work in a variety of industries and environments, which has given me a broad perspective on leadership, organizational decision-making, and public service.

I am pursuing my master’s degree to build on these experiences, expand my leadership and analytical skills, and develop a deeper understanding of how effective organizations operate. I look forward to learning from my classmates, sharing experiences, and applying what I learn to both my professional career and my continued commitment to serving my community.