Governor Lamont Announces Chief Marketing Officer Anthony Anthony to Depart State Service
(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont revealed today that Anthony Anthony, Connecticut’s chief marketing officer since March 2023, will leave state service on February 6, 2026, to pursue a new professional opportunity.
Under Anthony’s leadership, the state’s brand perception underwent a dramatic transformation—from a public image described as “boring, small, and expensive” in 2021 to a contemporary identity rooted in cultural pride, history, and an unexpectedly engaging unifier: pizza. Anthony led the strategic rebrand launched in October 2023, strengthening Connecticut’s position in national economic discussions while supporting recent population growth, business recruitment, and visitor spending.
By harmonizing messaging across tourism, business development, resident pride, and innovation, the state experienced a substantial rise in public engagement and global visibility. Since 2022, Connecticut’s earned media impressions surged by 841%—from 3.4 billion to over 32 billion. State pride reached its highest level since monitoring began in 2012, hitting 61%, and Net Promoter Scores improved significantly across Live, Work, and Play categories by 144%, 107%, and 177%, respectively. The state’s approach has become a leading national example in place branding and economic storytelling.
“Early in our administration, I stated what I believed then and still believe now—no more bad-mouthing Connecticut,” Governor Lamont said. “I wanted our state to stop apologizing for who we are and start celebrating it. From his first day in my office in 2021, Anthony embraced that message and translated it into a strategy that resonates daily—through creativity, vision, and pride. He helped reveal to the world the Connecticut we know—innovative, fun, open for business, and yes, home of the Pizza Capital of the United States. I’m grateful for his service and the positive impact he’s had on our state.”
“I am sincerely grateful to Governor Lamont and First Lady Annie Lamont for giving me the chance to serve Connecticut, a place I now proudly call home,” Anthony stated. “This state welcomed me, supported new ideas, and empowered creative strategic thinking in a way that allowed me to belong and contribute.”
“Anthony possesses a rare talent—he can take complex topics—innovation, industry growth, workforce, quality of life—and craft narratives that people want to hear,” said Daniel O’Keefe, commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development. “He communicates them visually, emotionally, and authentically. He brought imagination to economic development and helped make our strategy understandable, celebratable, and shareable. His work strengthened how we market Connecticut across business, tourism, talent, and community.”
