TREASURER RUSSELL ANNOUNCES KERRY KELLEY AS DEPUTY TREASURER

08/26/2026

(Pictured, from left, Sarah K. Sanders; Kerry A. Kelley)

Sarah Sanders Departs Role After More Than 27 Years at Treasury

Hartford, CT - Treasurer Erick Russell today announced the appointment of Kerry A. Kelley to the position of Deputy Treasurer of the State of Connecticut, effective September 18. Kelley, Executive Vice President of Operations and Chief Financial Officer for the Connecticut State Community College system, will succeed Sarah K. Sanders, who recently accepted the position of Finance Director for the Town of Old Saybrook after a distinguished career of more than 27 years in the Office of the Treasurer.

The Deputy Treasurer serves as a key advisor and senior leader within the Office of the Treasurer overseeing the agency's major financial operations including cash management, bond issuances, and the state's unclaimed property program. The role is central to maintaining Connecticut's fiscal integrity, managing complex financial transactions, and ensuring the long-term fiscal health of the state.

Sanders first started at the agency in 1997. From 2017 to 2019 she served as Director of Finance at Rhode Island Housing in Providence before returning to the Connecticut Treasury to head its Debt Management division. In 2023, she was officially appointed to the position of Deputy Treasurer by the newly elected Treasurer, Erick Russell.

"Sarah Sanders is the epitome of public service and professionalism, always focused on doing what is right for taxpayers, pensioners, and every constituency we serve. She has led some of the most complex financial work in state government - managing billions of dollars in state debt, navigating intricate bond financing, advising policymakers on difficult fiscal questions, and helping to develop innovative solutions for programs such as CT Baby Bonds and Connecticut's Early Childhood Education Endowment. Sarah has been an extraordinary colleague, a trusted advisor, and a terrific Deputy Treasurer. The Town of Old Saybrook will benefit greatly from her talents and wisdom," said Treasurer Russell.

Russell added , "I am excited to welcome Kerry Kelley as our next Deputy Treasurer. Kerry is a widely respected public finance leader, known for her integrity, strategic thinking, and deep commitment to public service. She brings decades of experience in state government, higher education, and public finance, and she will be an exceptional leader on our team."

Kelley has more than 25 years of experience in state government and public finance and is highly respected for her expertise in state budget analysis, policymaking, and legislative affairs. In her role at the state's community college system, she oversees financial strategy and operations across 12 campuses.

Previously, Kelley served as the Fiscal and Program Policy Section Chief for Education and Workforce Programs at the Office of Policy and Management (OPM), overseeing twelve state agencies. She also worked as a budget analyst in the Connecticut General Assembly's nonpartisan Office of Fiscal Analysis (OFA). A recognized leader in higher education policy and finance, Kelley served on the UConn Health Center Finance Corporation Board of Directors, the Connecticut Higher Education Planning Commission, the Connecticut Higher Education Trust (CHET) Advisory Committee, the Connecticut Student Loan Foundation (CSLF), the Connecticut Higher Education Supplemental Loan Authority (CHESLA), Complete College America's Connecticut Alliance Team, Community Economic Development Fund Foundation Board, Connecticut Regional Development Authority (CRDA), and the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston's Children's Savings Account Consortium.

"I am honored to join Treasurer Russell and the exceptional team at the Office of the Treasurer," said Kelley. "In recent years, the agency has played a pivotal role in strengthening Connecticut's financial position, investing in communities, safeguarding the retirement security of teachers and state workers, and laying the foundation for long-term fiscal stability. I look forward to contributing to and advancing this meaningful work."

Reflecting on her career with the Treasury, Sanders said, "It has been a privilege to serve the State of Connecticut and to work alongside so many dedicated public servants. I'm grateful to Treasurer Russell for his leadership and support, and proud of what we have accomplished together - from strengthening the state's debt management practices, to advancing responsible innovation in public finance, to helping build programs like CT Baby Bonds that will change lives for generations. I will always value my time at the Treasury and the opportunity to contribute to the state I love. I wish Kerry every success in this role and know she will serve Connecticut with distinction."

About the Office of the Treasurer

The Office of the Treasurer is charged with safeguarding Connecticut's financial resources through prudent cash management and debt management, with the State Treasurer serving as principal fiduciary for six state pension and thirteen state trust funds. Additionally, the Office enhances the state's fiscal stability through programs promoting financial literacy and college savings, and it leverages business partnerships to support the advancement of Connecticut's social and policy priorities, including combating gun violence and protecting our environment. The Office of the Treasurer is led by State Treasurer Erick Russell, the first Black, out LGBTQ person to win an election for statewide office in American history. To learn more, visit portal.ct.gov/ott.

Contact: Brett Cody
[email protected] | (959) 529-2468