Jodi Hill-Lilly nominated to be Connecticut’s next DCF commissioner

Gov. Ned Lamont announced he will nominate Jodi Hill-Lilly to serve as commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF).

Hill-Lilly has worked at DCF since 1988 and has served as deputy commissioner of administration since 2019. Her nomination requires confirmation by the Connecticut General Assembly, which reconvenes in February. If confirmed, she will succeed Vannessa Dorantes, who is planning to leave state service in January to pursue a new opportunity in the private sector.

“Jodi has dedicated her career to strengthening the lives of children and families, and her direct, hands-on experience in this field, including as a case management social worker, will be a valuable benefit to Connecticut as we work to protect the safety and security of the youngest and most vulnerable residents of our state,” Lamont said in a press statement. “For more than 35 years, she has been intimately involved in every aspect of our state’s child welfare system and has formed strong relationships with the state and community partners who contribute to these efforts. Jodi will be able to seamlessly transition into the role of commissioner, and I thank her for agreeing to step into this leadership position.”