New Employment Opportunity Drives 1997 Alumna to the CT DOT

Class of 1997 alumna Elizabeth Keyes has embarked on a new professional role as the Chief of Legal and Regulatory Affairs at the Connecticut Department of Transportation.

“I've been in this role for almost a year and it has been an exciting and rewarding new challenge for me,” said Elizabeth. “The Connecticut Department of Transportation is an amazing place to work as there are so many brilliant people dedicated to providing a safe and efficient intermodal transportation network that improves quality of life and promotes economic vitality for the State.”

Elizabeth serves as the Counsel to the Commissioner in which she oversees various department units such as the Legal Services and Legislative Affairs Offices. She also coordinates legal and regulatory actions and decisions across an agency of over 3,000 employees.

Prior to working at the Connecticut Department of Transportation, Elizabeth spent eight years as Legal Counsel to the Senate Democratic Caucus in the Connecticut General Assembly where she served as legal advisor to the President Pro Tempore and Majority Leader. In that capacity, Elizabeth reviewed and recommended action on pending bills and assisted in developing, drafting, and negotiating legislation, including major caucus policy initiatives. She also previously served as an executive aide and legislative liaison at the Connecticut Department of Public Health. 

“I've always had a strong interest in government and public service,” said Elizabeth. “I'm really fortunate that I've had so many great opportunities in different areas of state government.”

Elizabeth graduated from Hamden Hall in 1997 and enrolled at the College of the Holy Cross where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science. In 2009, she received a dual Juris Doctor/Master of Public Administration (JD/MPA) from the University of Connecticut. Following her graduation from law school, she had the opportunity to serve as a legal clerk in the Connecticut Appellate Court. Elizabeth and her husband John currently live in Wethersfield, Conn., with their two sons.