Earlier today, Mayor Caroline Simmons took her oath of office and became the 32nd Mayor of the City of Stamford and announced key members of her cabinet.

Matt Quinones will serve as Director of Operations, Sandy Dennies will serve as Director of Administration, and Ted Jankowski will serve as Director of Public Safety, Health and Welfare. These three leaders are long-time professionals with experience in Stamford’s city government, with track records of dedicated service on behalf of Stamford residents. 

“As I take office, my first and most important task is assembling a strong leadership team that can implement our vision for Stamford, which includes a responsive city government, robust partnerships with local businesses, and more efficient services for city residents,” said Mayor Simmons. “These nominees will bring experience, talent, and vision to serve the residents of Stamford.  We have important work ahead of us, and I am confident that these three individuals are prepared to implement a bold agenda that will ensure that Stamford remains a fair, inclusive, and prosperous city. I look forward to making additional staffing appointments in the days and weeks ahead.” 

Matt Quinones has been Chief Executive Officer for the Stamford Public Education Foundation since 2015. He previously served as Manager of Recruitment and Talent Support for Americares, a Stamford-based nonprofit. For the past eight years he has also served on the Stamford Board of Representatives, spending the last four years as President of the Board of Representatives. Quinones served as a Commissioned Officer in the Connecticut Army National Guard for six years, and prior to that served three years as an Enlisted Soldier. Matt has a BA from the University of Connecticut.

“I am looking forward to joining this historic administration and serving Mayor Simmons as Director of Operations,” said Quinones. “I’m eager to address the challenges of Stamford residents and make sure we manage government in a way that prioritizes their needs in an efficient and responsive manner. As the former President of the Board of Representatives, I witnessed how residents interact with government, and in my new role I am prepared to bring that experience and empathy to make sure that we act in a way that assures that our city continues to thrive. We have an incredible workforce across this city, and I look forward to advocating on their behalf, recognizing their hard work and making certain that we are empowering public servants to provide the critical services upon which our residents rely and deserve.”

Sandy Dennies has served as Director of Administration for the City since 2020, managing the $660-million operating and capital budget while overseeing operation of the Controller’s Office, Office of Policy and Management, Purchasing, Risk Management, Grants, Tax and Revenue Collector, and Assessor’s Office. She has extensive experience in budgeting, bonding, Enterprise Resource Systems (ERP), and related processes in Administration. Previously, Sandy was Chief Financial Officer of the towns of New Canaan and Wilton; and the City of Stamford from 2007-2009. Sandy has an MS from Southern Connecticut State University.

“I am grateful for Mayor Simmons' confidence in my continued ability to lead the Office of Administration, and I am proud to serve our city’s first female mayor,” said Dennies. “We have a unique opportunity to make lasting change in our city, and I know the Mayor is in a position to do just that. As we manage this current budget and prepare for this next budget, I am excited to implement the Mayor’s objectives of leveraging government to strengthen our schools, fix our infrastructure, and support small businesses. With her vision of finally leveraging partnerships available and making necessary investments in our community that have been languished for too long.” 

Thaddeus K. Jankowski has served as the Director of Public Safety, Health and Welfare for the City of Stamford since 2012. Ted has been responsible for the administration, supervision and performance of all municipal functions related to police, fire, health, social services, rescue, emergency medical services, emergency management and homeland security. He has a 33 year career of public safety, emergency response, emergency management and incident command experience working in New York City, the FDNY, as Deputy Chief, the Executive Officer of Safety and Inspection Services Command. Ted holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from New York University, 

“It is an honor to serve as a key member of Mayor Simmons Administration. I am looking forward to working with Mayor Simmons and supporting her agenda in protecting and serving the residents of Stamford,” said Jankowski.  “Mayor Simmons understands the gravity of the Covid-19 pandemic and her perspective and leadership will be instrumental in advancing the public safety, health and welfare of Stamford’s residents.”

These individuals will join a leadership team including Bridget Fox, who will serve as the Mayor’s Chief of Staff, and Michael Pollard who has agreed to stay on as a Senior Advisor to the Mayor.

These nominations will be on the Board of Representatives Steering Committee agenda for December 13, 2021 and voted on at the January 3, 2022 meeting. Dennies and Jankowski will remain in their positions, and Quinones will begin his duties in January.