The Connecticut Technology Council (CTC) on Friday named State Rep. Derek Slap (D-West Hartford) as its new CEO and president.
Slap, 45, will begin overseeing the statewide association of technology-oriented companies and institutions on Monday, Jan. 28, replacing Bruce Carlson, who served the post for five years.
CTC, in its 25th season, said Slap’s tenure will be spent promoting Connecticut’s technology sector through leadership, mentoring and advocacy to companies.
Slap’s appointment comes weeks after he declared he would seek the Senate 5th district seat vacated by former Sen. Beth Bye, who stepped down earlier this month to become commissioner of the Office of Early Childhood.
Slap was reelected to his second term in the 19th House District, which represents West Hartford, Farmington and Avon, in November.
CTC board chair Severine Zygmont said Slap surfaced as its top candidate due in large part to his state government and nonprofit experience as vice president of marketing and communication at the UConn Foundation.
“During the selection process, the board was very impressed with his ability to build rapport, his vision for the organization, and his confidence in all the key areas needed to lead it,” Zygmont said.
Slap is currently a lecturer at Yale University and was previously an anchor and reporter at NBC Connecticut. He also served as chief of staff for Senate Democrats from 2007 through 2014 and was communications director for the city of New Haven from 2003 to 2006.
In the General Assembly, Slap has been a staunch advocate for pay equity reform.
