Dave Steuber is the chief of staff and director of strategic initiatives at DECD, where he is helping to shape the state’s near- and long-term economic direction.
He previously served as chief of staff to Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin and worked at Connecticut Innovations/CTNext. He spent 10 years on staff at the state legislature, where he was instrumental in designing the fiscal “guardrails” that transformed the state’s finances from deficits to record surpluses.
What’s been your biggest professional accomplishment so far in your career?
I worked with Sen. John Fonfara and others to design the fiscal “guardrails” that have grown state reserves by $4.1 billion and reduced public debt by $8.6 billion so far. We’re right to continue debating those reforms, but should not forget the deep, repeated economic pain that inspired them.
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How are you involved in the community?
At DECD, I am working with Commissioner Daniel O’Keefe to position Connecticut for long-term growth, investing in a culture of innovation, entrepreneurship and technology development. Outside of the office, I’ve been proud to serve the Hartford community on the boards of the Metropolitan District Commission and the MIRA Dissolution Authority.
Why do you deserve to be a 40 Under Forty?
• Helped to design reforms that turned around the finances of the state of Connecticut, bringing the “perpetual fiscal crisis” to a close.
• Worked alongside Mayor Bronin and the Hartford legislative delegation to help our Capital City avoid bankruptcy and build for the future.
• Been engaged in state policy for over a decade on issues spanning energy and the environment to economic development, public finance and data management.
What do you like to do outside of work?
I have a brilliant wife, a three-year-old daughter and some true, lifelong friends. What else could anyone want? A good laugh and a great argument.
Fun Fact: I flipped a Congressional seat in college. Shoutout to Joe Courtney and the UConn Dems!