Gov. Dannel P. Malloy announced Tuesday that Kevin Sullivan will leave his role as commissioner of the Department of Revenue Services for a private sector position.

By Ronni Newton

Kevin Sullivan, a lifelong West Hartford resident who has served as commissioner of the state’s Department of Revenue Services for the past seven years, will leave his position on May 10 for a job in the private sector.

According to an announcement from Gov. Dannel P. Malloy’s office, Sullivan has taken accepted a job with Scottsdale, AZ-based Verus Analytics, a company that provides “global research solutions,” including assisting tax agencies in using data-driven solutions to reduce the gap in uncollected taxes. Verus does not currently operate in Connecticut, the announcement noted.

“I am so grateful to Gov. Malloy and all of the people at the Department of Revenue Services for what has been the best professional opportunity of my life,” Sullivan said in a statement. “During these difficult times, I know that we have made a difference in strengthening the performance of our agency, improving the linkage of tax policy to economic policy, and focusing DRS even more on taxpayer services.”

Sullivan has served as commissioner of DRS since January 2011. Prior to that he was executive director of The Children’s Museum in West Hartford and taught at the college level.

Although he was a Democrat, he previously served as lieutenant governor of Connecticut from July 2004-January 2007 under Republican Gov. M. Jodi Rell, a position which he assumed when Rell became governor following John Roland’s resignation. Sullivan had been State Senate President Pro Tempore since 1997.

Sullivan is also a former West Hartford mayor and state senator.

He is a graduate of Conard High School, Trinity College, and the University of Connecticut School of Law.

“Kevin has years of experience in public service in Connecticut, which has provided him with an exceptional knowledge of the inner workings of state government,” Malloy said in a statement. “Over the last seven years, he has been able to utilize that experience and implement a number of efficiencies and improvements to make DRS even more responsive to the people of our state. I thank him for his service to our state and wish him well in the private sector.”

DRS Deputy Commissioner Joe Mooney will serve as Acting Commissioner of DRS until a successor is named, Malloy’s office said.

Like what you see here? Click here to subscribe to We-Ha’s newsletter so you’ll always be in the know about what’s happening in West Hartford!