WTS CT | TMS 2022 | Speaker Bios

SPEAKER BIOS

Local Funding Opportunities Through The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BiL) – Who in CT Can Help & How? MARK BOUGHTON, Senior Advisor for Infrastructure | IIJA In December of 2021, Governor Ned Lamont named Commissioner Mark Boughton as his senior advisor for infrastructure. In this role, Commissioner Boughton acts as the Lamont administration’s senior voice on infrastructure. He coordinates a multi-agency approach to administering funds from the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Commissioner Boughton and his infrastructure teamwork to ensure that the investments made with these federal funds are coordinated, strategic, and equitable. In addition to his duties with the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Mark D. Boughton also serves as the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services commissioner. He was nominated by Governor Ned Lamont on December 11th, 2020. A resolution confirming his nomination was approved by House members of the General Assembly's Executive and Legislative Nominations Committee on January 19th, 2021, and by the Connecticut House of Representatives on February 24th, 2021. At the Department of Revenue Services (DRS), Commissioner Boughton has prioritized fair and equitable tax administration and excellent customer service. He is leading the Department during a multi-year modernization initiative, which will stage an environment that supports data-driven tax collection, offers enhanced online tax filing and payment options, and promotes voluntary taxpayer compliance. The DRS initiative aligns with the Lamont Administration’s design to modernize state government and provide taxpayers with convenient, easily accessible services. Born and raised in Danbury, Mark attended Danbury public schools and graduated from Danbury High School in 1982. Upon graduation, he remained in his home state and attended Central Connecticut State University, earning a Bachelor of Science in History. He went on to receive his Master's in Educational Psychology from Western Connecticut State University in Danbury. Mark served in the United States Army Reserve from 1983 to 1989, where he achieved the rank of Sergeant. He returned to Danbury High School in 1987 to teach Social Studies. As a highly regarded educator, he continues to be a leading advocate of quality education for all children. Having always had a deep love for public service, Mark served as a member of the Danbury Planning Commission from 1995 to 1998 and later went on to serve three years as Connecticut's 138th District State Representative. During his time as State Representative, he achieved a perfect voting record in the General Assembly, where he was ranking member of the Environment Committee, as well as a member of the Education Committee. Mark was the longest-serving mayor in Danbury’s history, elected to office for a 10th term in 2019. During his time in office, he was committed to top-notch education, infrastructure enhancement, and public safety. For several years, Danbury was selected as the “Safest City” in Connecticut, and among the top best places to live in the U.S. Mark remains devoted to keeping Danbury as the "Greatest Place to Live, Work, and Be Educated." LAURA FRANCIS, Deputy Director / Director of Transportation Planning | South Central Regional Council of Governments Laura Francis is the Deputy Director / Director of Transportation Planning for the South Central Regional Council of Governments. Prior to joining SCRCOG, Laura was the First Selectwoman for the Town of Durham, CT for 15 years. Laura also served on the Board of Directors for CCM and was the President of the Connecticut Council of Small Towns (COST).

2022 Transportation Mini-Series // Page 1