Mayor Simmons Announces Cabinet Appointments

STAMFORD, CT — Shortly after getting sworn into office, Mayor Caroline Simmons announced several cabinet appointments in her administration.

Matt Quinones will serve as the director operations, and both Sandy Dennies and Ted Jankowski will remain in their current roles; Dennies as director of administration, and Ted Jankowksi as director of public safety, health and welfare.

The trio, if approved by the Board of Representatives, will join a leadership team that includes Bridget Fox, who will serve as Simmons' chief of staff, and Michael Pollard, who agreed to stay on as a senior advisor to Simmons.

These recent nominations will be on the Board of Reps. Steering Committee agenda on Dec. 13, and voted on at the Jan. 3, 2022 meeting. Quinones would begin his duties in January.

Simmons said the team will help implement the vision for Stamford, "which includes a responsive city government, robust partnerships with local businesses, and more efficient services for city residents."

See also: Simmons Sworn Into Office

"These nominees will bring experience, talent and vision to serve the residents of Stamford," Simmons said in a news release. "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

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 non-profit.

For the past eight years he has also served on the Stamford Board of Reps., spending the last four years as board president.

"I am looking forward to joining this historic administration and serving Mayor Simmons as director of operations," Quinones said in a news release. "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."

Sandy Dennies

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.

Previously, Dennies was Chief Financial Officer of the towns of New Canaan and Wilton, and the City of Stamford from 2007-2009.

Dennies said in a news release she's "grateful" for the opportunity to work with Simmons.

"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," Dennies added.

Ted Jankowski

Since 2012, Jankowski has worked as Stamford's director of public safety, health and welfare.

In the role, Jankowski is 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.

Over a 33-year career in public safety, Jankowski has experience working with the FDNY as a deputy chief, and as an executive officer of safety and inspection services.

"I am looking forward to working with Mayor Simmons and supporting her agenda in protecting and serving the residents of Stamford," Jankowski said in a news release. "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."