Mayor Simmons Picks New Stamford Director Of Legal Affairs

STAMFORD, CT — On Thursday, Mayor Caroline Simmons announced that he has picked Doug Dalena to serve as Director of Legal Affairs for the City of Stamford. Dalena currently serves as Gov. Ned Lamont's Deputy General Counsel.

"I am grateful for Mayor Simmons' confidence in appointing me as her Director of Legal Affairs and I am honored to serve in this new capacity," Dalena said in a news release. "Early in my career I had the privilege of covering Stamford’s city government as a reporter for the Stamford Advocate, and so I understand the power and impact that local government can have on the residents it serves.

"My service in the legal office for Connecticut’s last two Governors, particularly these last two years during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, have further shown me the capacity of our state and local government to help our residents and strengthen our communities. I’m looking forward to implementing the Mayor’s vision for Stamford as we build a responsive government that advocates for our residents and our community."

Simmons said she was "pleased" that Dalena is joining her cabinet.

"Doug’s legal expertise and understanding of local and state government will be invaluable to my administration as we look to shape Stamford’s future, making it a prosperous and inclusive city for all our residents," Simmons said in a news release.

In his current role for Lamont, Dalena "has helped create and coordinate the legal framework for the state's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, while also continuing to advise state agencies on implementing workable legal solutions across a host of policy and subject matter areas," a news release from Simmons' office said.

Prior to beginning his legal career, Dalena spent seven years working as a journalist, including four years as a reporter for the Stamford Advocate. Dalena is a commander in the United States Navy Reserves. He received his Doctor of Law from the University of Connecticut School of Law.

Last week, Simmons announced other cabinet positions, including Matthew Quinones as Director of Operations, Sandy Dennies as Director of Administration, and Ted Jankowski as Director of Public Safety, Health, & Welfare.