Hartford, CT – The Democratic State Central Committee (DSCC) – the governing body of the Connecticut Democratic Party – elected its new leadership tonight in a meeting at Party headquarters in Hartford.

Nick Balletto (Guilford), who currently serves as vice chair, will assume the role of chair on February 1. Nancy DiNardo (Trumbull) who has served as chairwoman of the Party for the last 10 years will then assume the role of vice chair.

“I am honored to be elected as the next chair of the DSCC and am excited to help build on the successes Connecticut Democrats have achieved in recent years,” stated Balletto. “I’m grateful to the Governor, Lt. Governor, our statewide Democratic leaders, and the DSCC for their confidence and look forward to working closely with them over the next two years.”

Balletto, who has served as vice chair since 2011, is a tax accountant with Balletto, Shariff & Associates in New Haven. He was a Democratic town committee chair of New Haven from 1996 to 2002 and a former member of the New Haven Board of Alderman from 1988 to 1989. He received his M.B.A. from Sacred Heart University and a B.S. from the University of New Haven. Balletto also serves on the Executive Committee of the Association of State Democratic Chairs (ASDC) which advocates for Democrats across the country.

“I am proud of the gains we have made as Democrats both electorally and in public policy over the last decade, and look forward to working the Nick to continue these successes,” stated DiNardo. DiNardo was the first woman to be elected as chair in the history of the Connecticut Democratic Party. She was an educator in the Bridgeport school system for 30 years. She was also a Democratic town committee chair in Trumbull from 1983 to 2013 and former town councilwoman in Trumbull from 1971 to 1975. DiNardo also serves as chair of the Eastern Regional Caucus of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) and is a member of the Executive Committee of the DNC. She is currently on the Board of Directors of Griffin Hospital in Derby.

Joshua Hall (Hartford) was also elected as treasurer of the DSCC and Barbara Gordon (West Hartford) will resume the role of secretary for the next term.

“This is a Party that is poised to continue to play a role electorally as well as in advocating for our democratic ideals on the local, state, and federal levels,” added Michael Mandell, CDP’s Executive Director. “As this new slate of leaders takes office on February 1 and serves through the 2015-2016 election cycle, I am confident they will be successful in partnering with municipal races this fall, and the presidential, congressional and general assembly races next year.”

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