ADVANCECT WELCOMES THOMAS HYDE AS NEW CHIEF OF STAFF

New Haven, Connecticut, December 2, 2024 – Today, AdvanceCT announces that Thomas (Tommy) Hyde will be joining the organization as the Chief of Staff, stepping into a key leadership role for the organization. Hyde will be working with AdvanceCT President and CEO John Bourdeaux and the leadership team on strategic initiatives and the continued drive to attract corporate investment to Connecticut and support existing Connecticut companies with business retention and expansion plans.

Hyde comes to AdvanceCT following more than four years as the Chief Executive Officer of the Naugatuck Valley Regional Development Corporation, working simultaneously as the Executive Director of the Waterbury Development Corporation. Prior to his time in the Naugatuck region, he worked for the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development as the Director of Outreach and then as the Director of Government Affairs and Special Projects.

“AdvanceCT is thrilled to have Tommy step into this mission-critical role, and we are very lucky to be able to recruit a candidate of his caliber and experience,” said John Bourdeaux, President and CEO of AdvanceCT. “I always say that economic development work is simple, but not easy. Having this leadership position filled by someone with his depth of knowledge and expertise is a game changer for our organization. He will add a lot of depth to the AdvanceCT roster.”

“Tommy is a Connecticut native,” added Bourdeaux. “He understands our economy, and he intuitively understands our value proposition, which will enable him to hit the ground running.”

“I am excited to join AdvanceCT and bring my local economic development experience to this role,” said Hyde. “I look forward to working closely with John and the rest of the organization to continue driving investment into my home state. Promoting Connecticut is a dream come true for me,” added Hyde. “I am looking forward to helping companies set up operations here and creating opportunities for my neighbors.”

Hyde will be supporting AdvanceCT’s business development work by attracting foreign and domestic corporations to Connecticut as well as working with the state’s existing corporate investors to help them expand and thrive in the state. He will be an integral part of AdvanceCT’s leadership team and will help manage the organization’s strategic priorities and operations.

Thomas Hyde earned his undergrad degree from Trinity College, Hartford and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Connecticut.

Hyde will begin his new role at AdvanceCT just after the New Year.

About AdvanceCT
AdvanceCT is a business-driven nonprofit that works to engage, retain, and recruit
businesses to Connecticut. AdvanceCT collaborates with the Department of Economic and
Community Development (DECD) and our partners to implement high impact, equitable
economic development. Our team advocates for and promotes Connecticut as a location for
companies to compete and grow. www.advancect.org

Press Contact:
Shirar O’Connor
646-496-7668
soconnor@advancect.org