Glori Norwitt Appointed as Connecticut’s Envoy for International Engagement

Glori Norwitt to Focus on State’s International Relations

New Haven, Connecticut, July 30, 2025 - Today, AdvanceCT announces the appointment of Glori Norwitt as Connecticut’s Special International Envoy, responsible for engaging with foreign dignitaries, delegations, and officials.

In this unpaid volunteer role, Glori Norwitt will represent the state and AdvanceCT in interactions with international government representatives. Her role will support Connecticut’s increasing global engagement in economic promotion, tourism, and other commerce-related activities.

Norwitt will represent the state with high-ranking officials and foreign delegations who are engaged with the state and facilitate cultural as well as commercial interactions. She will work with AdvanceCT and organizations around Connecticut to help organize logistics, protocols, and planning for visits from international dignitaries and foreign delegations. Her work will foster long-term partnerships, open channels for commercial activity, and help promote the state’s reputation internationally.        

Norwitt will assist the state in connecting visiting delegations to businesses, organizations, nonprofits, the state’s diverse diasporas, and other resources to increase bilateral cooperation and promote Connecticut’s economy, arts, entertainment, and cultural assets worldwide.

“Glori is extremely accomplished, and I’m proud to have her represent Connecticut on the international stage,” said Governor Lamont. “Her work in economic development, understanding of our economy, and international relationships will be beneficial for our state.”

Norwitt has been contributing to communities in Connecticut for over twenty years.

She currently chairs the Economic & Community Development Commission for the Town of Ridgefield, and she serves on the National Council of the White House Historical Association. She also serves on the Boards of the CT Arts Foundation and Planned Parenthood of Southern New England, and she has served on and chaired the Board of Directors at The Center for Empowerment & Education.

“In the past year, the state’s engagement with foreign leaders and delegations has increased significantly,” said Daniel O’Keefe, Commissioner of Economic Development. “We are thrilled to have Glori as a partner to help us maximize these opportunities and ensure that these relationships yield value and results for Connecticut.”

“We are seeing a good number of foreign companies enter our market for the first time and ultimately expand in Connecticut,” added John Bourdeaux, President and CEO of AdvanceCT. “Additionally, countries are increasingly seeking sub-national engagement, so Glori’s appointment to this role is timely.”

“Having someone dedicated to fostering these important relationships will open up additional channels for Connecticut’s businesses and contribute greatly to positioning our state in international markets, contributing to our future success.”

Glori holds a JD from the University of Southern California School of Law and a BA from the University of Michigan. She practiced law in both California and Hong Kong.

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