Keith Norton brings to CT State more than 30 years of experience in public-sector leadership, financial management, budgeting, administration and educational policy. Throughout his career, he has held senior leadership positions in state government, with a focus on fiscal responsibility, organizational effectiveness and expanding educational opportunities.
Most recently, Norton served as Chief Strategic Planning Officer at the Connecticut State Department of Education, where he led the Office of Strategic Planning and Partnerships. In this role, he oversaw a portfolio of more than $750 million in state funding and grants. His responsibilities included developing strategic goals; expanding college and career readiness initiatives; strengthening partnerships among secondary schools, higher education institutions and businesses; and increasing dual enrollment opportunities for high school students. He also provided oversight of the state's school choice programs and contributed to efforts addressing educational equity and school integration.
Previously, Norton served as Executive Director of the Connecticut Office of Higher Education, overseeing agency operations, academic affairs, student services and financial administration. As Director of Finance and Administration, he managed operating and capital budgets, grants, student financial aid programs, human resources and information technology. Earlier in his career, he spent nearly two decades at the Connecticut State Comptroller's Office, managing complex budgets, financial operations and statewide administrative functions.
Norton holds an M.B.A. with a concentration in management and finance from the University of Hartford and a bachelor's degree in political science from Trinity College. He also completed the Connecticut Aspiring Leaders Executive Development Program and the state's Human Resource Management Certificate Program.
