By Tiffany Williams –
Connecticut Office of Early Childhood Commissioner Beth Bye will retire from state service effective October 1, Governor Ned Lamont announced Wednesday. Bye, who has led the agency since the beginning of Lamont’s first term in 2019, is stepping down to pursue a master’s degree in social work and begin a new career working with children and families in health care settings.
Deputy Commissioner Elena Trueworthy will take over in an interim role immediately following Bye’s departure, with Lamont planning to submit her nomination for the permanent post to the General Assembly when the 2026 legislative session begins in February.
“Beth Bye is one of the most caring, compassionate, and energetic people that I know, and her passion for the development and wellness of the youngest members of our communities knows no bounds,” Lamont said. He credited Bye with spearheading the expansion of thousands of new early childhood education slots and helping launch Connecticut’s Universal Nurse Home Visiting program.
Bye, who previously directed child care programs at Trinity College and the University of St. Joseph, said her tenure at OEC marked the highlight of her career. “Working with Governor Lamont and the team at OEC to make Connecticut the most family friendly state with the expansion of early education and the launch of universal home visiting has been the honor of my career,” she said.
Trueworthy, who has worked in early childhood education for more than two decades, joined OEC in 2019 and became deputy commissioner in 2023. She previously led child care investment programs at the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving and served in multiple roles with Head Start in New Britain.
“I am truly honored for this opportunity to lead the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood and continue the positive momentum and critical work of the agency,” Trueworthy said.
Lamont said Trueworthy’s experience and leadership will allow her to “hit the job running” as she guides the state’s early childhood system forward.