Barnes tapped for CFO job at Connecticut university system

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Outgoing Democratic Gov. Dannel P. Malloy's longtime budget director is taking on a new job in state government.

Mark Ojakian (oh-JAY'-kee-an), president of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities, announced Monday that Ben Barnes will become the next chief financial officer of the system.

Barnes has led the Office of Policy and Management since 2011, becoming one of the longest-serving OPM secretaries in recent memory. As secretary, he has served on the Connecticut Higher Education Coordinating Council. He previously served as chief operating officer for the Bridgeport Public Schools and director of administration and director of operations for the city of Stamford.