Connecticut FOI Commission Press Release
04/10/2026
The Connecticut Freedom of Information Commission announced today that Danielle L. McGee has been appointed as its new Executive Director and General Counsel, marking a significant milestone in the Commission’s 50-year history. McGee is only the third person to hold this role in the Commission’s history and is the first person of color to do so.
A respected leader within the agency, McGee ascends to the Commission’s top position after seven years as a staff attorney with the agency. She has handled complex contested cases, directed appellate strategy, and advised the Commission on important legal and policy issues. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she co-led the agency’s shift to remote proceedings and its subsequent return to in-person business in 2022. McGee’s appointment reflects the Commission’s commitment to preserving institutional knowledge while embracing a forward-looking vision for its future.
Widely regarded for her sound judgment, integrity, and collaborative leadership, she has earned the trust of colleagues, Commissioners, and stakeholders across the state. Commission Chairman, Owen Eagan, praised McGee’s appointment:
“Danielle McGee represents the very best of this agency. She understands the Freedom of Information Act not only as a legal framework, but as a living commitment to the people of Connecticut. Having grown professionally with the Commission, she brings unmatched institutional knowledge, credibility with staff, and a clear vision for the future. We are confident that under her leadership, the Commission will continue to thrive.”
Her contributions extend to the broader open government and ethics community. McGee has served on the Board of Directors of the Connecticut Foundation for Open Government and as a member of the Program Committee for the Council on Governmental Ethics Laws, where she has helped shape conversations on timely, high-impact topics in public records laws.
Outgoing Executive Director and General Counsel Colleen Murphy reflected on McGee’s leadership and readiness:
“Danielle is an outstanding attorney and a thoughtful, principled leader. She has a deep understanding of the Commission’s mission and a genuine respect for its role in ensuring open and accessible government in Connecticut. I am confident that she will lead the agency with integrity, clarity, and purpose, while continuing to enhance its influence in the years to come.”
As Executive Director and General Counsel, McGee will lead the Commission’s legal, operational, and policy functions, guiding its work to ensure that the public maintains meaningful access to public records and meetings. With this appointment, the Freedom of Information Commission reaffirms its enduring commitment to transparency, accountability, and the public’s right to know.
McGee holds a Juris Doctor, cum laude, from Quinnipiac University School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts, summa cum laude, from Fairfield University. She is licensed to practice law in Connecticut and New York.