Michael Bloom served as Executive Director of the Jewish Federation Association of Connecticut (JFACT) from March 2017 until early 2025. In February 2025, he joined the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) as Senior Director of External Affairs and Engagement and Hate Crimes Initiative Coordinator in the Office of External Affairs. Born in Brookline, Massachusetts, Bloom grew up in Gaithersburg, Maryland. He returned to New England to attend the University of Connecticut, where he developed a strong interest in politics, taking numerous political science classes. Bloom has been active in Jewish community advocacy, interfaith initiatives, Holocaust education, and hate crimes prevention. He served on the Connecticut Hate Crimes Advisory Council and the board of directors of UConn Hillel. Contact: michael.bloom@ct.gov