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Chrissy Rocco Caruolo, MPA 2004

Municipal Finance Officer, Webster Bank

Chrissy Rocco Caruolo

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chrissy Rocco Caruolo, a University of Connecticut Master of Public Administration 2004 graduate, stumbled upon the MPA program as a senior finishing her undergraduate double major in history and political science. Unfamiliar with the program, she recognized her genuine interest in local and state government and saw a need in the field. As Chrissy said, “I was interested in politics but not ‘politicking.’”
           
Through her coursework, she developed an appreciation for government finance and decided that would be her concentration. While working with Mark Robbins and Bill Simonsen for her graduate assistantship, she was introduced to the world of municipal bonds. “I loved it. It really interested me. I felt like I couldn’t get enough of it,” explained Chrissy. This experience catapulted her into her current career.
           
Today, Chrissy gets her fix as a Municipal Finance Officer for Webster Bank. In this position, Chrissy assists municipalities borrowing funds, advises them on financial projects, and creates debt management and capital management plans.
           
Prior to her position at Webster Bank, Chrissy worked in the Research Department at the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities for approximately eighteen months. Through her daily interactions with first selectmen, mayors, and town managers, she obtained an intense understanding of the operations of Connecticut towns.
           

In both of these positions, presentation skills and teamwork were two of the most important skills she acquired from the MPA program.  In particular, Chrissy remembers one assignment that struck her. “In my Capital Finance course we had a research project for which we had to present during a Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) meeting. Some of these people still remember me presenting a couple years ago. It introduces you to Connecticut. It’s nice to work with people that know my background. I’m not just a no name. It gives them confidence because I’m a UConn graduate,” explained Chrissy.