Senate Leadership
September 18, 2008
Looney Appoints 1st African American Woman to Citizen’s Ethics Advisory Board
Senator Looney says Dawne Westbrook will bring needed diversity to independent watchdog agency
Senate Majority Leader Martin Looney (D-New Haven) has named Dawne Westbrook, a Glastonbury attorney, to serve on the Citizen’s Ethics Advisory Board, which helps to oversee the Office of State Ethics (OSE). Ms. Westbrook is not only a well regarded attorney, legal advocate, and community activist — she is also the first African American to be selected for the Advisory Board.
“I am thrilled that Dawne Westbrook has accepted this nomination and will be the first African American to serve on this important Advisory Board,” said Senator Looney. “Ms. Westbrook is an accomplished attorney who will bring valuable insight, judgment, and diversity to this independent watchdog agency. I thank the NAACP for recognizing her achievements and advocating for her consideration. Her background and expertise will make her a perfect fit on the board.”
Ms. Westbrook — who will serve a four year term — is a practicing attorney in Glastonbury, with an emphasis on juvenile law, criminal law, employment discrimination, and civil and constitutional rights. She is also a lecturer at Manchester Community College.
“I like many other citizens of the state of Connecticut believe that honesty, integrity and accountability are keys to successful government,” said Westbrook. “The opportunity to be a part of ensuring that those fundamental concepts remain the cornerstone of our government is both humbling and an honor. While the significance of being the first African American ever appointed cannot be minimized, the common goal of our citizenry certainly transcends race. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve.”
According to the Office of State Ethics, its mission is “to ensure honesty, integrity and accountability in state government through education, interpretation and enforcement of the State of Connecticut Codes of Ethics.”
The Advisory Board is responsible for appointing the executive director of the OSE, annually reviewing his or her performance, hearing issues regarding the Code of Ethics, and issuing advisory opinions.
“I have the pleasure of not only calling Dawne Westbrook a constituent, but also an inspiration to those of us in public service,” said Senator Mary Ann Handley (D-Manchester. “I have known Dawne for many years and am thrilled that I could play a role in getting her appointed to the Ethics Advisory Board.”
Ms. Westbrook has received numerous awards for her public service, including:
- 2003 Law Tribune, New Leaders of the Law Award Recipient
- Middlesex County NAACP 10 Most Phenomenal Women 2005
- Wesleyan University, 40th Anniversary Brown v. Board of Education Presenter 2004
- Middletown African American Community Leaders Award Recipient 2005
- Presentation on Employment Law, Annual Meeting Connecticut Bar Association — 2006
- Employment Discrimination Presentation, New Haven Bar Association — 2005
- Harassment and Hate Crimes Presentation, Connecticut Bar Association — 2008
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