Malloy senior adviser leaving at end of year

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Gov. Dannel P. Malloy's senior adviser is leaving the administration after two years and is pursuing an undisclosed new job.

Malloy announced Roy Occhiogrosso's (oh-kee-oh-GROH'-soh's) departure Monday at the Legislative Office Building. He said Occhiogrosso initially agreed to serve as senior adviser for one year after Malloy was first elected in 2010, but the Democratic governor persuaded him to serve another year.

The 47-year-old Occhiogrosso has been a leading public voice for Malloy's administration and top defender against criticism. He was top aide to Malloy's successful 2010 campaign and unsuccessful 2006 gubernatorial run.

Occhiogrosso said he's finalizing details of his next career move. Asked why he's leaving at the end of the month, Occhiogrosso said people often stay in political jobs like his too long and it's time for a change.