Rob Hotaling
Robert Bodioh Hotaling (born February 25, 1978) is an American businessman, technology executive, entrepreneur, and political figure. He is known for his leadership roles in banking and technology firms, for founding Verbi, Inc., and for serving as the 2022 Independent Party of Connecticut nominee for Governor of Connecticut.[1][2] He later joined the administration of Governor Ned Lamont as a senior state official focused on economic development, infrastructure, and federal funds coordination.[3]
Early life and education
Hotaling was born in Liberia and raised in Providence, Rhode Island.[4] He later attended the University of Connecticut (UConn), where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. He continued to engage with the university through technology initiatives, including campus safety and security technology deployments.[5]
Career
Hotaling has held leadership and managerial roles in banking, technology, and consulting. His professional experience includes positions at Webster Bank (later merging with Sterling Bancorp), Kitchen Brains (FAST), Walker Digital Table Systems, and IBM Global Business Services.[6]
Verbi, Inc.
In 2016, Hotaling founded Verbi, Inc., a security-technology company that developed a mobile and cloud-based gunshot and explosion detection and notification system. The platform integrated surveillance cameras and automated door-locking controls. UConn installed the Verbi system as a pilot project on its campus, where it was covered in regional and national media.[5][7][8][9]
2022 Connecticut gubernatorial campaign
In 2022, Hotaling was nominated for governor by the Independent Party of Connecticut (IPCT) after winning the party’s caucus vote over Republican nominee Bob Stefanowski.[10] Stefanowski subsequently filed a lawsuit seeking to overturn the caucus result.[11][12]
The Connecticut Superior Court rejected Stefanowski’s challenge and upheld Hotaling’s position on the November ballot.[13][14][15]
Media coverage described Hotaling as a political newcomer attempting to break the traditional two-party divide in Connecticut politics.[16][17][18]
State government
After the 2022 election, Governor Ned Lamont appointed Hotaling as Deputy Commissioner and Chief Investment Officer of the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD).[19]
In 2024, Hotaling accepted a role at the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services (DRS) as Deputy Advisor for Infrastructure and Federal Funds. State announcements and press coverage noted his participation in multi-state coordination efforts and representation of Connecticut at National Governors Association infrastructure convenings.[20]
Personal life
Hotaling resides in Cheshire, Connecticut, with his wife, Luz Perez-Hotaling, and their four children.[21]
References
- ↑ "Who is Rob Hotaling? CT governor's race includes newcomer on Independent Party line". CT Mirror. 2022-10-11. Retrieved 2025-11-20.
- ↑ "Connecticut Independent Party nominates Rob Hotaling for governor". News 12 Connecticut. 2022-08-23. Retrieved 2025-11-20.
- ↑ "Rob Hotaling, who ran against Lamont, to join his administration". WSHU. 2023-01-24. Retrieved 2025-11-20.
- ↑ "Newcomer Hotaling touts pro-business platform in Independent run for governor". Hartford Business Journal. 2022. Retrieved 2025-11-20.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 "New Technology Enhances Campus Security". UConn Today. 2016-06-23. Retrieved 2025-11-20.
- ↑ "Rob Hotaling's run for Connecticut governor is an uphill battle against Lamont, Stefanowski". Hartford Courant. 2022-10-09. Retrieved 2025-11-20.
- ↑ "Alumnus Donates Gunshot Detection System to UConn". NBC Connecticut. 2016. Retrieved 2025-11-20.
- ↑ "Alumnus donates gunshot detection system to UConn". FOX61. 2016. Retrieved 2025-11-20.
- ↑ "Verbi Gunshot Detection/Notification System Installed at University of Connecticut". PR Newswire (Press release). 2016-06-21. Retrieved 2025-11-20.
- ↑ "Independent party endorses Rob Hotaling in caucus vote for Governor". WTNH. 2022. Retrieved 2025-11-20.
- ↑ "Stefanowski sues state after Independent Party nomination tiebreaker vote". FOX61. 2022-09. Retrieved 2025-11-20. Check date values in:
|date=(help) - ↑ "Stefanowski sues to knock Independent Party nominee off the ballot". Hartford Business Journal. 2022. Retrieved 2025-11-20.
- ↑ "Court rejects Stefanowski's bid to keep Independent Party off the ballot". CT Public. 2022-09-16. Retrieved 2025-11-20.
- ↑ "Judge Rules That Independent Candidate Hotaling Will Stay On The Ballot". CT News Junkie. 2022-09-15. Retrieved 2025-11-20.
- ↑ "Stefanowski loses lawsuit against Independent party". WFSB. 2022-09-15. Retrieved 2025-11-20.
- ↑ "Independent governor candidate Rob Hotaling: 'I'm the only one who can break the blue-red divide'". CT Public. 2022-10-06. Retrieved 2025-11-20.
- ↑ "CT Governor 2022 Race: Lamont, Stefanowski Hotaling". Patch. 2022. Retrieved 2025-11-20.
- ↑ "Profiling candidates in the race for Connecticut governor". WFSB. 2022-10-24. Retrieved 2025-11-20.
- ↑ "Rob Hotaling, who ran against Lamont, to join his administration". WSHU. 2023-01-24. Retrieved 2025-11-20.
- ↑ "Connecticut gubernatorial candidates disagree over spending budget surplus in televised debate". WSHU. 2022-09-28. Retrieved 2025-11-20.
- ↑ "Newcomer Hotaling touts pro-business platform in Independent run for governor". Hartford Business Journal. 2022. Retrieved 2025-11-20.
External links
[https://ballotpedia.org/Robert_Hotaling
Ballotpedia – Robert Hotaling]
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