CSCU Names Karen Buffkin as New General Counsel
Buffkin currently serves as the Executive Director of Employee Relations at the University of Connecticut, where she oversees the Office of Faculty and Staff Labor Relations.
Chancellor Terrence Cheng today announced that he has appointed Karen Buffkin as the new General Counsel of the Connecticut State College and Universities (CSCU) system. Buffkin currently serves as the Executive Director of Employee Relations at the University of Connecticut, where she oversees the Office of Faculty and Staff Labor Relations.
“Karen Buffkin’s decades of experience in public service will benefit CSCU and its students,” said Cheng. “Her experience in providing advice and counsel on a broad range of legal matters and policies will strengthen our system. CSCU is fortunate to have someone of Karen’s talent and experience, and I look forward to working with her in this role. I would also like to thank Vita Litvin, CSCU’s Associate General Counsel, who filled this role in an interim capacity as we conducted a national search for the position.”
At UConn, Buffkin managed labor relations functions for both the University and UConn Health – covering over 11,000 employees and 13 bargaining units. She served as chief negotiator in contract negotiations and supervised labor and employment litigation with the Office of the General Counsel and Office of the Attorney General.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to continue in public service on behalf of the more than 64,000 students who attend CSCU,” said Buffkin. “I look forward to fostering a culture of collaboration and transparency at CSCU, while supporting the system’s mission in providing an affordable and exceptional learning environment for students.”
“Karen’s extensive legal expertise and employee relations experience will be a tremendous asset to the CSCU system,” said Board of Regents Chair Marty Guay. “We believe Karen will provide invaluable guidance on legal matters, ensuring compliance and protecting the interest of CSCU’s faculty, staff, and students. We look forward to working with Karen as she fosters an environment of integrity, transparency and excellence.
Prior to her role at UConn, Buffkin has held several key leadership roles, including General Counsel to Governor Dannel Malloy, Undersecretary for Legal Affairs, and Deputy Secretary at the Office of Policy and Management. She has also served as General Counsel to the State Board of Labor Relations and the State Comptroller.
Buffkin holds her undergraduate and law degree from the University of Connecticut and holds a certificate in State and Local Government from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. She is a trustee of the State Employees Retirement Commission, contributing her expertise to managing statewide employee benefit programs.
Buffkin’s first day at CSCU will be November 29, 2024. Chancellor Cheng has asked that Buffkin’s first order of business be to conduct a review of CSCU’s policies related to p-cards and travel and make recommendations.