The Norfolk Board runs a $370 million pension fund which, under Cahill's management, has done exceptionally well during a 2 1/2 year depressed market. Connolly says that the fund's low-risk investment style is not something he would be seeking to change under current market conditions.

Shortly after the election, one of the new Treasurer's first visits was to the office of John McLellan, Treasurer of Plymouth County, who is the Dean of all elected county officials in this state.

"John has been around a long time... I wanted to look at the management of county retirement systems from an historic perspective and also to tap into his reservoir of overall knowledge. It was a very worthwhile visit," said Connolly. "I've also met with Tim about the transition, which is going well."

Josephine Shea, an elected member of the Norfolk County Board, is also the Board's senior member. She had high praise for both Connolly and outgoing Treasurer, Tim Cahill.

"Joe Connolly will be the fourth treasurer that I've served under," said Shea. "Joe has a good sense of business. His corporate experience, combined with his municipal experience, will be an asset to our Board and our pension fund."

"Tim Cahill's hands-on leadership enabled our Board and staff to provide exceptional service to the members of our retirement system and to increase the value of the system's pension fund. I know that Tim will do an outstanding job as the Commonwealth's Treasurer."

Connolly, who was a former congressional aide for late Congressman Joe Moakley, has been working as an economic development specialist for NSTAR, a job he is giving up to work full-time as Treasurer.

He is active in several youth programs in Weymouth, where he serves as a soccer coach. A former hockey player, he is a member of the Eastern Mass Chapter, Ice Hockey Referee Association. He holds a bachelor's degree in public administration from Boston State College and a master's degree in public affairs from UMass Boston.