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26 40 UNDER FORTY | 2025 AWARDS HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM | AUGUST 11, 2025 Dave Steuber is the chief of staff and director of strategic initiatives at DECD, where he is helping to shape the state's near- and long-term economic direction. He previously served as chief of staff to Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin and worked at Connecticut Innovations/CTNext. He spent 10 years on staff at the state legislature, where he was instrumental in designing the fiscal "guardrails" that transformed the state's finances from deficits to record surpluses. As vice president of strategic partnerships at CIL, a nonprofit real estate developer, Samantha VanSchoick seeks out opportuni- ties to develop accessible, community-based housing. Under her leadership, CIL expanded from two to eight states and secured 25-plus projects in under two years. Known for her authentic approach and creative strategy, VanSchoick is a thought leader in her space, frequently speaking for national audiences at orga- nizations like The Arc, SMPS, ANCOR and the National Council on Disability. What's been your biggest professional accomplishment so far in your career? I worked with Sen. John Fonfara and others to design the fiscal "guardrails" that have grown state reserves by $4.1 billion and reduced public debt by $8.6 billion so far. We're right to continue debating those reforms, but should not forget the deep, repeated economic pain that inspired them. How are you involved in the community? At DECD, I am working with Commissioner Daniel O'Keefe to position Connecticut for long-term growth, investing in a culture of innovation, entrepreneurship and technology development. Outside of the office, I've been proud to serve the Hartford community on the boards of the Metropolitan District Commission and the MIRA Dissolution Authority. Why do you deserve to be a 40 Under Forty? • Helped to design reforms that turned around the finances of the state of Connecticut, bringing the "perpetual fiscal crisis" to a close. • Worked alongside Mayor Bronin and the Hartford legislative delegation to help our Capital City avoid bankruptcy and build for the future. • Been engaged in state policy for over a decade on issues spanning energy and the environment to economic development, public finance and data management. What's been your biggest professional accomplishment so far in your career? Spearheading CIL's expansion from two to eight states, I led business develop- ment efforts resulting in more than 25 project wins, surpassing our strategic goals years early and increasing access to community-based, accessible housing. How are you involved in the community? Most recently, I volunteered for the New England Wood Fire Conference in New Haven, a gathering of ceramic artists from far and wide to celebrate crafts- manship and community. I'm passionate about creating spaces — both physical and cultural — where people connect, learn and grow together. What do you like to do outside of work? I love doing art stuff with my friends. You can often catch me covered in clay or paint. Why do you deserve to be a 40 Under Forty? • Built a relationship-first model that helped CIL expand to eight states with 25-plus wins — surpassing strategic goals years early. • Named SMPS's inaugural Impact "Business Developer of the Year" for blending creativity and strategy to drive industry-leading growth. • Launched "Accessible Futures: Live!" a short-form interview series spotlighting trends in inclusive housing through LinkedIn Live. David Sinko Steuber Company: State of Connecticut, Department of Economic & Community Development Title: Chief of Staff & Director of Strategic Initiatives Number of years with current company: 1.5 Town where I live: Hartford Town where I work: Hartford College: University of Connecticut Highest degree: Master's degree in business analytics and project man- agement, University of Connecticut Age: 38 Samantha VanSchoick Company: CIL Title: Vice President of Strategic Partnerships Number of years with current company: 8 Town where I live: Enfield Town where I work: Windsor College: Lyndon State College Highest degree: Bachelor's degree in English, Lyndon State College Age: 34 CONTACT US TODAY! CONTACT US TODAY! CONTACT US www.brianambrosephoto.com | 344 spring street ext. glastonbury, ct headshot FIRST IMPRESSIONS START WITH A I S Y O U R W H O L E T E A M I N N E E D O F H E A D S H O T S ? Q U A N T I T Y D I S C O U N T S A V A I L A B L E !