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HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM | SEPTEMBER 8, 2025 B9 C-SUITE | 2025 AWARDS N andini Natarajan is CEO and exec- utive director of the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (CHFA) and the first woman and person of color to lead the agency. Since 2019, she has expanded access to affordable housing through innovative programs, strong fiscal leadership, and strategic partnerships. She serves on the National Council of State Housing Agency board and the Federal Home Loan Banks Boston advisory council. She holds degrees from Smith College and UMass Amherst, as well as a certificate from the NeighborWorks Achiev- ing Excellence Program. What have been your biggest professional accomplishments over the past year? I led CHFA through the launch of several high-impact programs, including, in partnership with the State Department of Housing, Build For CT (low-cost financ- ing for middle-income rental housing), the relaunch of the State's Time To Own (forgivable down payment assistance for over 6,000 first-time buyers), and the pilot of Smart Rate (interest rate reduction for borrowers with student debt). Internally, I oversaw the development of a new four-year strategic plan and strengthened our hybrid work culture. We modernized operations, improved collaboration, and stayed mission-focused, funding over 2,000 afford- able rental units and helping over 3,800 people become homeowners in 2024. In what ways are you involved in the community? e work we do at CHFA is community based and locally driven. In my personal life, I shop locally, enjoy Connecticut's diverse dining scenes, donate to and run the Hartford Marathon 5K, and, with my spouse, attend the Brain Injury Alliance of CT art shows. On The Job What is one guiding business principle? Lead with clarity and empathy. I believe organizations thrive when people under- stand the 'why' behind the work and feel both empowered and valued in how they contribute to it. What's the best way to keep your competitive edge? Stay curious and adaptable. I spend time listening — whether it's to data, our partners, or staff — and I use that feed- back to inform and evolve our strategies. Nandini Natarajan CEO & Executive Director CONNECTICUT HOUSING FINANCE AUTHORITY Size of organization: $50M budget Employees: 135 Education: Master's degree in computer science, University of Massachusetts, Amherst WINNER CATEGORY | CEO, MEDIUM NONPROFIT, 76-199 EMPLOYEES National Council of State Housing Agencies Nandini Natarajan Congratulations on your 2025 C-Suite Award! Thanks for all you do to advance NCSHA's vision of an affordably housed nation. CEO & Executive Director | Connecticut Housing Finance Authority and Director | NCSHA Board www.cocommunications.com And all of the 2025 C-Suite Awards Honorees! CONGRATULATIONS DANIEL REZENDE PRESIDENT & CEO NOMINATIONS DEADLINE NOMINATIONS DEADLINE JANUARY 9 JANUARY 9 NOMINATIONS OPEN! NOMINATIONS OPEN! SCAN TO NOMINATE Hartfordbusiness.com/hbj-events OR VISIT: Submit a nomination for next years class of women who are making a difference in Connecticut!