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C-SUITE | 2025 AWARDS B8 HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM | SEPTEMBER 8, 2025 E d Danek, CPA, has served as presi- dent and CEO of Hartford Federal Credit Union (HFCU) for the past 35 years, since his appoint- ment in 1990 at age 28. As CEO, he oversees and is responsible for all credit union activities. Under Danek's leader- ship, HFCU has received five-star (superior) ratings from BauerFinancial Inc. for 34 consecutive years, placing it in the 95th percentile of all credit unions nationally. He has over 60 years of combined independent board expe- rience and is active in the philanthropic community. He has also served as an advisor to the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston and president of the Credit Union Executive Society Council — New England. What have been your biggest professional accomplishments over the past year? I am proud that the credit union's record core net income has enabled us to extend Hartford Federal Credit Union Gives, our charitable initiative through which we have donated more than $300,000 to food banks, fuel banks, women's shelters, homeless shelters and veterans' causes to name a few. Other notable accom- plishments were hiring an outstanding young profes- sional to be our chief finan- cial officer and identifying a worthy successor to me when I retire in March. Our credit union is in great hands. In what ways are you involved in the community? I serve or have served on nonprofit boards for such organizations as St. Francis Hospital Foundation (25 years), Catholic Charities (10 years) and American International College (four years). As an avid supporter of youth basketball, I have coached travel, CYO, high school summer league, and AAU basketball teams in addition to serving as a lector at Holy Family Church for 31 years. On the Job Guiding business principle: Do it right with all your might! Best way to keep your competitive edge: Constantly forcing myself out of my comfort zone. Best business decision: To work for a credit union for the past 35 years and not be tempted by lucrative opportunities that would limit my ability to help people of modest means. D aniel Rezende is the president and CEO of CJR, a nonprofit that provides therapeutic treatment and support to young people through resi- dential, wellness, commu- nity and education services. He has a passion for bringing professionals and the community together to address the evolving needs of children, young adults and families so they can maxi- mize their potential for grow- ing into healthy, productive community members. What have been your biggest professional accomplishments? I've helped guide CJR through the stages of its transformation from a primarily residential treatment model into an organization with a comprehensive, statewide continuum of care. Today, we serve more than 2,400 children, youth and families annually. I'm especially proud of the way we've embedded data-driven practices across our operations to ensure our programs are effective and deliver culturally respon- sive care. We've strengthened our part- nerships, expanded community-based programming, and remained steadfast in our mission to nurture change and create possibilities, always putting the needs of children and families at the center of everything we do. In what ways are you involved in the community? I serve on the Children's League of Connecticut and the Connecticut Justice Alli- ance, advocating for systemic improvements in child welfare and juvenile justice. I also support the Connecti- cut Nonprofit Alliance and mentor emerging leaders in the human services field, helping ensure our sector remains strong, ethical and community-centered. On the Job Guiding business princi- ple: If you provide people with the resources and support they need, they can be successful. is is true for our staff and for the youth and families we serve. Best way to keep your competitive edge: CJR blends mission-driven values with strong business practices, a data-informed service model, and highly qualified staff who help us stay respon- sive and forward-thinking. Best business decision: Diversifying our services to create a full continuum of care — from prevention to residential treatment — has enabled us to meet the evolving needs of youth statewide. Edward Danek Jr. President & CEO HARTFORD FEDERAL CREDIT UNION Size of organization: $155M in assets Employees: 40 Education: Bachelor's degree in business administration – accounting, American International College Daniel Rezende President & CEO CJR Size of organization: $30M budget Employees: 300+ Education: Master of social work, University of Connecticut WINNER CATEGORY | CEO, LARGE NONPROFIT, 200+ EMPLOYEES WINNER CATEGORY | CEO, SMALL COMPANY, FEWER THAN 75 EMPLOYEES Hartford Federal Credit Union congratulates our President & CEO Ed Danek, Jr. and all the Hartford Business Journal 2025 C-Suite Award recipients. Throughout the past 35 years as CEO, Ed's vision and leadership have helped strengthen the financial and general well-being of our members and the communities we serve.