Catherine Smith
Commissioner
Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD)

Ms. Smith is the Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD), the lead state agency responsible for attracting and retaining businesses and jobs, revitalizing neighbourhoods and communities, and fostering appropriate development in Connecticut’s towns and cities. Commissioner Smith has spearheaded a variety of programs to generate economic activity and expand business across Connecticut. She orchestrated the creation of the Small Business Express program and the Manufacturing Innovation Fund, as well as securing funding for the Connecticut Bioscience Innovation Fund. She also coordinated the agreements that brought Jackson Laboratory to the state and re-committed UTC to Connecticut.