Jeanette W. Weldon, who has served as Executive Director since 2015, will be retiring after 17 years of dedicated service to the Authority and its subsidiaries.
Ms. Weldon joined CHEFA in 2009 as Managing Director and was appointed Executive Director in 2015. During her tenure, she oversaw four quasi-public agencies—CHEFA, the Connecticut Higher Education Supplemental Loan Authority (CHESLA), the CHEFA Community Development Corporation (CHEFA CDC), and the Connecticut Student Loan Foundation—strengthening CHEFA’s role as a trusted partner to nonprofits across higher education, healthcare, childcare, culture, and community development.
Under Ms. Weldon’s leadership, CHEFA significantly expanded its financing and grantmaking impact statewide. Ms. Weldon oversaw the advancement of innovative financing tools and tax-exempt bond programs to support large-scale nonprofit capital projects — closing more than 210 financing transactions, totaling more than $9.8 billion during her tenure. She led the growth of CHEFA’s grant programs into a nearly $3 million annual investment, including the launch of an enterprise capital grant program to support nonprofits’ long-term organizational strength. From FY 2016 through the current FY26 Client Grant awards, CHEFA has awarded 365 grants totaling nearly $28 million, supporting dozens of nonprofit organizations each year. These financings and investments have expanded access to education, healthcare, childcare, and community-based services—touching communities across Connecticut and directly improving quality of life for residents in urban, suburban, and rural areas.
Ms. Weldon also played a pivotal role in expanding CHESLA’s affordable student loan programs, need-based scholarships, workforce development initiatives, and financial literacy resources, helping thousands of students and families access higher education and career opportunities.
“As Executive Director, Jeanette has been dedicated to building a stronger Connecticut through the expansion of education, workforce, childcare, and healthcare opportunities, particularly within distressed communities,” said Governor Ned Lamont. “I appreciate her leadership to advance the important mission of CHEFA and the many partners the organization helps support.”
Throughout her career, Ms. Weldon has had a commitment to mentorship and fostering a workplace culture grounded in creativity, accountability, and public service.
“Jeanette’s leadership has had a lasting impact on CHEFA, CHESLA, and the communities we serve across Connecticut,” said Peter Lisi, Chairman of the CHEFA and CHESLA Boards of Directors. “She led the Authorities with integrity and vision, strengthening our financing and grant programs while expanding access to affordable capital and student support statewide. On behalf of both Boards, we are deeply grateful for her service and wish her all the best in her retirement.
“It has been a privilege to work alongside our dedicated staff and the CHEFA and CHESLA Boards to improve quality of life for residents throughout Connecticut,” said Ms. Weldon. “I am very proud of what we have accomplished together.”
Ms. Weldon’s retirement will be effective as of June 30th, 2026. CHEFA’s Board of Directors will conduct a search process to select the Authority’s next Executive Director.