Executive Director Jeanette W. Weldon will retire effective June 30, 2026, concluding 17 years of dedicated service to the Authority and its affiliated organizations.
Ms. Weldon joined CHEFA in 2009 as Managing Director and was appointed Executive Director in 2015. During her tenure, she provided leadership across four quasi-public organizations—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 position as a trusted financial partner to nonprofit organizations throughout Connecticut.
Under her leadership, CHEFA significantly expanded its financing and grantmaking impact statewide. Ms. Weldon oversaw more than 210 financing transactions totaling over $9.8 billion, supporting large-scale capital projects for nonprofit institutions. She also led the growth of CHEFA’s grant programs into nearly $3 million annual investment. From fiscal year 2016 through fiscal year 2026 awards, CHEFA provided 365 grants totaling nearly $28 million, supporting organizations that improve access to education, healthcare, childcare, and essential community services across urban, suburban, and rural communities.
Ms. Weldon played a key role in expanding CHESLA’s programs, including affordable student loans, need-based scholarships, workforce development initiatives, and financial literacy resources, helping thousands of students and families pursue higher education.
“Jeanette has been dedicated to building a stronger Connecticut through expanded access to education, workforce, childcare, and healthcare opportunities,” said Governor Ned Lamont. “Her leadership has advanced CHEFA’s important mission and strengthened the partners it serves.”
“Jeanette’s leadership has had a lasting impact on CHEFA, CHESLA, and the communities we serve,” said Peter Lisi, Chairman of the CHEFA and CHESLA Boards of Directors. “She led with integrity and vision, expanding access to capital and strengthening support for nonprofits statewide.”
“It has been a privilege to work alongside our staff and Boards to improve quality of life for residents across Connecticut,” said Ms. Weldon. “I am proud of what we have accomplished together.”
CHEFA’s Board of Directors is conducting a formal search to select the next Executive Director.