Catherine Smith, the newest commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development, has also assumed her post as chairwoman of Connecticut Innovations, the agency announced Monday.
Connecticut Innovations is a quasi-public organization investing state money in early-stage technology companies, research collaborations, technology transfer and clean energy initiatives. The agency currently has money invested in 49 companies.
Smith also serves as chairwoman of the Connecticut Development Authority and the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority. She was appointed DECD commissioner in March, and previously served as CEO of ING U.S. Retirement Services.
Smith’s DECD predecessor, Joan McDonald, also chaired CI.
