Chris DiPentima will have a regular presence at the state Capitol this legislative session, advocating for pro-business policies.
As CEO and president of the Connecticut Business & Industry Association, DiPentima is the most high-profile leader and lobbyist representing the interests of thousands of businesses across the state.
The longtime aerospace executive took over as CBIA’s chief executive in 2020, and has settled into the role over the last few years.
He’s had a positive impact on the organization. That was apparent during CBIA’s 2023 Annual Meeting & Reception, which occurred in November at the Hartford Marriott and drew a record crowd of 750 people.
Find out who else is in the 2024 Power 50.
In this year’s short legislative session, DiPentima said CBIA’s policy agenda focuses on government modernization, competitiveness and workforce development.
The top priority, DiPentima said, is protecting the state’s fiscal guardrails that were implemented through 2017’s bipartisan budget reforms. They limit the state’s ability to spend and borrow money.
Following Gov. Ned Lamont’s legislative address in early February, DiPentima told HBJ he was encouraged by the governor’s commitment to the guardrails.
CBIA is also emphasizing the need for new affordable housing in the state, something DiPentima said is crucial for attracting and retaining people to grow Connecticut’s population and employment base.
Before joining CBIA, he was division president of Leggett & Platt Aerospace, which includes Pegasus Manufacturing in Middletown. The Connecticut native and Durham resident has a bachelor’s degree from Boston College and a law degree from Quinnipiac University School of Law.