Khouloud “Kay” Al Mannai is the CEO and CFO of the Hartford Parking Authority, which manages the city’s public parking system. She oversees strategy, finance, operations, governance and capital planning.
Since joining HPA in 2024 after a private-sector career in finance, M&A, consulting and advisory work, she has led a major organizational restructuring and modernization effort to strengthen HPA and position the organization to better serve its stakeholders. Her work focuses on fiscal responsibility, workforce development, compliance and accountability, while strategically advancing capital and infrastructure priorities that support Hartford’s economic development and protect community interests and public funds.
What’s been your biggest professional accomplishment so far in your career?
Prior to HPA, I would have pointed to my role supporting an oilfield-services M&A roll-up financed by a $210 million high-yield bond offering. Most recently, I would point to leading the structuring of the multimillion-dollar funding and phasing strategy for the Main-and-Trumbull (MAT) Garage capital improvement plan during a period of constrained city bonding capacity and ongoing challenges in the commercial real estate market.
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How are you involved in the community?
In my current role, I regularly engage with residents, businesses and community stakeholders on access, safety, quality of life, special events and community needs. Beyond HPA, I dedicate time to board, civic and professional service, including as a citizen member of the Metropolitan District Commission (MDC) Finance Board, marketing chair for the Betty Knox Foundation (BKF), member of iQuilt’s board of corporators and member of the Connecticut Women’s Council (CWC).
What do you like to do outside of work?
These days, graduate school and board service take up most of my free time. Outside of work, I’m happiest spending time with my little Pomeranian, family and friends, often over a good meal.
Why do you deserve to be a 40 Under Forty?
Led organization-wide change management in under two years — modernizing operations, technology, policies, compliance, budget structure and workforce development — while maintaining operational continuity through the transition as both HPA’s CEO and CFO.
Advanced three capital improvement projects for city-owned parking assets, navigating budget constraints, legislative challenges and inherited deferred maintenance in under 18 months.
Continuously working to extend impact and sharpen leadership skills through three board roles, active membership in four professional organizations, national and international thought-leadership speaking and publishing, and continued growth as an MBA candidate.
Fun Fact
Spent a portion of my childhood as an expat and traveled quite a bit internationally from a young age.
