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Diane L. Smith,
Chief Executive Officer
Diane Smith is the Chief Executive Officer at Capital for Change (C4C), Connecticut’s largest full-service Community Development Financial Institution. C4C works to expand affordable housing opportunities for low- and moderate-income residents and support sustainable business and community development by providing capital solutions that create lasting, positive change.
Before joining C4C, Diane served as the Chief Real Estate Development Officer at Way Finders, Inc. in Springfield, MA. leading the Real Estate Division. In her role, Diane implemented strategies, policies, and goals that advanced the organization’s mission throughout western MA.
During her 30+ years of public service, she has worked in the disciplines of planning and public policy, business recruitment, urban and regional development, program development and administration, housing development and marketing. She held key positions at the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority as the Director of Planning, Research & Evaluation responsible for strategic planning and new product development, and as the Interim Executive Director, managing the agency and supporting the Board during the transition to new leadership. Diane also worked at the State of Connecticut’s Department of Economic and Community Development as the Executive Director over the divisions responsible for urban, business, and housing development; administering both state and federal programs associated with development.
Diane holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Connecticut and a Master’s degree from Trinity College.