Gov. Dannel P. Malloy announced that he has appointed Michael Cantor as the new chairman of Connecticut Innovations.
Cantor, a Hartford-based intellectual property attorney, is a co-managing partner of Cantor Colburn L.L.P., one of the largest intellectual property law firms in the county.
“Michael Cantor has years of experience working with high-tech companies, serving as an adviser to help their operations grow and push boundaries,” Malloy said in a July 16 written statement. “He is an energetic, hands-on leader whose proficiencies, particularly within the engineering field, will serve as a benefit to both CI and the people of Connecticut.”
Cantor will replace Catherine Smith, commissioner of the Department of Economic and Community Development, who was held the position since 2011.
Previously the DECD commissioner also chaired CI but a new law enacted in June allows the governor to appoint the position.
CI is the state’s quasi-public financing entity charged with lending and investing capital into growing technology companies in the state.
“I am honored to assist the governor in realizing his vision of Connecticut as a hub of innovation, and it will be a privilege to serve as chair of CI,” Cantor said in a press release. “We will continue to work energetically to provide strategic support that advances the success of technology, engineering, biotech, and other companies, with the goal of significantly increasing prosperity in the state.”
