Development Agency Leader To Step Down

January 5, 2007
By JEFFREY B. COHEN, Courant Staff Writer

After more than seven years at the state agency that oversees downtown development in Hartford and almost two years as its executive director, Annette Sanderson is leaving her post at the Capital City Economic Development Authority.

"It's my choice," said Sanderson, 46, whose last day is Feb. 28. "Honestly, I've accomplished everything I've wanted to do. ... All the developments are underway."

Sanderson, a lawyer, is the authority's third director and has been central to navigating both the legal and business sides of downtown development deals, said board Chairman Bill McCue.

Sanderson was a key player in the deal that resulted in the new Hartford 21 apartment tower on the Civic Center site, and has been involved in all of the authority's major deals - including the Convention Center, downtown parking, the Connecticut Science Center, and several residential projects, McCue said.

"She will be very much missed and she made a tremendous contribution," he said. "She won't be easy to replace."

Anderson, who makes about $145,000 a year, told the board of her decision late last month. She wouldn't say what she plans to do next, but she did say that the time was right for a move as the authority changes from one that builds new projects to one that operates them.

"I'm looking forward to the next phase of my career," she said.

McCue said he would like to have a new executive director in place in 30 to 90 days.

The authority was created in 1998 and oversees the state's investment in Hartford.