Experienced Policy Advocate Chris Davis Will Lead CBIA Advocacy Team

10.05.2023
Media Center

The state’s largest business organization has named veteran policymaker and government affairs leader Chris Davis as head of its policy advocacy team.

Davis, who is currently manager of public affairs at the nonpartisan quasi-public Connecticut Lottery Corporation, will join CBIA as vice president of public policy Oct. 30, 2023.

He succeeds Eric Gjede, who will remain with CBIA through the end of the year to assist Davis and the policy team with the transition.

Davis represented the General Assembly’s 57th House District from 2011 to 2021, serving as ranking member of the key Finance, Revenue, and Bonding Committee.

He was one of the architects of the 2017 bipartisan fiscal reforms that created the platform for the state’s current fiscal strength.

“Chris Davis was well known throughout his time in the General Assembly for his willingness to work in a collaborative, bipartisan way,” CBIA president and CEO Chris DiPentima said.

“His policy record, leadership experience, and commitment to our state further strengthens CBIA’s mission to boost Connecticut’s economic competitiveness and growth and provide opportunities for all residents.”

Policy Solutions

Davis said he was “excited to join an outstanding team and advocate for meaningful policy solutions to expand opportunity and prosperity for businesses and their hundreds of thousands of employees.”

“I look forward to using my knowledge and experience of state government to help advance policies that make Connecticut more affordable while strengthening our state’s workforce to meet the opportunities of the future,” he said.

“With the ongoing support of policymakers, we can leverage Connecticut’s many strengths and provide an even brighter future for our residents.”

“I look forward to helping advance policies that make Connecticut more affordable while strengthening our state’s workforce.”

Chris Davis

DiPentima thanked Gjede, who joined CBIA in 2012, for his leadership of the organization’s advocacy team.

“Eric worked tirelessly on behalf of Connecticut’s job creators, successfully championing a broad range of solutions and policy initiatives,” he said.

“We wish him all the best in his new role, look forward to continuing to collaborate on critical business community issues, and are grateful for his support as we make the transition to Chris’ leadership.”


CBIA is Connecticut’s largest business organization, with thousands of member companies, small and large, representing a diverse range of industries from every part of the state. For more information, please contact Scott Beaulieu (860.244.1929).

1 thought on “Experienced Policy Advocate Chris Davis Will Lead CBIA Advocacy Team”

  1. Bravo, CBIA! GREAT CHOICE!

    Good luck, Chris! Looking forward to reading about your initiatives.

    Best regards,
    Mike McLachlan

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