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CHDI Named a "Best Place to Work in Connecticut" for Fifth Time by Hartford Business Journal

News, Media Coverage
March 9, 2026
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2 CHDI staff accept the 2026 Best Place to Work in CT Award on stage at awards dinner
CHDI's Shannon Houston and Alana Valdez accepted the 2026 Best Places to Work in Connecticut award at the ('80s-themed!) awards dinner on March 5th.

For the fifth year in a row, CHDI is celebrating being named one of the "Best Places to Work in Connecticut" by the Hartford Business Journal. The organization ranked #8 in the Small/Medium Employer category and was the top-ranked nonprofit.

The award honors organizations that rank highest in employee satisfaction as determined by an anonymous survey administered by the third-party Workforce Research Group. The winners were honored at an awards ceremony on March 5th and profiled in the March 9th issue of the Hartford Business Journal.

CHDI received high marks for the organization's generous employee benefits, hybrid schedule, healthy work-life balance, and caring, collaborative culture.

"Our ability to fulfill our mission depends entirely on the well-being of our team," said President and CEO Jeff Vanderploeg, PhD. "This award is a reflection of the supportive, inclusive culture our team has built together. We're proud of this recognition and remain committed to being an organization where talented, passionate people can thrive personally and professionally."

 

Read Profile in Hartford Business Journal

 

Swipe through below to read comments from the anonymous 2026 HBJ staff survey:

Close-up of 2026 award plaque given to CHDI, which notes the organization's 8th place finish.
Best Places to Work 2026

What Makes CHDI a Great Place to Work?

"CHDI's retirement and benefits, including low health insurance costs to employees and generous PTO, are the best I've seen in my 20+ years in the workforce."

"CHDI staff appreciate being able to do meaningful work that helps children and families in an organization that doesn't expect you to sacrifice your personal life for that purpose."

"Staff work across teams, share knowledge freely, and learn from one another in an environment that values reflection, inclusivity, and innovation. Leadership genuinely listens, invests in professional growth, and encourages people to bring their full selves to the work."

"Employees like working at CHDI because the work we do is important. Each day, we know we are making a difference in the world and improving the lives of children."

"CHDI is a collaborative, creative, and supportive place to work."

"Everyone is kind, hardworking, and focused on raising each other up."

 
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