Claire Leonardi is leaving her position as chief executive officer of Connecticut Innovations effective Jan. 8, the quasi-public agency announced Thursday.

The surprise announcement comes almost exactly a month after her husband, Thomas B. Leonardi, said he would be leaving his job as state insurance commissioner to join an investment banking firm.

Leonardi was not available for an interview Thursday, but CI spokeswoman Kelsea Michael said she wasn't leaving with specific employment plans in mind. Leonardi had brought the organization through several major changes, Michael said, and felt like she was leaving CI at a good time.

"It has been a privilege to lead this organization through its transition to a larger, more diverse, highly-visible and impactful participant in Connecticut's economic development landscape," Leonardi said in a statement. "We couldn't have accomplished what we did without the strong support of the Malloy Administration."

Michael Cantor, chairman of CI's board, praised Leonardi's "extraordinary vision and leadership" as she helped transition the agency into "one of the most active venture capital investors in the country." Leonardi also oversaw the $200 million Connecticut Bioscience Innovation Fund intended to help jump-start the state's investments in promising new scientific innovations.

Connecticut Innovations' board is expected to name a successor to Leonardi in the coming weeks. Leonardi will stay to smooth the transition.

Leonardi met with local entrepreneurs and economic-development officials last year at the Science & Technology Magnet High School of Southeastern Connecticut in New London to spread the word about the 10-year Bioscience Innovation Fund.

Leonardi's accomplishments as head of CI included more than doubling the agency's annual venture capital investments and tripling the number of portfolio companies. She also oversaw a merger with the Connecticut Development Authority and helped integrate CTNext's operations with CI.

Leonardi has a long list of accomplishments as an investment and venture capital executive, including the founding of Fairview Capital LP and holding senior positions at Crossroads Capital.

l.howard@theday.com

Twitter: @KingstonLeeHow