The Connecticut Housing Finance Authority has hired Lisa Hensley to lead the agency’s homeownership programs.

Hensley was formerly the senior vice president of single-family programs for the District of Columbia Housing Finance Agency. She joined CHFA on Nov. 1 as managing director of homeownership programs.

CHFA said in a statement that Hensley will be responsible for strategic oversight and management of the homeownership business lines, driving product and business development to increase the number of Connecticut residents who have access to affordable mortgage financing through CHFA.

“After a nationwide search, we chose Lisa Hensley for her leadership and experience in both the public and private sectors,” Nandini Natarajan, CHFA’s CEO and executive director, said in the statement. “Hensley is recognized as an expert in mortgage industry operations and housing policy development.”

The quasi-public housing agency offers below-market interest rates on first-time homebuyer mortgages and down payment assistance loans. It also has specialized mortgage programs for members of the U.S. military, veterans, teachers, police and people with disabilities.

“I look forward to working with the staff, CHFA’s lending partners and the real estate community, to help more Connecticut residents become first-time homeowners,” Hensley said.