By Brandon T. Bisceglia
Pam Staneski. Contributed photo.
The Milford Regional Chamber of Commerce has announced that former state Rep. Pam Staneski has been selected as its new executive director succeeding Gary Mullin, who announced his planned departure in November 2018. Staneski will start as executive director on Feb. 4.
Incoming Board of Directors chair Michael Grande said, “I am excited to have Pam join the chamber in this leadership role. Pam’s experience, expertise and vision align with the mission of our chamber and will provide a direct benefit to our chamber members. The Board of Directors looks forward to working alongside Pam and continuing to emphasize the exceptional and unique qualities that Milford provides to its residents and businesses.”
Staneski said she fell in love with Milford over twenty years ago when she and her husband, Paul, chose to make it their home. Since then, she has served the city in many roles, including as a member of the Board of Education, Board of Alderman, and most recently as the state representative for the 119th House District. She was a columnist for The Orange Times for four years during her two terms in the legislature.
“I am honored and excited to be the next executive director for the Milford Regional Chamber of Commerce,” Staneski said. “The chamber is a community connector and I welcome the opportunity to work with our outstanding membership, committees, and legislative leaders in not only continuing what the chamber already offers its members but also in finding new and innovative ways to promote our businesses and the communities we serve.”
As a legislator, Staneski sponsored, on behalf of local shellfishers, the protection of Connecticut’s coastal shellfish beds and spawning grounds, helping to preserve a significant contributor to the local economy. Milford has fast become a craft-brewery hub in part because of the farm brewery bill she supported, which fueled partnerships between farms and breweries.
“Congratulations to Pam Staneski on being named the Executive Director of the Milford Chamber of Commerce,” said state Sen. James Maroney, a fellow Milford resident. “She will bring her connections from her years of service and enthusiasm to help guide this important fixture of the community. As a 20-year member of the Milford chamber, I can attest to how important it is to our local business community.”
Staneski has also been a leader in Milford’s nonprofit community. She cofounded the Milford Prevention Council, worked for United Way of Milford, was President of Milford’s Promise, supports the Boys and Girls Club of Milford, and volunteered for the Rape Crisis Center. As the daughter of a Navy Veteran, she has been a persistent voice for service member and veteran organizations.
“I cannot think of a person more qualified to assume the role of executive director of the Milford Regional Chamber of Commerce,” said Gary M. Johnson, president and CEO of the United Way of Milford. “Pam’s relationship with the Milford business community from her years serving as one of our state representatives, and her passion and drive to serve others will be tremendous assets for the chamber in its quest for growth in the years ahead.”
“I am excited to learn of Pam’s appointment,” said Julie Nash, director of Economic and Community Development for Milford. “Pam is certainly a leader and we have successfully worked together in the past on various issues for Milford. I am confident we will partner again to further enhance Milford as a place to live, work and play.”
Robert Creigh of Patriot Bank said, “Pam brings to the chamber amazing energy and enthusiasm She will facilitate a culture of growth with her drive to succeed. Pam is a visionary and the chamber will flourish under her leadership.”
Bin 100 Restaurant owner Elena Fusco said Staneski’s familiarity with the Milford business community and experience with the state legislature “will ensure that the chamber continues to thrive and move forward in a positive direction.”