STAFF REPORT
The Cooperstown Chamber of Commerce announced that Patricia A. Szarpa will be its executive director, effective April 1.
Szarpa joins the local chamber from her position as executive director of the Western New York Land Conservancy, where she has worked since 2006, a media release issued Tuesday said.
She has more than 25 years of experience in public relations, marketing, outreach and business management and a record of community partnerships and volunteerism.
She led the nonprofit conservancy in developing a five-year strategic plan, the release said, and she increased membership, donor growth and retention.
Szarpa fills a vacancy left by Susan O’Handley, who resigned from the Cooperstown Chamber in October.
“Patricia Szarpa has an outstanding mix of skills, experience and personality to execute the goals of the Cooperstown Chamber and its members,” Ken Meifert, chairman of the search committee, said in a prepared statement.
“The board of directors is confident that Patricia will be a great fit, and that she will be very successful in leading our efforts to promote local business and tourism.”
Szarpa and her husband, Darryl, had been planning a move to Cooperstown when the Cooperstown Chamber position became available, the release said.
“We actually had our honeymoon in Cooperstown,” she said in the release. “My husband wanted his two ‘loves’ to meet _ his new bride and the Baseball Hall of Fame! Since then we have been here numerous times as our boys were growing up. It will be privilege to be a part of this community _ something we have talked about for a long time!” Szarpa is a graduate of the State University of New York at Buffalo and has a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications and a certificate in public relations.
She also holds an associate degree in business administration from Villa Maria College of Buffalo.
“I truly look forward to my new role with the Cooperstown Chamber and the opportunity to work with area businesses and residents in growing visibility, vibrancy and sustainability of the village, awarenessand overall community pride,” Szarpa said.
The Cooperstown Chamber represents more than 400 members from central New York.
Local News
Chamber names executive director
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Cherry Valley Artworks prepares for busy season
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Event features ‘Faces Against Fracking’ contest winners
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CV-S announces valedictorian, co-Salutatorians
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Continued ... - Friday, May 11, 2012
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Public hearing gives one last look at proposed budget
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Six candidates vie for four seats on BOE
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Top four students named at CCS
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Not many attend Main Street meeting
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CCS graduate receives recognition
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Relay for Life cancer awareness event to focus on caregivers
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County hires firms for tax sale
Otsego County lawmakers agreed Wednesday to farm out the county’s annual auction of tax-delinquent properties to private firms already handling the same task for numerous other upstate counties.
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Caregivers and care partners play key role in getting well
