New Haven Chamber Names New Leader; MetroHartford Alliance Next?

One down, one to go.  While the MetroHartford Alliance’s search for a new leader continues, the Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce has announced their choice to succeed Anthony Rescigno, who led the organization for nearly two decades. The Chamber’s Board of Directors named Garrett F. Sheehan as President of the Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce and Quinnipiac Chamber of Commerce.  Sheehan has experience working with local companies, building partnerships throughout communities and the state, and understanding regional growth and competitiveness, serving most recently as a Community Relations & Economic Development Specialist at Eversource. He will begin work in his new position on March 1, 2018.

“I am honored and humbled to have been selected for this role,” said Sheehan. “The Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce is a pillar of our community and has an excellent track record of providing services for our membership and leadership on key issues affecting the New Haven region. I am excited to begin working with the staff, board, members, and volunteers of this amazing organization to help write the next chapter for the Chamber.”

At Eversource, he provided leadership on strategic initiatives including enhancements to the Company’s economic development program, and was actively engaged in Eversource’s commitment to volunteerism and community giving.  He also served as the primary point of contact between the utility and chief elected officials in 23 municipalities in Connecticut.

Prior to his position with Eversource, Sheehan served as an economic developer at The United Illuminating Company, where he was responsible for regional business growth and expansion and strategic partnerships with state organizations, chief elected officials, and business leaders.

Sheehan grew up in Middlefield, and after attending Syracuse University, moved to Mississippi to take a job as a television news reporter. After five years in journalism, Garrett transitioned to a career in economic development. In addition to his work in economic and community development, Sheehan served as a Law Clerk for the Honorable Bethany J. Alvord of the Connecticut Appellate Court, conducting legal research and drafting legal opinions.

During his career, he also served in the Connecticut Army National Guard as an infantry officer in the New Haven-based First Battalion, 102nd Infantry Regiment.  In 2010, Sheehan completed a tour of duty in Afghanistan, serving as a platoon leader and executive officer.

The MetroHartford Alliance has hired New York economic-development consultancy Camoin Associates to assist with the search for its next CEO. Travelers Cos. Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer Andy Bessette, who chairs the Alliance's board, told the Hartford Business Journal recently that the nonprofit seeks to have a successor in place by early 2018.  Oz Greibel, who led the Alliance for the past 16 years (one less than Rescigno led New Haven’s Chamber) resigned late last year and subsequently launched an independent candidacy for Governor.

Established in 1794, the Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce is the nation’s third oldest business organization.