Watkins Glen names new chamber director

WATKINS GLEN--The Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce announced, Thursday, July 2 the board of directors has selected Rochester native Michael Hardy to succeed outgoing Executive Director Rebekah Carroll. Michael's official start date will be Wednesday, July 15.
Hardy has held leadership roles in tourism and hospitality sectors across New York. He has most recently served as an independent business development consultant and the director of convention and visitor services for Visit Rochester, the official tourism promotion agency for Monroe County. His experience also includes sales and marketing positions in New York City and Corning.
Hardy will succeed Carroll, who has served in the role for 10 years and announced her resignation in January. She is leaving the position to start her own business, an accounting and financial services firm called "Statements."
"I look forward to introducing Michael to our membership as soon as possible," said Matthew Sharpe, chairman of the Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce board of directors. "The chamber will communicate about plans as they materialize. We have much to look forward to as we begin this new chapter in the story of our chamber. I am grateful for the opportunity to lead this organization, and I thank you for your support as we've navigated this search and selection process."
Sharpe also commented on Carroll's tenure saying, "Rebekah has led our chamber through several critical junctures as well as periods of growth and change. I am grateful for her extraordinary skill and never-ending commitment to our members and our community."
The Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce serves nearly 500 members from Schuyler County, nearby communities like Corning, Elmira, Hammondsport, Penn Yan, Geneva, Ithaca, Binghamton, and all points in between. See www.watkinsglenchamber.com for additional information.