Pamela Matt to head up MV Chamber

UTICA — Pamela Matt of New Hartford is the new executive director of the Mohawk Valley Chamber of Commerce following an extensive nationwide search. She begins in her new role March 1.

Matt will work to promote area businesses, communicate the benefits of chamber membership, and act as a liaison between business and government. She will assist the chamber’s board of directors in addressing legislative issues and challenges facing the business community as well as participate in strategic planning for long- and short-term growth in the community.

“I feel honored to have been selected as the new executive director of the Mohawk Valley Chamber of Commerce, and I am looking forward to partnering with members of the community, businesses, and government leaders to enhance opportunities for growth in the Mohawk Valley,” Matt said in a release.

Raised in Pittsburgh, Pa., Matt is a graduate of Trinity College in Hartford, Conn., where she received a bachelor’s degree in economics. She earned her law degree from Duquesne University School of Law and began her career as an employment lawyer for Alcoa and general counsel for CTR Systems, Inc., in Pennsylvania.

Since moving to the Mohawk Valley, Matt has held several development positions with local colleges and most recently served as human resources director for Mohawk, Ltd.

“I am pleased that the board has approved Pam for hire and is excited to welcome her to the chamber,” Chamber Board Chairman Sam Berardino said. “The hard work and dedication of our staff and the board of directors has allowed us to have a seamless transition, not missing a beat while this position was vacant.”

She fills the void left when the board ousted former executive director Frank Elias last August. The board never publicly commented on Elias’ dismissal

Contact DeLore at tgregory@tmvbj.com