ROME, N.Y. — Bruce Hairston will serve as the next executive director of the Rome Area Chamber of Commerce, effective July 29, the organization announced.
Hairston most recently worked at the YMCA, where he spent 18 years, most recently as branch director. He is a longtime member of the Rome Area Chamber’s board of directors.
Prior to his time at the YMCA, Hairston worked at HP Hood in Vernon for 13 years in several capacities, before being promoted to foreman and chief shop steward for Teamsters Local 182, the employee bargaining unit. He also served as business agent and trustee for Local 182, representing 20 different bargaining units and more than 500 employees.
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Hairston joined the YMCA in 2006 as community relations director before he was promoted to VP of Activate America, regional VP of program services for the Oneida and Rome branches, and later Rome branch director.
“This job intrigued me because of the stage I’m in as it relates to my career path and the things I enjoy doing,” Hairston said in a chamber release. “I enjoy partnering with businesses and agencies, collaborating on projects, shared service, networking, education as it pertains to our workforce, and running special events. I’ve always been involved in these things at the Y to some degree. The chamber executive director position allows me to use my skill set on the things I’m passionate about.”
Hairston also serves on the Rome College Foundation board, the Rome School Equity Diversity Task Force, the board of the United Way of the Mohawk Valley, and chairs the Mohawk Valley Strategic Impact Committee.
“We are incredibly excited to have Bruce Hairston join us as the new executive director of the Rome Chamber,” Nicholas Angelicola, Rome Area Chamber board chair, said. “Bruce brings a wealth of experience from his role as the YMCA Rome branch director and has demonstrated a strong commitment to community service. His deep understanding of our mission and goals from his time on the Rome Chamber board will be a huge asset as we work together to support and grow our local business community.”
