Larry McHugh To Retire As President Of Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce

Press release from the Middlesex County Chamber:

MIDDLETOWN, CT — The Board of Directors of the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce announced that Larry McHugh will be retiring as president of the Chamber at the end of the year and will appoint Johanna Bond the Chamber’s next President/CEO.

“We are extremely grateful for Larry’s tremendous leadership of the organization and his strong advocacy for the businesses and communities of Middlesex County," said Kristen Roberts, Chair of the Chamber’s Board of Directors. "In his 39 years, Larry has built the chamber to be one of the largest in the state and one that members have come to rely on to effectively represent their interests."

McHugh said, "It has been a wonderful 39 years working with an outstanding staff, volunteers and fantastic Board chairs to create the most vibrant and largest chamber in Connecticut. It is now time to move on and spend more time with my wife, Patty, and our family.”

McHugh first joined the Chamber in 1983 and has served as the organization’s top executive responsible for all aspects of the Chamber including member outreach and support, operations and financial performance for the Chamber’s nearly 2,000 members throughout 14 communities in greater Middlesex County community, including Rocky Hill.

“Larry, who has worked to make the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce the best in the state and one of the most recognized in the country, represents the best of a community leader,” said Norm Needleman, who has worked with McHugh as the owner of a local business, Tower Laboratories, and as Selectman for the town of Essex and State Senator representing communities in the 33rd district. “Larry has been a trusted friend, a mentor and a colleague who has dedicated his life to building an organization that has supported businesses in Middlesex County for decades and with that strong foundation, will continue to be the vital Chamber serving its members that we have all become accustomed to.”

The Executive Committee has been working closely with McHugh on succession planning and is very excited that Johanna Bond will be appointed as President and CEO of the Chamber, effective January 1, 2023.

“The board is thrilled that Johanna accepted the new role and we are confident she will provide continuity and strong leadership for the organization," Roberts said. "She has proven to be an advocate for businesses and to consistently deliver a high level of service for chamber members.”

Bond, currently the chamber's Chief Operating Officer, said: "I am very excited to step up and lead this amazing chamber after being mentored by Larry for over 30 years. I am honored to work side-by-side with outstanding colleagues and volunteers, and together we will continue to build upon the successful foundation Larry established. We are on the move to keep the sun shining in Middlesex County.”

Bond first joined the chamber in 1994 and has taken on increasing levels of responsibility through her career, most recently serving as the Chief Operating Officer. She has led many key programs and projects throughout her 28-year career at the Chamber and is ideally positioned as Larry’s successor.

“I’m very happy Johanna Bond will take over the leadership role at the Chamber as I retire," McHugh said. "Johanna is smart, positive, dedicated and committed to moving the Chamber forward.”

This press release was produced by the Middlesex County Chamber. The views expressed here are the author’s own.