Southington Chamber of Commerce Appoints New Executive Director

The Greater Southington Chamber of Commerce appointed Elizabeth Francis as its new executive director.

Francis, 47, is a Southington resident and will officialy take the helm on August 31.

“The Chamber Search Committee received over 70 resumes from across the country for the new Executive Director position, but it turned out that we only needed to look in our backyard,” said Dave Pestillo, Vice-Chairman of the Chamber’s Board of Directors. “Liz stood out among the rest for a number of reasons- most notably her background in media, her countless hours of volunteering for local clubs, her organizational skills, her people skills, and her energy! The entire Chamber Board welcomes her and looks forward to working with her.”

Francis has worked as a paraprofessional for the past six years in Southington’s school system. She has spearheded several scucessfull volunteer fundraisers over the past 15 years.

She previously worked as a news reporter and news director at a cable station and moved on to WBAL-TV, the Baltimore NBC affiliate. She also has public relations and other media experience.

“I’m very excited for the opportunity to be working with the local businesses, town officials, community leaders, and residents to carry on the valued traditions of Southington,” Francis said. “The Chamber will continue its commitment to the growth and success of area businesses and to promoting a friendly and vibrant community in which to work and live.” She added, “ We will keep the charm and essence of Southington fresh while keeping up with the growing times and ever changing needs of local businesses and the town.”

She moved to Southington in 1998 and is a mother of four children.

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Francis served as Co-President of the Village Green Nursery School Board of Directors and proudly led the fundraising campaign to help open a library at the center. She was a dedicated member of the PTO at Thalberg Elementary organizing numerous events, golf tournaments, and socials.

At DePaolo Middle, she served many years as PTO Vice-President and Event Coordinator directing various benefits and programs. Francis remarked, “People who work in the PTO can accomplish so much on a tight budget, with limited resources. They are dedicated and are driven by their sincere passion to support their children, the schools, and community.”

In 2009, Francis was recognized in town for founding the Southington Girls’ Softball Association’s annual “Strike Out Cancer” mothers game to benefit Susan G. Komen of Connecticut.