Greater Old Saybrook Chamber of Commerce Makes Surprise Announcement

OLD SAYBROOK–The Greater Old Saybrook Chamber of Commerce has announced a new executive director. 

Chamber Board of Directors President Kara Pachniuk in a Thursday letter to members said Andrew Surprise, who previously served as executive director of the Windsor Chamber of Commerce, will take over for Executive Director Judy Sullivan. 

Pachniuk credited Sullivan with two decades of exceptional leadership. 

“Judy’s dedication, vision, and tireless commitment have left a lasting legacy on our organization and the community we serve,” Pachniuk said. “We are immensely grateful for her service and the strong foundation she has built.”

The Lyme-Old Lyme Chamber of Commerce merged with the Old Saybrook chamber in 2023. 

Sullivan on Friday said Surprise will start work June 2. She will remain through June 30 to ease the transition. 

Pachniuk said Surprise brings experience in chamber management, economic development, and community engagement. 

She described Surprise as a strong leader who launched impactful workforce development initiatives and forged strong partnerships with major regional employers at the Windsor chamber. He previously revitalized the Quaboag Hills Chamber of Commerce in Massachusetts, she said. 

The search committee including the chamber president as well as Alex Foulkes, Brett Elliott, Sharon Lewis, Dave Carswell, Judy Sullivan, Lindsey Goergen, and Sally Ann Lee helped “identify the right leader to take the Chamber into its next chapter,” according to Pachniuk.

“We are confident that Andrew will build upon the Chamber’s legacy, advocate for our members, and lead with the same dedication and passion that Judy has demonstrated over the past two decades,” she said.