Longtime Patchogue Chamber Director To Leave For New Village Post

PATCHOGUE, NY — David Kennedy, the longtime executive director of the Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce, is stepping down after 11 years for another position with the Patchogue Business Improvement District and Special Projects Manager for the village, he announced in a newsletter Tuesday afternoon.

Kennedy called it "a bittersweet time" because he "truly enjoyed" working with all of the businesses.

It was not immediately clear when his new position starts.

"Together, we have grown Patchogue to be one of Long Island’s most vibrant and vital business districts," he wrote. "Still, this new opportunity was too hard to pass up as I now have an opportunity to play a role in managing important development projects for Patchogue that promise to have a huge positive impact to our downtown and the whole community at large."

He is leaving the chamber in the "exceptional hands" of Silvana Aloisio who "will bring a new, fresh perspective with tremendous skills and enthusiasm," he said.

"I have had the absolute pleasure working with her these past two weeks to provide a smooth transition for your new executive director and I could not be more impressed with her abilities," he said. "I am confident, under her guidance, our chamber will continue to thrive."

He described his departure as not a “goodbye” but more of a “see you later" because his new position requires he maintain a strong partnership with the chamber.

"I look forward to work with Silvana on a daily basis," he said. "I will remain a very noticeable presence in my lifelong hometown of Patchogue and continue to be a top advocate for our business district."

"All the relationships I have formed in the chamber come with me to my new position with the village," he continued. "With that being said, never be shy to continue to reach me if I can assist you in any way."

He ended his letter by thanking all of the members "for allowing" him to work in the capacity of executive director, adding, "It has been an honor to serve you all."