Barry Lee Cohen Appointed Executive Director, Orange Chamber of Commerce
The Orange Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the appointment of Barry Lee Cohen as its next Executive Director. Effective July 1st, Mr. Cohen will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Chamber, including management of programs, membership engagement, business advocacy, and strategic marketing initiatives.
Ted Novicki, Orange Chamber of Commerce President, and Director – Regulatory Affairs for Avangrid, said, “On behalf of the entire Board, we are extremely excited to welcome Barry Lee Cohen to our team. I am confident that Barry will utilize his decades of marketing expertise and business success to build upon the foundation left behind by former Executive Director, Liam Ohlmann.” Novicki continued, “I consider us incredibly lucky to have someone with Barry’s experience, knowledge of the community, and knowledge of the Chamber; and that is why I believe our Chamber Business Members will be the beneficiaries of Barry’s leadership.”
Cohen brings to the Chamber a wealth of experience as a former global corporate executive, current business owner, and community leader, as well as his work on multiple municipal boards, industry and nonprofit associations. Since 2016, Cohen is the President and Managing Director of Launch Communications, a strategic marketing, communications, branding, and public relations firm primarily focused on B2B manufacturing and technology companies serving the industrial, automotive, aerospace, plumbing/hardware, and electronics industries.
Dr. Rob Rubino, Vice President of the Orange Chamber of Commerce, and owner of Rubino Family Chiropractic (326 Boston Post Road), said, “The Orange Chamber is looking forward to what Barry will bring from his past experience to help continue on our mission of building a strong community and adding value to local businesses. We are excited for the future of the Chamber and think Barry will be a great addition to the team!”
Cohen said, “I am honored to be Executive Director as the Chamber enters an era of growth with new offerings that will create value for our members and the region. Over the coming weeks, I will be closely collaborating with our Board of Directors, listening to, and supporting Chamber businesses, and engaging local leaders and organizations.”
A former city councilman for the City of West Haven, Cohen’s “roll-up-the-sleeves,” management style includes organizing or sponsoring a diversity of business and association events, corporate functions, and community volunteer initiatives. Cohen notes, “Public service, which includes serving our dynamic and vibrant business community, is a blessing that I will never take for granted.”
A member of both the Connecticut Business and Industry Association (CBIA) and the Connecticut Economic Development Association (CEDAS), Cohen earned his MBA in marketing from the University of New Haven, and a bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Hofstra University, New York.
The Orange Chamber of Commerce provides meaningful programs, initiatives, advocacy, and networking opportunities for our members, businesses, and the communities in the Greater Orange region. We promote and help foster economic growth through these channels while demonstrating the unique value our members and the region offer. By establishing strong partnerships and through close collaboration with members, government officials, and other key stakeholders the Chamber plays an important role in creating a Connecticut where businesses and families work, live, and thrive.
