West Hartford Chamber Staff
President & CEO
Director of Development & Programs
Chris Conway
Kate Kobs
Chris Conway was named Executive Director of the West Hartford Chamber of Commerce in December 2018 and promoted to President & CEO in April 2022. Prior to joining the West Hartford Chamber, he served as Membership Director of the Waterbury Regional Chamber, where he oversaw strong membership growth through new recruitment and retention initiatives, while enhancing member value with expanded networking and marketing opportunities. He has also served on the Board of Directors of the Wethersfield Chamber of Commerce.
Before his chamber career, Chris spent 19 years in management roles with Barnes & Noble, followed by several years in the insurance industry. It was during this time that he became active in the West Hartford Chamber of Commerce, volunteering on committees and supporting events. His dedication earned him the 2016 Spotlight Award for his work on the Chamber’s Annual Golf Tournament. In recognition of his leadership in the industry, Chris was elected in 2025 as 2nd Vice President of the Connecticut Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (CACCE).
Chris is excited to bring his combined business and chamber experience to support members and enrich the West Hartford community. He resides in Southington with his wife, Colleen, and their son, Desmond.
Email Chris: cconway@whchamber.com
Kate joined the Chamber as the Outreach & Development Coordinator in 2019. Her primary role involves business development in the form of new memberships and sponsorship opportunities for existing members. She serves as the Chamber’s liaison to some of our strategic partners, including the Elmwood Neighborhood Association and the Park Road Association. Kate also works closely with the Chamber’s young professionals organization – FLOW (Future Leaders of West Hartford). She was promoted to Director of Development & Programs in April of 2022.
Her background is in sales and marketing, working in cable, radio, and internet advertising for Comcast, iHeartMedia, and WCCC. She also has extensive experience in the nonprofit realm as both an employee and a volunteer. As a life-long resident, she brings a passion for and understanding of West Hartford and its neighbors. Her children are the seventh generation of her family raised in the area.
Kate lives in West Hartford with her husband Graham, 2 children and 2 dogs. When she’s not networking around town, you can most likely find her hiking the regions beautiful trails, at concerts, knitting/crocheting, or playing trivia.
Email Kate: kate@whchamber.com