Board of Directors and Staff

(Referring to the image above)

First Row (Left to Right): Matthew Banever, Chip Janiszewski, Gina Bunch, Robert Kulakowski, Barbara Lerner, Morgan Hilyard, Mike Kijak, Amy Parmenter, Jeffrey Brine, Ken Sklodosky

Second Row: Michael Thibideau, Robyn Rifkin, Mark McGovern, Erin Tracey, Kevin Keenan, Elaine Reid, Jack Phelan, Chairman Dave Calibey, Cindy Circhetti, Tony Leesha, Sue Banville, Nathanial Mardoc, Matthew Cuddy

Not Present: Amy Babich, Annie Andreoni, Avi Smith-Rapaport, Russell Lallier, Steve Hunt, Tom Hickey

Executive Director

Barbara Lerner

The Chamber is so pleased to welcome Barbara Lerner as Executive Director. Her experience in marketing, event planning and retail – along with her outstanding reputation as an advocate for and leader in the West Hartford community – will suit her well in this role.  

Since 2008, Barbara has handled the marketing of Blue Back Square. From 2008-2013, she served as marketing manager under the auspices of Ronus Properties, and then as marketing director for Starwood Retail Partners upon their acquisition of Blue Back Square in 2013.

From 2001-2008, Barbara was owner of Honore Gallery, seller of contemporary handcrafted jewelry. She is a past president of Business for Downtown Hartford and the West Hartford Center Business Association. 

Associate Director

Morgan Hilyard

The Chamber is pleased to officially welcome Morgan Hilyard-Evans as its new Associate Director (Communications/Special Events & Administration). She brings great energy and experience to the role.

Morgan is a resident of Avon; she was an owner and manager of The Zoo Health Club in Simsbury. As a result, Morgan has been directly involved in all aspects of building a new business: marketing, special events, QuickBooks accounting and retail sales. She has been an active member of BNI in Avon and understands the necessity of networking and community outreach in today’s business environment. She also has a firm grasp on customer service and customer satisfaction, and I know that you will see this for yourself when you engage with her.

Both friendly and dynamic, Morgan is extremely enthusiastic about becoming an integral part of both the Chamber of Commerce and the West Hartford community.