10 Staff members at your service.
(plus 12 fish and occasionally 1 dog)
Tony has been at the helm of the Chamber since 2004, bringing a wealth of experience in state and local government, economic development, and administration. Under his leadership, the Chamber has experienced significant growth in membership and influence, recognized across the state for its progressive thinking. Tony strives to collaborate and convene like-minded organizations to build productive partnerships. Tony emigrated from Ireland to New London at age 19 and became a licensed plumber and pipe fitter, learning the ins and outs of business firsthand. He is passionate about facilitating business success and has a special interest in helping those new to our country. Tony served four terms as the town of Waterford’s First Selectman. He chairs numerous boards and agencies, including the Connecticut Airport Authority, Connecticut Metro Chambers of Commerce, and the Waterford Police Commission.
Tony Sheridan
President and CEO
Megan enjoys being a behind-the-scenes powerhouse for the Chamber’s 140+ programs annually, and has been organizing events since her extracurricular activities in high school. Even after 7 years here, each day is different and keeps her on her toes! In her spare time, Megan and her husband run a freelance marketing company, and she enjoys photography, hiking, coloring, and learning to play piano.
Fun Fact: Megan writes and draws with her left hand, like her father and sister, but does EVERYTHING else righty, like her mother and brother.
Megan Gilbert
Vice President
Jane is a people person. Every day her role allows her to do what she loves most, acting as a connector and resource for the many unique businesses and organizations that make up our community. She has worn many hats over the course of her career and counts her unique experiences as the keys to her success.
FUN FACT: By entering the Chamber world Jane is following in her father’s footsteps. He served for many years as the Membership Manager for the Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce!
Jane Davis
Membership Manager
Gary is finding it to be a rewarding challenge to leverage his marketing and business development skills from the corporate and non-profit world to help promote Chamber companies and make valuable business connections for Chamber members. When not working, he’s outdoors as much as possible taking in all that eastern Connecticut offers by kayaking, hunting, fishing, and hiking.
Fun Fact: Gary has been to all of the 48 contiguous states, is determined to make it to Hawaii and Alaska very soon, but still chooses to live in Connecticut.
Gary Rogers
Membership Manager
Lori describes herself as a “Jill of most trades” from the variety of positions she has held over the past 30+ years while balancing school, family and military life (proud wife of a retired US Navy Submariner). She thrives on keeping busy and helping run the Chamber for the last 11 years has certainly kept her busy. In her free time, you can find Lori on the back of her husband’s Harley exploring eastern CT, visiting local beaches, kayaking, hiking, and taste-testing craft beer, all while neglecting her home chores.
Fun Fact: The young professionals in the office lovingly refer to Lori as their “Chamber Mom.”
Lori Thompson
Office Manager
Courtney is involved with a multitude of the Chamber’s operations. She helps coordinate the Community Concierge program, tourism initiatives, Legislative Affairs Council, Service Person of the Month ceremony, and other ongoing initiatives. Additionally, she performs administrative functions on behalf of the Home Builders and Remodelers Association of Eastern CT and the Southeast CT World Affairs Council.
FUN FACT: Courtney can be spotted throughout the region, whether it’s volunteering with Groton Community Meals, taking minutes for the Town of Stonington’s Planning meetings, or working with youth in Mystic.
Courtney Assad
Director of Administrative Partnerships
Colleen Gresh facilitates communication for Chamber news and initiatives as well as promoting members, bringing years of experience writing in the local community. She composes content for the Chamber blog and publications, which cover events, news that impacts the business community, and legislative updates. She works with members to create profiles of local businesses and organizations, highlighting unique stories or items of regional interest. Colleen helps members engage with promotional opportunities with the Chamber and coordinates with the media for Chamber news.
Colleen Gresh
Communications Specialist
Bio coming soon!
Stacy Herr
Program and Event Manager
Emily realized design was for her when she found herself volunteering to be the designer for every group project related to her Marketing major. Five years later, she loves working at an organization that combines her passion for design with helping the community flourish. She divides her free time between binge watching Netflix, listening to podcasts, and petting cats.
FUN FACT: Emily’s originally from New Yawk and won’t let you fuhgeddaboudit.
Emily Brannigan
Web and Graphic Designer
Born and raised in eastern CT, Gina comes to the Chamber as a recent Mitchell College grad. She loves ALL animals and has taken on the serious duty as the namer of office pets having named the Chamber’s new fish, Dora and Boots, and snail, Marvin (RIP).
Gina Mello
Administrative Assistant