The Windsor Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the hiring of its next executive director, Andrew K. Surprise.
Surprise will take the helm of the Chamber on May 15. As executive director, he will oversee the day-to-day operations of the Chamber, supported by the Chamber’s volunteer board of directors.
A dedication to community involvement
Surprise has served since 2021 as the CEO of the Quaboag Hills Chamber of Commerce, which covers fifteen towns in western and central Massachusetts. There, he worked to help the business community rebuild from the effects of the Covid pandemic, while improving the Chamber’s financial health and growing its membership base. Previously, Surprise was a communications and political consultant for more than a decade, supporting federal, state and local campaigns as well as community and nonprofit organizations. He also served as a city councilor in Westfield, Massachusetts from 2016 to 2020.
With a commitment to community involvement, Surprise has served on many western Massachusetts organizations, including as vice president of Art Works Westfield; as board member of Westfield Taxpayers Association; as corporator of Shurtleff Children’s Services Inc.; and as member of the Western Massachusetts Economic Development Partners Committee, the Palmer East-West Rail Steering Committee and the BHN Valley Human Services Advisory Council.
A graduate of Western New England University, Surprise recently moved to Enfield, Connecticut with his fiancée, Amy, and their infant son, Logan.
Well-rounded experience
“Andrew brings many strengths to our Chamber,” said Steve Porcaro, board chair and owner of SalesPlus MVP Coaching and Training. “His background includes volunteer management and training, fundraising, organizational development, research and advocacy. Additionally, he has a broad understanding of municipal regulation and finance, as well as economic development practices. He is a well-rounded expert who can offer new energy and ideas to our organization and community.”
“I am excited to bring my experience to the Windsor Chamber of Commerce,” said Surprise. “I plan to focus on increasing membership and revenues while seeking to expand member services. Other priorities include creating more fundraising and grant opportunities, partnering with state and local officials and helping to drive economic development for Chamber members and the Windsor community.”
The search for the Chamber’s new leader was chaired by board member Douglas Shipman, Executive Director of the Windsor Historical Society. Also serving on the search committee were Christina L. Morales, District Coordinator of Family and Community Partnerships at Windsor Public Schools; and Robin Sharp, President & CEO of Easterseals Capital Region & Eastern Connecticut.
Shipman said, “While we were very fortunate to have a large number of qualified applicants to consider for this position, Andrew stood out as the best fit for the role with his extensive Chamber of Commerce and community-based experience. We are very excited to have him join the Windsor Chamber of Commerce team!”
About the Windsor Chamber of Commerce
The Windsor Chamber of Commerce is a business membership organization dedicated to growing the local economy and improving the quality of life in Windsor. Our mission is to create connections that grow local businesses and strengthen our community.