NORWICH – President and CEO of Commerce Chenango Kerri Green is excited to introduce a new addition to the current staff. Joanna Cacciola will join Commerce Chenango on August 19, 2020 as the Economic Development Assistant and Grant Writer.

Green said, “The search process yielded many qualified candidates, and it was exciting to see the passion for growth and development that exists in our county. Joanna’s background, experience and attention to detail will help elevate our overall economic development program, and will enhance our presence in Chenango County. With a dedicated focus on business development, grant writing, evaluation of our loan programs and working closely with our partners, Joanna will work directly with me to help accelerate all of our economic development organizations forward, including the Development Chenango Corporation and the Chenango County IDA.”

A graduate of Hartwick College in 2007 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in art history, Cacciola received a master’s degree in arts administration and policy in 2010 from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC). While at SAIC, Cacciola focused her career development on stewardship and fundraising, and her research on the role of art in public spaces and art’s impact on community identity and development.

After her studies, Cacciola remained in Chicago and worked with a variety of nonprofits, returning to Hartwick in 2016, working in College Advancement and focusing primarily in donor stewardship. She also assisted in grant writing, frontline fundraising, and events planning. Since the fall of 2016, Cacciola supported the Community Arts Network of Oneonta, for whom she chaired the organization’s annual summer arts and music festival, sat on the executive committee, and served as president from 2019 – 2020.

Cacciola said, “I am excited to join the Commerce Chenango team and am looking forward to learning more about the organization, and working with all of the Chenango County businesses.”

Rounding out the current team is Audrey Robinson, Director, Communications & Tourism, Mary Miner, Director, Membership & Programs, and Megan Brennan, Administrative & Programs Assistant.

Organized in 1959, Commerce Chenango is a not-for-profit, community based organization dedicated to enhancing the economic growth of Chenango County and the surrounding area. Visit the website at www.commercechenango.com for more information on Commerce Chenango services and programs.

-Submitted article