The Lower Bucks County Chamber of Commerce has announced a new executive director after a search.
Joseph Szafran was announced this week as the organization’s new executive director, concluding a search conducted by the board of directors.
Szafran brings more than 20 years of public relations and community engagement experience to the role, and will be responsible for strategically growing the chamber, which is based in Falls Township.
Kristen Farry, chair of the Lower Bucks County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, expressed excitement at Szafran’s appointment, stating: “He brings a unique combination of knowledge, skills, and passion that will assist us in strategically growing the Chamber. Joe has a long personal and professional history in Lower Bucks County and understands the important role the Chamber can play in making our businesses and our communities stronger.”
Szafran most recently served as External Affairs Manager at American Water, where he was responsible for developing and implementing the external communications strategy for the company. Prior to that, he worked in internal and external communications for several Fortune 500 companies, including DuPont, United Technologies, and Exelon.
Szafran began his career in Bucks County as an aide to both former Congressman James Greenwood and former Pennsylvania State Sen. Tommy Tomlinson.
He currently serves on the board of directors of the Bucks County Housing Group and has also served on the board of the Boys and Girls Club of Camden County.
Szafran received a bachelor’s degree in business from Virginia Wesleyan University and a master’s degree in political science from Villanova University.
Minesh Pathak was the Lower Bucks County Chamber of Commerce’s previous executive director. He left last fall after four years in the role.
The Lower Bucks Chamber of Commerce was established in 1958 and boasts a membership of more than 1,000 companies in Lower Bucks County and surrounding areas.
