The Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce executive director seat is now open and the search is on!

Last week, Dennis Smith, the current BID executive director, announced that he is set to retire as leader of BID. The position will be filled by Greater Patchogue Chamber executive director David Kennedy this coming October.

The key of the success of the village, Kennedy and mayor Paul Pontieri explained, is the village, chamber, and BID working together in improving the community.

For over two decades, Smith has been with BID; he was a grocery store manager before that. However, since his move to the Patchogue area from Brooklyn in 1955 (just after his 5th birthday), he has stayed within three miles of the village. 

“What a ride it has been. I have loved every minute of it,” Smith said, looking back at his career. “I love what I was doing and I still love what I do, but there comes a time in every life where it’s time.”

Currently, he resides in East Patchogue with his wife, Patty Smith. Together they have three children—Jeanine, Dennis and Daniel—and five grandchildren.

Smith will also be resigning his position as special projects director for the village as well. Kennedy will fill both roles.

“He has put in decades of hard work and dedication to be part of turning this town around; literally, the face of downtown has changed because of Dennis and due to him running the façade program,” Kennedy said of his predecessor.

Upon a recommendation by Smith and Pontieri, Kennedy was approached to take the job.

“It’s super exciting and I have huge shoes to fill,” Kennedy said, noting Smith will be helping him with the transition.

Kennedy is a lifelong resident of the Village of Patchogue.  As the executive director of the Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce, he enjoyed bringing this passion to work full time.

Kennedy also has a near two-decade career in local and state government. He has previously served as Long Island deputy director for The New York State Assembly Minority Conference, deputy spokesperson for the Town of Brookhaven, and chief of staff for Brookhaven Town councilman Kevin McCarrick. He also served as an elected Patchogue village trustee from 1996 to 2000.

He lives with his wife, Betsy Ambrosio, and is the proud father of Zachary, 25, and Alexander, 12.

Kennedy promised that in filling his new roles, he will continue to provide the same support and guidance to the new chamber executive as Smith has provided him during his tenure, ensuring a seamless transition.

“Now, there is a tremendous opportunity out there,” said Kennedy of the job opening. “Being executive director of the chamber is a dream job for anybody and anyone who has a passion for Patchogue, and that is really all I brought to the table.”