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Patchogue Village announced a changing of the guard involving two key leadership positions today.
Dennis Smith, who as the executive director of Patchogue’s Business Improvement District for nearly two decades has helped oversee the transformation of downtown Patchogue into the thriving business district it is today, will retire this fall, the village said in a statement.
Replacing Smith — on or about Oct. 1 — will be longtime Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce executive director David Kennedy. Smith is also stepping down from his position as special projects director for the village; Kennedy will fill that role as well.
Smith recommended that Kennedy, also a key figure in Patchogue’s resurgence, fill his shoes.
Kennedy noted that to ensure a smooth transition, he will provide “the same support and guidance” to the new chamber executive as Smith provided to him during his tenure.
Smith played a significant part in the development and improvement of the village, promoting projects and initiatives that have spurred economic growth in Patchogue. He has been involved with the installation of solar carports and security cameras downtown, and oversaw the overhaul of the village’s park system, including its crown jewel: Shorefront Park.
In 2020, Smith was named the Grand Marshal of Patchogue’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
Kennedy served as the chamber leader for more than 11 years, gaining a reputation over that time as an open-minded consensus builder, as well as an artful and skilled ambassador on behalf of the Greater Patchogue area’s business community, especially when it came to government and community relations.
The village said a search for a new chamber executive director is already underway. Interested applicants can send their resumes and letters explaining why they are interested to serve in the role to info@patchogue.com.
To further discuss the changes, the village has scheduled a press conference for Tuesday, June 25, at 11:30 a.m. on the steps of Patchogue Village Hall, 14 Baker St.
Top photo: On left with bullhorn is Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce Executive Director David Kennedy, who will replace Dennis Smith as BID executive director in October.
