Harford County Chamber of Commerce Announces New President/CEO

Harford County Chamber of Commerce announced today that Vanessa Milio has been named president and CEO, effective January 17. She fills the position held by Bill Seccurro, who announced his retirement earlier this year after 10 years at the helm of the Chamber.

Ms. Milio is currently the director of the Harford County Public Library Foundation, a position she has held for the past six years. Under her leadership, the Foundation has experienced unprecedented growth in board membership, donors, funds raised and corporate partnerships.

The president/CEO of the Harford County Chamber of Commerce is responsible for advocating for businesses and building community partnerships as well as planning events, marketing and generating income for the Chamber. The Harford County Chamber is the largest chamber of commerce in Maryland, with more than 1,200 members, and is the seventh-largest business and networking organization in the state.

Eric E. McLauchlin, current chair of the Board of Directors and chair of the Search Committee that selected Ms. Milio, emphasized the importance of the selection. “Our local business environment is becoming increasingly diverse, as is the Chamber’s membership. It was therefore very important to us to choose a leader whose abilities to advocate, plan and manage were equally diverse.”

Ms. Milio has more than 20 years of experience as a non-profit manager with the Baltimore City Police Athletic League, the Y of Central Maryland and the Y of Greater New York. During her career, which focused on community building opportunities for children and families, Ms. Milio established a proven track record of fundraising, event planning and fiscal management. She has managed multi-site operations, managing significant budgets and staff while maintaining close relationships with boards and business leaders.

She holds a master’s degree from The University of the Arts, and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Hartford.

“I strongly support the decision of the Board of Directors in appointing Vanessa Milio as the next president/CEO of the Chamber,” said Bill Seccurro, outgoing president/CEO. “She has been an active member of the Chamber and has developed leadership roles at every opportunity. It has been a pleasure to work with her, and I am certain that she will be successful in guiding the Chamber to the next level.”

Ms. Milio has been an active member of the Harford County Chamber of Commerce for several years, serving on the Board of Directors, Ways and Means Committee and Membership Development Committee. She has volunteered with several local organizations including the First Tee of Harford County, Harford Family House and Taste of Harford. She is active in her neighborhood elementary school and serves in her church community.

“I am so pleased to have the opportunity to work with the Board of Directors in serving the membership of the Harford County Chamber of Commerce,” said Ms. Milio. “This is a thriving, vital organization not only for Harford County but for the Baltimore metro region. I look forward to representing the Chamber and working to advance the
organization’s mission and goals.”

Harford County Chamber of Commerce is a recognized advocate and voice of business in Harford County. The organization’s mission is to foster an environment in which the economy and businesses thrive and prosper, enhancing the quality of life for everyone in Harford County. More information about the Chamber can be found at www.harfordchamber.org.