Chamber Removes ‘Interim’
From Matt Hazzard’s Title
COOPERSTOWN – The Cooperstown Chamber of Commerce today announced that Matt Hazzard, the current Interim executive director, has been named executive director.
Since his appointment in June 2014, Hazzard has been focused on building relationships with local businesses, partnerships with other community organizations, developing new community events, and serving as a vocal advocate on behalf of Chamber members.
“The Cooperstown Chamber Board of Directors is excited to have Matt continue to lead the organization as our executive director,” said Board President Ken Meifert. “In Matt’s tenure as Interim Director he has shown strong leadership and vision for our community. The Board of Directors looks forward to continuing to work with Matt and our members to support and grow our local economy.”
Since joining the Chamber in June, Hazzard has been focused on strengthening the Chamber’s relationship with the community and the businesses the Chamber represents, as well as seeking to provide a strong and consistent voice in support of local business.
Hazzard worked hand-in-hand with Chamber and community members to launch the First Annual Cooperstown Field Day in partnership with Brewery Ommegang, adding a fresh new event to the Fall community calendar. Hazzard then spearheaded the inaugural Rockin’ Around Cooperstown Ugly Sweater Run/Walk in partnership with the Clark Sports Center, creating another successful community event.
He is currently leading the Cooperstown Chamber’s participation in the “Twenty Under Forty” initiative, in collaboration with the Otsego County Chamber and The Freeman’s Journal & Hometown Oneonta newspapers.
Hazzard serves on the Board of Directors for the Destination Marketing Corporation of Otsego County (Otsego County Tourism), is a member of the Doubleday Field Committee and is on the Advisory Committee for the Village of Cooperstown Comprehensive Plan & Downtown Revitalization Strategy. Matt’s numerous community service activities include serving as a volunteer coach for the Cooperstown High School Girls Varsity Basketball team and the Boys Varsity Baseball Team.
“Cooperstown is a special place, and I am honored to take on this role within the community. We have a great network of businesses and community leaders that have a lot of experience. I look forward to continuing to work with everyone to improve our community,” said Hazzard.
A CCS graduate, Hazzard received a bachelor’s from SUNY Cortland in business economics and sports management, where he played basketball and baseball. During college, he served as a programming and education intern at the Hall of Fame in 2003.
After graduation, he served a two-year fellowship with the United States Golf Association. Hazzard then joined the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association in Colorado Springs as the director of memorabilia for Major League Alumni Marketing, the MLBPAA’s for-profit subsidiary. During his eight -year tenure, gross revenue for this new business venture grew to more than $3 million.
He and wife Stephanie, who is Hall of Fame education director, live in Fly Creek with their son, Paxton. His parents are Ed and Patricia Hazzard, who have won the Clark Sports Center’s Fetterman Award for their involvement with youth.