New Hopkinton Chamber of Commerce president Cristina Morrissiey presents former president Scott Richardson with a token of appreciation at a board meeting on June 11.

By Michelle Murdock, Contributing Writer

Hopkinton’s Chamber of Commerce has a new president. New to the role but not to the chamber is Cristina Morrissiey, vice president and area relationship manager of UniBank, who will be replacing Scott Richardson of Gorman Richardson Lewis Architects.

Richardson, a chamber member for over 20 years who had initially served as president for two years about 12 years ago and more recently for about six years, said it was time to step down.

“I had served my time, and it is always good to get new people involved and someone — Cristina! — finally agreed to serve,” he said.

During his tenure as chair Richardson is most proud of the role he played in the growth of the chamber, the involvement of excellent committee chairs and members, and the key role the chamber plays in the community, promoting businesses and serving as their advocate. Richardson also cited helping to grow the chamber’s membership and being a more trusted voice for businesses in town.

“We have a great board and an active business community that we are proud to represent and work with on all issues,” he said.

Prior to becoming president, Morrissiey had served on the chamber’s Event Committee and Holiday Stroll Planning Committee, two positions that she feels have helped to prepare her for her new role.

“Under the leadership of Scott Richardson, the chamber has experienced growth and a valued position in town, which has inspired me to help foster strong relationships with Hopkinton businesses and town officials, through the Events Committee and Holiday Stroll Planning Committee,” Morrissiey said. “There are many wonderful people and businesses in Hopkinton, who have come together to support each other and the chamber. With their support and a solid Board of Directors I feel confident the chamber will continue to help businesses thrive in Hopkinton.”

In her new role, Morrissiey says she is looking forward to the positive momentum the chamber has embarked upon in supporting its members, the town and the community through its monthly networking events, promotion of and recognition of business member milestones, such as grand openings and anniversaries, and community recognition and involvement, such as the First Responders Breakfast, Holiday Stroll, Distinguished Service Award and State of the Town Meetings.

Looking to the future, Morrissiey says the chamber will be working to support local businesses as the Main Street Corridor Project begins construction in the spring of 2020 and to support economic development.

“It has been the Chamber’s goal, along with town officials, to coordinate informational meetings on the project, allowing open dialogue among businesses, the project manager and the town,” Morrissiey said. “The chamber will continue to sponsor informational meetings as the project progresses and will look for ways the chamber can offer support to the downtown businesses during the construction. Another important area of focus for the chamber is economic development and working closely with the Planning Board to support reasonable business growth in Hopkinton. I look forward to the collaboration and business opportunities that will result from this joint effort.”

Added Morrissiey: “I would like to personally recognize and thank Scott Richardson’s dedication and service for the many years he has led the Hopkinton chamber and been a longstanding face for the chamber in the community. Although he is comfortable passing on the role of president to me, you can expect to see him continue supporting the chamber in other facets. Thank you, Scott!”