Patchogue Chamber Exec Director Retires Friday

Friday marks the last day that Gail Hoag, executive director of the Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce, is working in the chamber office after 15 years of service.

Hoag’s retirement was announced in April, and the Chamber is currently looking for her replacement.

Hoag spoke to Patch recently about what went into the decision. She said wanting more family time was an important factor, including with her husband George, her four-and-a-half-year-old granddaughter and her mother who is currently ill.

“I knew that the Chamber was in good hands,” Hoag said. “Jacqueline Hensley is a terrific president, the executive committee is very good, the board they all work hard.”

Hoag said that she will miss the people most including the Chamber’s members, the Patchogue Village board, the Mayor, Business Improvement District and the activities.

“The members are really terrific and I’m going to miss not seeing them all the time, but I’m still in Patchogue,” Hoag said.

Hoag would like to see the Chamber to continue growing and holding their events as it goes into the summer.

Hoag’s proudest accomplishments while with the Chamber include its growth into one of the largest chambers in the region.

“We have 400 members and we’re really one of the largest chambers,” Hoag said. “This is something to be proud of that we are so strong and we work for our members.”

For comparison, Hoag said that when she began in the position 15 years ago, there were between 110 to 125 members and not nearly as many events as the Chamber holds now.

Hoag also noted the formation of the Greater Patchogue Foundation, a charitable organization, during her tenure.

“That works really for the beautification, for the cultural heritage, the Theatre, for doing things in Patchogue,” Hoag said. “We’re here to work with people in Patchogue.”

What are your thoughts on Gail Hoag’s retirement? Write and well-wishes in the comments below.