CERC Hires New President
03/09/2007
Contact:
Kristi Sullivan, 860-571-6213
CERC announced today that it has hired Robert W. Santy as the new president and CEO. Santy fills the position vacated due to the retirement of Marty Hunt, who led CERC since its inception in 1992.
Santy leaves his post as president of the Regional Growth Partnership in New Haven. Santy has a 27-year career in economic development working most recently with the 15 town south central Connecticut region to implement a comprehensive economic stratetgy, plan and manage brownfields remediation, provide reverse commute services and develop critical industry clusters. Previously, Santy was vice president at the Connecticut Capitol Regional Growth Council and deputy commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Economic Development (now DECD) where he was part of the process with utility partners that helped create CERC. His experience in Washington, DC includes being assistant administrator and chief of staff for the U.S. Small Business Administration and staff member of the U.S. Senate Small Business Committee. His professional and community activities include serving on numerous boards, such as 1000 Friends of Connecticut, the Connecticut Regional Institute for the 21st Century, the National Brownfields Association Connecticut Chapter, the Greather New Haven Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Connecticut Economic Development Association.
"The CERC board of directors is pleased to have Bob as the new president of CERC," said CERC Board of Directors chair, John Emra. "He has considerable experience in economic development, and is highly regarded in the municipal and state community. The board conducted a thorough and extensive six-month national search."
"The CERC board has made an excellent choice," said Marty Hunt. "I am confident that Bob Santy is the right person to take on this leadership role of CERC and its research, marketing and economic development services that promote Connecticut's competitive environment and future growth."
Santy resides in New Haven, Conn. He earned his bachelor's degree in American Civilization and a master's degree in business, economics and public policy from The George Washingon University.