Business & Tech

Johanna Bond, Jeffrey Pugliese New VPs of Middlesex Chamber

President Larry McHugh says the trio will advance the growth, strategies and future of the Middletown business network in Central Connecticut.

The Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce has named three longtime employees to key positions.

Johanna Bond and Jeffrey Pugliese have been promoted to vice president and Nancy Prue has been promoted to controller.

“These promotions are in response to the growth, strategies and future plans for the chamber, but more importantly they recognize the achievements of three of my dedicated management colleagues who fuel the success of our organization and that of our members,” said Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce President Larry McHugh.

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Johanna Bond, a Portland resident, has been with the Chamber since summers during her college years at Central Connecticut State University.  For 22 years since college, she has held increasingly responsible positions, today managing major events such as the annual awards dinner, Business-to-Business Expo, chamber job fair, golf tournament, and more. 

She has led workforce development programs including Office Skills for the 21st Century and Cook/Chef that have helped hundreds of people climb the ladder from entry level jobs to sustainable careers.

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Pugliese, a Plantsville resident, has been with the chamber since 2006. He is staff liaison to nine of the Chamber’s committees and three of its geographically-based divisions. He oversees many of the chamber’s workforce development programs, handles media and public relations, is point-person for government affairs, coordinates legislative and municipal relations, and is the organization’s representative on the Middlesex County Revitalization Commission. 

Prue, a Haddam resident, has been with the Chamber since 1993. She is responsible for financial and personnel records, manages the employee benefit programs, and oversees the operation of the membership database.

Chamber Chairperson Darlene Briggs of Westbrook noted, “Larry McHugh and his leadership team have been key to the sustained growth and influence of the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce. Recognizing these talented people will propel the Chamber to even greater achievements over the coming years.”

“I love living in a community that is directly affected by my work every day," Bond said. There are more positive changes in Middlesex County attributable to the chamber than you can even count!”

“Working at the chamber brings new challenges and experiences every day.  It is a privilege to work with the business community in Middlesex County on a wide range of important issues,” Pugliese said.

“After 20 years, the chamber staff and volunteers are like my second family.  We all work together to make the chamber and Middlesex County great!” Prue said.

Pugliese grew up in Naugatuck and attended Naugatuck High School. He earned a bachelor of science degree in political science from Central Connecticut State University and a master of science degree in political science from Southern Connecticut State University. He is a member of the Board of Directors for The Nutmeg State Games and the Middlesex Coalition for Children.  

He is also a member of the City of Middletown Clean Energy Task Force and the Advisory Council for the Central Connecticut State University Institute of Technology and Business Development. He and his wife Katie have one child, a son named Evan. 

Bond was raised in East Haddam and attended Central Connecticut State University. She lives in Portland with her husband David, a long-time local police officer; and their two children Madison and Christian. Johanna also manages a traveling youth soccer club and is involved in a number of community initiatives. 

A lifelong resident of Haddam, Prue graduated summa cum laude from Central Connecticut State University with a bachelor of science degree in accounting.  Prior to coming to work at the Chamber, she worked in both public accounting and the private sector. She and her husband Tom have two children.


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