For the first time in nearly two decades, Corning’s Gaffer District will have new leadership later this year.
Coleen Fabrizi, executive director of the Corning Gaffer District for the past 18 years, recently announced she will retire from the position in early June.
Chris Sharkey, a former Gaffer District Board Chair and retired president of Corning Enterprises, said Fabrizi was instrumental in building up the downtown marketing organization. The Gaffer District’s mission is to “enhance the overall economic vitality, community character, and physical sustainability of Corning’s Downtown via the collaboration of public and private stakeholders.”
“Coleen is the one that has really built that organization in the Gaffer District,” said Sharkey. “She really has made it into what it is today. She will leave an extraordinary legacy, both in terms of the organization she has built and the mark she’s left on our downtown.”
The Corning Gaffer District on historic Market Street.
Joe Carey, owner of Carey’s Brew House and a member of the Corning Gaffer District Board of Directors, said the board will meet in the next 10 days to start the process of finding someone to fill the important role of executive director.
“Coleen has done a great job over the years leading us in the right direction,” Carey said.
Fabrizi, who formerly worked at the Corning Area Chamber of Commerce, was the fourth executive director of the Corning Gaffer District. The first director was Stacy Pair, the second was Toni Trottier, and the third was Sharkey.
More: How The Rockwell Museum’s new executive director is making her mark. Meet Erin Coe.
Carey said Fabrizi leaving the post in early June will give the Gaffer District Board of Directors time to find a suitable replacement.
The Gaffer District is instrumental in community events like Cabin Fever, GlassFest, the Summer Downtown series, Harvest Fest and Crystal City Christmas.
This article originally appeared on The Leader: Corning Gaffer District executive director Coleen Fabrizi retiring
