The Upper Bucks Chamber of Commerce has selected its next Executive Director. Danielle Connelly-Bodnar of Milford Township will become the UBCC's

next top chief on October 8. She'll take the reins from long-time Executive Director Tara King, who announced her retirement earlier this year.

            "The search committee is thrilled to make this announcement," said Jason Wehrung, UBCC Board of Directors President. Over 20 resumes for the post were received from across the U.S., and the process took about three months to complete.

            Connelly-Bodnar most recently served the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce as Vice President for Government Affairs. She has served on numerous committees to further workforce development in the region, including the Manufacturing Council and One Stop Operator Workforce Board Lehigh Valley, among others.

            "Danielle has excellent communication skills and leadership experience with committees, in chambers of commerce, non-profit organizations and in government," Wehrung said. He said these traits were vital factors in selecting the chamber's next leader, along with the board's vision for the non-profit's future growth and   development.

            Connelly-Bodnar held posts in government service as District Director for Pennsylvania State Senator Robert B. Mensch (R-24) and as Deputy District Director for Senator Robert C. Wonderling (R-24). Wonderling served in the senate from 2003 to 2009. Connelly-Bodnar's resume includes experience facilitating public affairs, community outreach, event planning, public relations and media – she was an Associate Producer for channel WFMZ Business Matters program. She has furthered regional workforce initiatives and managed budget and database systems.

            Connelly-Bodnar is no stranger to the Upper Bucks community, either. A board member of Quakertown Alive!, she also serves on the boards of Lehigh Valley Reads and Allentown Economic Development Corporation.

            Connelly-Bodnar is a former member of the UBCC Foodie Committee, Penn Foundation Annual Giving Event, Quakertown Alive! Economic Restructuring Committee and Upper Bucks Young Professionals, among others. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from The Pennsylvania State University.

            For nearly two decades Tara King has shepherded the chamber through economic challenges including the "Great Recession" of 2008. She launched a branding campaign to focus the chamber's assets and attract and retain members.

            King facilitated an administrative move from Milford Township to the chamber's current location in the Quakertown Historical Society barn at 21 N. Main Street. She led the chamber's growth to nearly 600 members.

            Four years ago King brought the creative, production and distribution of the annual Focused Upper Bucks County business directory and community profile in house. She has overseen the growth of Foodie, and its continued record breaking growth as the region's premiere food and beverage event in October.