On July 10, the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern CT’s Leadership program honored 38 graduates, including James DeMaio, Vice President of Business Operations at Pat Munger Construction Company, Inc. The two-year program, held in New London, CT, focuses on teamwork, communication, and decision-making, helping participants understand the various economic, social, and political forces impacting Eastern Connecticut.

James DeMaio is the third employee from Munger to complete this program. The first graduate was Business Development Manager, Karen DelVecchio, who completed the course in 2020. Marketing Manager, Liz Tullo, graduated in 2023, and now James DeMaio is among the newest graduates.

“The Eastern Connecticut Chamber program is an excellent addition to Munger’s in-house leadership training,” said Pamela DeMaio, Munger Vice President. “Our team benefits greatly from interacting with individuals from diverse organizations who share similar goals.”

Pat Munger Construction Company, Inc. also contributed to the class project with The Arc Eastern Connecticut, with significant involvement from James DeMaio and the entire leadership program, showcasing their dedication to community service and teamwork.

Delegation and succession planning are crucial to the ongoing success of Pat Munger Construction Company, Inc. “We need to have complete trust in those to whom we delegate important responsibilities,” said DeMaio. “Leadership is a quality that everyone in our company can apply in their daily work, regardless of their role. Providing our team with leadership skills is essential for fostering innovation, growth, and resilience. We are proud of James, Liz, and Karen’s accomplishments and look forward to supporting them as they grow as leaders in our community.”

“The Chamber Leadership program has been successfully running for over 30 years,” said Tony Sheridan, President & CEO, Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut. “It offers participants the chance to learn alongside their peers about how the community and state function, and how to effectively engage in leadership roles. Many of today’s regional leaders are program graduates and major contributors to the region’s economic development.”