The Delaware State Chamber of Commerce has announced that veteran lobbyist Michael J. Quaranta will take over as president after Rich Heffron retires on June 30, 2018.
The Chamber allotted eight months starting last November to find a predecessor for Heffon, who started in 2014 and planned to serve only two years. Hired ahead of schedule, Quaranta will now have time to work alongside Heffron in an effort to smooth the transition process.
“We are thrilled to have Mike as our new president,” said Gary Stockbridge, chairman of the State Chamber’s board of directors. “Mike’s diverse set of experiences will make him an effective leader for the State Chamber’s next chapter as we continue our work supporting small and large businesses across Delaware.”
Several board members expressed their desire to find a local candidate who would bring the same level of business and governmental expertise as Heffron.
“Mike is the right person to lead the State Chamber and guide the organization’s future,” said Rich Heffron, the State Chamber’s current president. “Change is constant in today’s world, and Mike is the type of leader who will embrace that change and will grow the Chamber to a new level of success.”
Quaranta has served as the chief of staff (2003-2010) to U.S. Rep. Michael N. Castle, vice president of federal and state government affairs for Experian Information Solutions and director of federal government affairs at TRW, Inc, as well as other positions.
He owns a small business and serves as councilperson in the City of New Castle, where he lives with his wife, Michelle.
