Medford Chamber of Commerce installs new officers, celebrates Citizen of the Year
The Medford Chamber of Commerce held its annual installation of officers and awards celebration, including Citizen of the Year at Medford Vocational & Technical High School on May 4.
The Medford Chamber of Commerce tried something a little bit different this year— and it paid off. Instead of an evening banquet, the organization held its annual installation of officers and awards celebration, including Citizen of the Year (COTY), at Medford Vocational & Technical High School.
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On the recommendation of outgoing president, Andrew Mather, the Chamber on May 4 held its 98th ceremony at Bistro 489, the Voke’s Culinary Arts Restaurant, located behind the high school.
The Medford Chamber of Commerce held its annual awards at Bistro 489 at the Voke on May 4. GOTTA KNOW MEDFORD STAFF PHOTOS/NELL ESCOBAR COAKLEY
The luncheon was catered by Culinary Arts students, with a buffet of brunch delicacies, desserts and mocktails.
Chamber Executive Director Laura O’Neill told the gathered crowd — including Mayor Breanna Lungo-Koehn, state legislators, school and City Hall officials and, of course, members of the business community — that Bistro 489 is available for business and other events.
The Chamber of Commerce celebrated its 98th installation of officers and new members of the Board of Directors on May 4. GOTTA KNOW MEDFORD STAFF PHOTOS/NELL ESCOBAR COAKLEY
The Monday event kicked off by Rep. Paul Donato, who also sits on the board and is a member of the Chamber, as he swore in the new members of the Board of Directors for 2026-2029: Rocco DiRico, Gene Kalaw, Barry Rafferty, Adam Risman and Sam Tarabelsi.
Additionally, incoming President Natalie Breen spoke to members of the Chamber about her love for the city and how the organization is continuing to work for the future of Medford.
Page Buldini is this year’s vice president. She is president-elect after Breen fulfills her duties.
Domenic Camarra, 2009 Citizen of the Year, gave out the COTY Scholarships to seniors Gabriella Calitri and Guilherme Martins. Each will receive $750 from the group of COTY alumni.
The celebration ended with the awarding of the 2026 Citizen of the Year award to Medford Family Network Executive Director Marie Cassidy.
2006 Citizen of the Year Marie Cassidy was celebrated during the May 4 luncheon at the Voke. GOTTA KNOW MEDFORD STAFF PHOTOS/NELL ESCOBAR COAKLEY
A very moved Cassidy kicked off her speech with a song, which members of the audience recognized as the start up MFN anthem and gladly sang along with.
Cassidy, who has been with MFN for more than 30 years, spoke from the heart about all her years with the organization and what it means not only to her, but to the community.
The Chamber, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, has been awarding the COTY award since 1971. The recipient is picked from community recommendations by a board of former COTY winners.
