Chamber President Resigns; Will Close Fair Lawn Office

The Fair Lawn Chamber of Commerce president announced her resignation Tuesday after two-plus years leading the organization.

Mary Marrara, a New York Life Insurance sales representative, will step down as Chamber president and close her Fair Lawn office on River Road to pursue an internal sales and support position at New York Life's corporate offices in Westchester.

"It's such a whirlwind, this happened so quickly," said Marrara, who fought back tears while announcing her departure at the Chamber's Tuesday meeting. "It was an honor to be a part of the Chamber of Commerce in Fair Lawn...which, to me, is one of the best Chambers in this area. It is an amazing chamber, an amazing town."

Marrara, an Oakland resident, said she'll remain a member of the Fair Lawn Chamber, but will relinquish her seat on the executive board and board of directors. She's been a member of the Chamber since 2003.

"I've had the privilege to work the last year with Mary as president and it's been a real honor," the Chamber's executive director Hank Pawski said. "She works hard, she really puts her heart and soul into the Chamber, even before she was president you could always figure on Mary being there. We certainly are going to miss her."

Mitch Palin, the owner of Minuteman Press on Fair Lawn Avenue, will replace Marrara as Chamber president and Cheryl Kastner, of TD Bank, will take her seat on the executive board.

Marrara said she was excited for Palin to assume her role, adding that it will be a great opportunity for him.

"It has been an amazing time for me and I really think it's a win-win because you're there giving back to the community through the Chamber and also at the same time you're exposing and expanding your business," she said. "My advice is just to enjoy it and have fun."

Palin joined the Chamber in 2006 when he opened his business and became an executive board member in 2009.

"Mary's done a great job and it's a good position for someone to move into with everything in place," he said of his decision to take over as president. "It was a good opportunity to get more involved in the Chamber."

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