HABCO’s Brian Montanari Elected CBIA Board Chair

HABCO Industries president and CEO Brian Montanari was elected December 3 to chair CBIA’s board of directors, Connecticut’s largest business organization. 

Montanari, who joined the Glastonbury-based aerospace and aviation manufacturing company in 2007, succeeds The Lee Company president and CEO Marietta Lee.

As board chair, Montanari will lead CBIA’s efforts to shape policies, solutions, and initiatives that drive economic growth and strengthen Connecticut’s business climate.

Passion for Connecticut

The board also elected two vice chairs, Michael Brooder, Hartford office managing partner of CBIZ, Inc., and Leander Dolphin, managing partner of Shipman & Goodwin, LLP.

“Connecticut is my home,” Montanari said. “I have a lot of passion for helping make this state a better place.”

“CBIA’s board represents an incredible breadth and balance of personalities and perspectives—I’m honored to work alongside such talented leaders.”

Montanari emphasized the importance of collaboration to accomplish the state’s goals.

“Everyone—whether you’re a CBIA member, a policymaker, advocate, or resident—shares a commitment to doing what’s best for Connecticut.

“My role as board chair is to help align those efforts so we can continue to improve as an organization and as a state.

“This is a serious responsibility and an incredible opportunity, and I’m excited to build on the legacy of those who came before me.”

‘Unique Insights’

CBIA president and CEO Chris DiPentima welcomed Montanari’s election.

“As the leader of a small business, Brian brings unique insights and experience to the role of board chair,” he said.

“His passion for Connecticut and engagement with CBIA advocacy, events, products, and services gives him valuable perspective at a pivotal moment.

“We’re thrilled to have Brian’s leadership as board chair.”

CBIA’s Chris DiPentima

“We’re thrilled to have Brian’s leadership as board chair as we look to grow Connecticut’s economy and make our state a better place to live, work, and run a business.

DiPentima thanked Lee for her “instrumental work guiding the organization during a year that saw businesses face uncertainty and complex economic challenges.”

“Marietta’s leadership and commitment have been critical as we expanded the research of CBIA Foundation for Economic Growth & Opportunity, grew CBIA’s products and services, launched the CBIA Manufacturing Coalition, and developed an ambitious agenda of events and initiatives to benefit Connecticut’s businesses and their employees.”

Lee will remain on CBIA’s board as immediate past chair.