Sheri Cote has been named as the newly established Guilford-Madison economic development director. According to the towns, Cote will assist and advise both first selectmen and both Economic Development Commissions on matters relating to the promotion and development of economic resources to improve tax bases and employment, and to stimulate business activity including working to retain and/or expand existing businesses, and recruiting new businesses.

Cote has most recently served as the president of the Shoreline Chamber of Commerce, and vice president of the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut. She is also the former vice president of the Connecticut Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives and served on the Waterford Board of Education and the Board of Directors and Executive Committee of the Connecticut Tourism Coalition.

Cote said she is pleased about the opportunity to serve the needs of both towns.

“I am excited to work on development initiatives that align with the interests of two beautiful, shoreline towns that set the bar for quality of life here in Connecticut. In my new role, Guilford and Madison have embraced regional thinking by sharing municipal services in a cost-effective way. I will look out for the business interests of both communities and encourage their engagement,” said Cote.

In joint Guilford-Madison press release, Guilford First Selectman Matt Hoey, said the regionalizing aspects of the appointment will benefit both towns.

“Ms. Cote has served as Guilford’s interim economic development coordinator in a part-time capacity for the past year and we look forward to her continued support while also embarking on this regional partnership with the Town of Madison,” said Hoey.

“We look forward to Ms. Cote joining our team and are excited about this new partnership with our neighboring town” said Madison First Selectwoman Peggy Lyons. “Ms. Cote is well regarded in our regional business community and will provide us with an important resource to keep Madison’s post-COVID recovery on track. She will also be spearheading the development of a long-term economic plan that aligns our policies with our community’s vision and needs.”

According to the release, Cote is a resident of Old Lyme and has a bachelor of science degree in business administration from Charter Oak State College and an associate’s degree in accounting from Three Rivers Community College. She can be reached at cotes@guilfordct.gov and cotes@madisonct.org.