Meet Diana Szynal of the Springfield Regional Chamber

As citizens of Greater Springfield, it’s our responsibility to keep a pulse on the zeitgeist of Western Mass. Those who do this well are aware that OUTLOOK returns this week on Friday, March 6, thanks to the Springfield Regional Chamber. This is the premier annual legislative and economic forecasting event designed to equip businesses and community leaders with insight into the forces shaping our economy. You can learn more at SpringfieldRegionalChamber.com.

Considering these happenings, we chatted with Diana Szynal of Hatfield, Mass., who is one of the most prolific movers and shakers in Western Mass. She is perhaps best known for her tenure as President and CEO of the Springfield Regional Chamber, but there is much more to her career trajectory, beginning with her days as an eager young professional, like so many of us. We spoke about her path and asked her to impart some of the best career advice she has received that helped her with her ascension to the top and continues to aid her as she raises young professionals, too!

Szynal has held her position with the Springfield Regional Chamber for 3.5 years. She oversees all aspects of the chamber; she manages event programming, distributes communications and advocates legislatively on behalf of the organization. She brings more than 20 years of state and local government experience to the role. She first worked as the municipal specialist to the Hampshire Council of Governments, then was elected to the Hatfield Selectboard. Szynal is also the former executive director of the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce and was the district director for the late State Representative Peter Kocot.

For 35 years, she has generously leant her time to community groups and town boards. Examples of this are the Capital Planning Committee, the Hatfield Housing Authority and 12 years on the Hatfield Selectboard, including nine years as board chair. She has also served as the selectboard liaison to the Police Department and Council on Aging, on the board of directors for both MassHIRE Franklin and Hampshire Counties, the Opioid Task Force of Franklin County, the Franklin Regional Economic Development Initiative and the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy Committee.

“The Hatfield Selectboard is the three-member elected body that oversees the operation of the town,” explained Szynal. “This excludes a few departments, such as the school department. It requires a sound understanding of municipal policies and procedures as well as state regulations. It also gave me the opportunity to work closely with town employees and engage with residents on many important matters.”

At the inception of her professional journey, Szynal began her undergraduate studies at the University of Massachusetts. At just 21 years old, she was financially struggling to make ends meet and continue her education.

“Frankly, I ran out of money,” Szynal admitted. “I was terrified of loans, so I took a semester off to work part-time for the town of Hatfield. The rest is, as they say, history. While I do wish I had the means to complete my education, at this point of my life I view my lack of a degree as an important part of my story.”

She has attended several YPS of Greater Springfield’s events in the past, including participation on a forum at Venture X with members of the Greater Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Economic Development Council.

“I loved how engaged those young professionals were,” said Szynal. “The conversation we had after the forum was fantastic. I remember that I stayed around after the event ended because there were so many great people to chat with.”

When asked if there was a piece of career advice that set the tone for her professional journey, Szynal shared, “It wasn’t advice exactly—I had people around me who were genuine, kind and worked hard. I saw how impactful they were, and I learned by example.

“There is no substitute for hard work, and when you combine it with a genuine spirit you are unstoppable. The best example of that, for me, was State Representative Peter Kocot, my former boss and mentor. Peter gave everyone the time and respect that they deserved.”

Szynal resides with her husband, Jim. They have three children: Peter, a farmer in Connecticut; Henry, a software professional in Somerville; and Hadley, a student at Quinnipiac University majoring in health sciences. As her children find their footing in the workforce as young professionals themselves, she finds herself calling on her own experience to advise them.

“Be a good person,” she tells her children. “I say they should keep their priorities straight and work their butts off.”

She’s passed on the work ethic that has driven her own success, and she imparts it to all she meets at chamber gatherings like the Rise and Shine Breakfast series, the impending annual OUTLOOK event and more. Considering getting involved? Head to SpringfieldRegionalChamber.com.

Diana Szynal with various Western Mass. athletics mascots.