Springfield Regional Chamber to Host 2026 Spotlight, Annual Meeting on June 10
SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Regional Chamber will host its 2026 Springfield Regional Chamber Spotlight and Annual Meeting on Wednesday, June 10 from 4 to 6:30 p.m. at MGM Springfield. The event will celebrate another successful year for the chamber and recognize the individuals and organizations making a meaningful impact across the region.
This year, the chamber will honor Dawn DiStefano, president and CEO of Square One and chair of the Springfield Regional Chamber board of directors, as the 2026 Richard J. Moriarty Citizen of the Year.
DiStefano has dedicated her career to supporting children and families across Western Mass. Under her leadership, Square One provides early education, family support services, workforce development programming, and parenting resources to more than 1,500 children and families throughout Greater Springfield and Holyoke. Prior to joining Square One, she spent 25 years at the YWCA of Western Massachusetts, supporting programs serving survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, as well as young parents.
In recent years, DiStefano has played a leading role in bringing Square One back to Springfield’s South End following the devastating 2011 tornado that destroyed the organization’s longtime Main Street location. Through years of planning, advocacy, and community partnership, Square One has rebuilt and expanded its campus, creating a modern child and family center that will support generations of families to come.
“Dawn is someone who stayed focused on the future, even when rebuilding felt far away,” said Diana Szynal, president of the Springfield Regional Chamber. “She never lost sight of what Square One could become for the families who depend on it. To see that vision now standing in the South End after everything the organization endured over the years is incredibly meaningful, and I cannot think of someone more deserving of this recognition.”
The event will also include the election of the chamber’s board of directors and a variety of additional recognitions. These include the Lifetime Achievement Award for Roberto Nieves of Common Capital Inc.; the Outstanding Board Member Award for Dominick Ianno of MassMutual, which is celebrating its 175th anniversary this year; the Outstanding Legislative Steering Committee Member Award for Steve Parastatidis of PeoplesBank; the Outstanding Ambassador Award for Nicholas Scibelli of Beacon Bank; and the Outstanding New Member Award for Michael White of Blue – A Modern Hotel. Additionally, the chamber will highlight the names of all organizations that have been members for more than 50 years.
The event will feature heavy hors d’oeuvres, and cocktails will be available. Tickets cost $75 for chamber members and $100 for general admission. Tickets can be reserved by clicking here.