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Cator will begin her new position May 5. She is taking over day-to-day operations of the chamber from Carol Wilder-Tamme, who is retiring after 10 years.
"I'm very excited about it," Cator said. "I'm looking forward to getting to know the chamber members and the different initiatives that they do to include business community with the residential community."
Cator has lived in Darien since 1992. She has spent most of her career in advertising and marketing.
Recently, she has worked as the operator of New Neighbors, a welcoming marketing service that helps new residents and businesses get settled in the area and learn about what services are available to them.
She said that in recent years Darien has experienced a surge in new businesses, a trend that she would like to help continue.
"The town looks the best it's ever looked. We have lots of great restaurants, boutiques, as well as larger stores," Cator said.
One important function of the Chamber of Commerce is to get businesses together and help them support each other, she said.
"Cross promoting is very important. Businesses can work together and share ideas," she said. "It helps keep our residents here, shopping and being a part of the community."
A recent chamber event, the Going Green for Biz Mixer, was an example of the chamber bringing the community together, Cator said. Not only did it include businesses, but it also included Darien High School graphic arts students who submitted Going for Green posters. The mission of supporting environmentally friendly businesses was very important, too, she said.
"That trend is growing and it's definitely here to stay," Cator said of the green movement. "Whether it's businesses or individuals in your own life, everybody's doing things more green."
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