Matthew Sush, a lifelong resident of Sullivan County, has been appointed President of the Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce. “I’m really looking forward to being able to help as many businesses as I can,” Sush said. “I’m excited to meet new people and build on relationships that I’ve already established over the years. It’s a whirlwind of a new role, but it’s definitely very exciting.”
Sush has been involved with the Chamber for over a decade, starting with the Young Emerging Leaders program and later participating in the Sullivan Leadership Program. He also served on the Chamber Foundation board before being elected to the Chamber board. “At that point, when my predecessor resigned, there was an open call for a new president, and I decided to put my hat in the ring,” he explained.
Professional journey shapes Chamber vision
Before joining the Chamber full-time, Sush spent 15 years at Jeff Bank, where he started as a teller and eventually became a Business Relationship Officer. “That experience shaped my professional career a lot. It taught me leadership development, working with other people and teams, and collaboration,” he said.
He added, “Many people would come in and express their concerns about banking or other business challenges. To some degree, I was their psychologist as well as a banker. That built strong relationships and helped me understand the needs of different businesses.”
Priorities and vision for local businesses
Sush said his top priority is listening to Chamber members and supporting local businesses. “We want to help them as best as we can so they don’t have to start from scratch,” he explained. “We want to be a one-stop place where they can find all the resources and guidance they need.”
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Addressing challenges, he noted, “One of the biggest challenges is negative perceptions. There are a lot of comments on social media about what we’re missing or lacking. I want to focus on the positive aspects, find more things for people to do, and show how the Chamber can provide value to businesses, especially small businesses with limited budgets.”
Workforce development and mentorship
Workforce development and leadership training are key areas for Sush. “I grew and developed in Sullivan County through these programs, and we can highlight their success to get more people involved,” he said. Programs like the Young Emerging Leaders—now called Emerging Sullivan Professionals—help connect experienced business owners with newcomers to share insights and mentorship.
Celebrating Sullivan County
Sush also emphasized the county’s unique assets: “I love the natural beauty of Sullivan County. Being immersed in nature is part of what we offer here. Combining our natural resources with access to goods, services, and opportunities for growth makes Sullivan County a unique place to live, work, and thrive.”
With his extensive experience, strong local ties, and commitment to supporting entrepreneurs, Matthew Sush is ready to lead the Chamber in helping the county’s business community grow and succeed.
Upcoming Chamber event
The next First Friday Networking Breakfast will take place on March 6, 2026, from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.
Hosted by the Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce, the monthly breakfast brings together local professionals to connect, exchange ideas, and build meaningful relationships in a welcoming setting over breakfast.For more information and a full list of upcoming Chamber events, please visit: https://business.catskills.com/chamber-events
