Hamden Economic Development Director Dale Kroop announced he is planning to retire this fall after 21 years in the role.
His retirement will be effective once his contract with the town expires Nov. 29.
According to Kroop, he decided to let Hamden officials know now so they have time to consider their options and find a replacement.
“As many folks my age have been doing, I’ve spent these last few months during the (COVID-19) crisis evaluating the next phase of my professional life,” Kroop said via email. “So I decided to retire and let the town decide where the local economy needs to go.”
Even in retirement, he hopes to continue working with the Hamden Economic Development Corp. in some capacity to help with ongoing projects, he said.
During his tenure, Kroop has managed the town’s business retention and recruitment, and workforce development programs. He has also managed brownfield and redevelopment projects for the Hamden Economic Development Corp.
He worked to make Borough 496, at 496 Newhall St., a reality. Once a school building and later abandoned, it serves as an incubator and business center for the region.
Kroop also has been heavily involved in workforce development, including helping to make sure businesses can find qualified and trained workers. His office has worked to introduce young people to career options in the trades and launched a training workshop series.
Contact Michelle Tuccitto Sullo at msullo@newhavenbiz.com.
