Stephenson steps in as head of Lynbrook Chamber

On January 27, Linda Stephenson, branch manager at Lynrbook's Bethpage Federal Credit Union, will be officially inducted as the President of the Lynbrook Chamber of Commerce. Stephenson, who takes over from outgoing President Denise Rogers, was raised in Valley Stream attended William L Buck and South High School. Still a Valley Stream resident, she married her husband Richie Stephenson 38 years ago. They have two grown children, Melissa and Justin, and the couple has rescued two dogs. She graduated from Nassau Community College with honors in her forties after she decided to go back to school after her children had entered high school, and was the Chamber’s 2014 Small Businessperson of the Year. Brendan Murray spoke with Stephenson to find out more about how she came to helm the Lynbrook Chamber, and her plans for her tenure as president.

Herald: How did you first become connected with the village?
Linda Stephenson: When Rich and I were first married we lived in Lynbrook for about 9 years. I remember pushing my children in the stroller and walking to Atlantic Avenue very well. Both of my children loved to go into Woolworth's to look at the fish tanks and the hamsters, and of course they loved the toy department with the trucks and dolls, but it was always the golden books that I would buy to read to them. Sometimes we would sit at the counter and have ice cream. I remember going into Millers for household items and of course Lyn's Gift Shop for cards and gifts. I was very excited about the opportunity to be working in Lynbrook because of my fond memories of living here in the late 70's and early 80's. Atlantic Avenue has evolved over the years but the small town charm and friendly experience service from the store owners has remained.

H:How long have you worked at Bethpage Federal? What is your role at the bank?