Barbara J. Neff is the founder and driving force behind Neff Productions. A successful business owner in Downtown New London, Barbara operated her family’s store for twenty years. While running the business, Barbara also began planning numerous community events. Years later, Barbara founded Neff Productions and now devotes herself to full-time event planning.

Barbara is a life-long resident of Southeastern Connecticut: and very active in her community. Named the New London Elks’ Person of the Year in 2005, she can frequently be found behind the scenes running some of regions’ most popular events. Most well-known for her revitalization of Sailfest, Barbara works tirelessly to ensure every detail of every event is meticulously planned. Her expertise extends from smaller, more intimate receptions, to large-scale regional events. No matter the occasion, Barbara is up to the challenge and will do everything in her power to turn your ordinary event into something extraordinary.

Experience

Sailfest, Event Coordinator, 1996-Present

Sailfest is Southeastern Connecticut’s premiere summertime event. The three-day festival consists of a major fireworks display, amusement rides, free entertainment, Tall Ships, and over 200 vendors lining the downtown New London streets.

Sailfest produces multiple stages of free entertainment with musical genres ranging in Funk, Rock, and Latin. We also have a children stage on Saturday featuring local youth performers. Sailfest also showcases one of the largest fireworks display in the Northeast.

Downtown New London Assoc, Executive Director, 2000 - Present

The Downtown New London Association is a not-for-profit organization in the New London area. The DNLA has been the producing Sailfest for the past twenty-five years. Sailfest is presently in its 43^rd  year. All money raised during Sailfest is directly donated back into the city by supporting other local projects.

Event Coordinator City of New London, 2013- Present

Plan and coordinate activities at the Downtown area and Business Districts throughout the City

OPSAILCT, INC- CT Maritime Heritage festival,Event Coordinator, May 2013- Oct 2013 /2020- Present

The CT Maritime Heritage Is a 3-day festival in September along the historic New London waterfront, promoting CT's maritime heritage and spirit of innovation.

City of New London Dock Master, 2007 - Present

Located in the heart of downtown, the public Waterfront Park Docking and City Moorings offer convenient rest rooms, shower and laundry facilities to registered boaters, as well as ice within easy walking distance.

Bennie Dover Jackson Middle School, Parent Education Coordinator, Sept 2016 –Dec 2018

As a Parent Education Coordinator I provide workshops, classes, and activities for parents at the school on a regular basis; recruits volunteers from the community to host various workshops and classes to speak directly with parents; provides materials such as event calendars, brochures, educational resources and creates opportunities for parents. I also do social media and marketing. As a Parent Education Coordinator I provide workshops, classes, and activities for parents at the school on a regular basis; recruits volunteers from the community to host various workshops and classes to speak directly with parents; provides materials such as event calendars, brochures, educational resources and creates opportunities for parents. I also do social media and marketing.

Parade News, Inc -Parade News, co – owner ,1987 – 2007

Organizations

City Center District, Treasurer, 2013 - Present

Created in 1994, the City Center District is comprised of roughly 160 building owners in the downtown business district.

The Ledge Light Foundation, Board Member · Oct 2021 - Present

The Ledge Light Foundation was created in 1987 with the goal of tending the lighthouse building. We are an all-volunteer, non-profit organization. Our goal is to restore the light, publicize its history, and manage its reuse as a museum, gallery and tourist attraction.

New London Cemetery Association, Directors- September 2021- April 2024 

Established as part of the rural cemetery movement in the 19th century, Cedar Grove was designed as a peaceful haven with park-like natural features. Today, the cemetery offers a full range of burial options.

Cedar Grove Cemetery is a 76-acre non-sectarian, non-profit burial ground in the city of New London, Connecticut. Still an active cemetery, Cedar Grove also is the final resting place of many of the city’s most significant citizens, ranging from a noted colonial-era diarist and ship captains from the city’s heyday as a major whaling port, to top elected officials and wealthy Gilded Age industrialists.

The Starr Street Assoc, President · Nov 2021- October 2022

The Starr Street Historic District in New London CT is a one-block street of historic homes, built between 1835 and 1895 on the site of a former Ropewalk, which was destroyed by fire. 19th century builder and developer John Bishop designed and built the first Greek Revival homes on the south end of the street. Several of the "newer" houses are in the Queen Anne and Victorian styles. By the 1970's the street had fallen into disrepair and the City of New London, HUD and the New London Savings Bank teamed up to purchase the homes and to restore them to their former appearance. When the project was finished in 1979, homes were offered for sale with covenants governing the appearance of the street and houses, and the State of CT recognized Starr Street as the (currently - 2011) only official State Historic District in New London .