Vermont Business Magazine Mary Cohen, a longtime NeighborWorks and community leader, was appointed Wednesday to be interim Executive Director of the Rutland Region Chamber of Commerce, effective April 1. The appointment was made during a Board of Directors’ retreat that examined the chamber’s strengths, weaknesses and future, and fills the position left vacant by the resignation of Tom Donahue.
“Mary will provide stable, proactive and energetic leadership to the Chamber staff and the Chamber as a whole while the board determines its course for the long-term,” President Dave Correll said. “Her willingness to step in quickly will ensure we have professional leadership in place immediately, through this transition period.”
“This will allow the board ample time to thoughtfully consider a variety of options on the table to ensure we do what is best for our members and the vitality of the region.”
Mary Cohen, Neighborworks of Western Vermont photo.
Cohen is a longtime community leader, with deep ties and a commitment to public service. She most recently served at Neighborworks of Western Vermont, where she was Operations Director, Director of the Homeownership Center, and led Neighborworks’ community revitalization effort in Rutland’s Northwest Neighborhood. She was previously a Realtor at Berkley, Veller and Greene. She has a Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Vermont.
Cohen has served the region for decades on a variety of nonprofit boards, including lengthy service to the Rutland Community Cupboard, Rutland Regional Medical Center and the Rutland Health Foundation, the Boys & Girls Club of Rutland County, and Crossroads Arts Council.
“The Chamber is often the first place visitors and newcomers turn, so I’m excited to be able to roll out the welcome mat and ensure their first experience is a positive one,” Cohen said. “I look forward to working with the board and staff to put Rutland County’s best foot forward as long as I serve.”
The selection committee, including Correll, Bill Ackerman, Marleen Cenate, Steve Costello, Lyle Jepson and Laurie Mecier-Brochu, recommended Cohen to the full board unanimously, which approved her unanimously.
“Mary brings a strong background in strategic financial operations and oversight, budgeting, management, staff development, and community outreach,” said Costello. “We are lucky to have her.”
Correll said the board retreat was intended to be the beginning of a deep examination of the Chamber’s strategic plan going forward. While the board completes that process, which could take several months, Cohen will lead the day-to-day operations, supervise staff and focus on marketing regional businesses and the region.
“We see a bright future for the Chamber and the greater Rutland County region, and will take the time to thoughtfully examine how the Chamber can best serve its members and the community at large before hiring a permanent director,” Correll said. “That process will examine what we have done historically and the relationships – past, present and future – we have with other community development organizations, while contemplating what we need to do differently, more innovatively or more collaboratively.
“Our goal is to build on our strengths and the strengths of our many partner organizations as we chart a mutually beneficial course for the next generation of Chamber members and local residents.”