NEWBURYPORT — After just about five years leading the Greater Newburyport Chamber of Commerce and Industry, former president Nate Allard spoke for the first time since departing Thursday.
“After many meaningful years with the Greater Newburyport Chamber of Commerce, I am stepping down with a full heart and deep gratitude,” Allard said, in a statement released Monday afternoon.
Allard was named chamber president in September, 2021 after he served as interim president for two months. Before July, 2021, Allard had worked as vice president since November, 2020.
“Serving this dynamic and resilient business community has been a true honor,” Allard said.
He offered his thanks to the board of directors and his staff at the chamber.
“Your dedication, vision, and support have made every step of this journey a privilege,” Allard said.
Regarding his future, Allard said he intends to remain a part of Newburyport.
“While I’m stepping away from this role, I’m not stepping away from the community. I look forward to staying engaged and continuing to support Newburyport in new and meaningful ways,” Allard said.
In a statement from interim chamber leadership, they promised to do their best keeping things operating as normal.
“The chamber staff you’ve come to know and trust remains in place, and we are committed to continuing our work without disruption,” the chamber’s statement said.
They told the community to keep alert for updates.
“In the coming weeks, you’ll hear more from us—updates on programming, initiatives, and ways to engage as we move forward together,” the chamber’s statement said.
In April 2024, Tom Rosa was appointed as its new vice president. It is unclear whether Rosa will be elevated to succeed Allard until a new leader is hired. Caswell and Skiba were approached for comment but neither responded in time for this report.
In a previous statement from the chamber regarding Allard’s departure, it explained that Brine owner Nancy Caswell has been appointed to the chamber’s executive board in a move designed to “ensure continued momentum and leadership.”
Board Chair Chris Skiba said in that statement that he is excited to have Caswell joining.
“She’s deeply engaged in the Greater Newburyport community and has a proven track record of bringing people together and leading teams. I look forward to working with Nancy,” Skiba said.
Caswell will work closely with the Board to help guide the Chamber through this next phase, with an emphasis on strengthening member engagement, building inclusive partnerships, and enhancing the overall value of Chamber membership, according to the chamber’s statement.
“Our chamber is evolving, and we’re committed to listening, learning, and leading in ways that reflect the voices and values of our business community,” Skiba said.
Chamber leadership encouraged folks to reach out directly at hello@newburyportchamber.org.