Updated, April 4
Carolina Cooney, executive director for the Martha’s Vineyard Chamber of Commerce, is stepping down from her position.
Cooney has served in the top position at the Chamber since 2022.
“Leading the Chamber has been an extraordinary journey filled with growth, collaboration, and a deep sense of fulfillment in our community,” Cooney said in the release. “Working alongside our dedicated board, committed members, and hardworking staff has been immensely rewarding. Together, we’ve cultivated initiatives that not only bolstered our Island’s economic vitality, but also championed sustainable year-round tourism. I’m profoundly grateful for the unwavering support and solidarity we’ve shared. The experience will always be deeply meaningful to me.”
Cooney submitted her resignation to the Chamber’s board of directors in March. She will remain with the Chamber as the board searches for her successor.
The Chamber announced that they will launch a search for a new director soon.
“We are excited to find a new executive director who will continue to help the Chamber in its crucial mission,” said Greg Orcutt, Chamber board president.
Before the Chamber position, Cooney was a programming coordinator at the Oak Bluffs library, and the developer of a retail website. She took over from Nancy Gardella, who served 15 years in the top job.
This post was updated to reflect that Cooney will remain with the Chamber and that her resignation was submitted in March.
Her tenure was marked a little by the we-are-a-world-class-destination-and-can-charge-astronomical-prices mentality that I think had the opposite effect than intended, but otherwise I don’t think the island should have any complaints. I wish her well wherever she is off to and hope it is better! My hope is that we find someone local to hire who understands the moving parts of this island and is able to balance the business needs and the tourist industry with the element of the fact that people live here and love it and that the Vineyard can be enjoyed by us, too.
If there were no tourist industry there would little to enjoy. It is all the Island has to sell.