Honoree Name: Katy Acheson
Company: Mashpee Chamber of Commerce
Career background / highlights: I have been working for Cape-owned businesses since I turned 14. The ability to work on behalf of an entire local business community is such a rewarding challenge.
Community commitment:
I serve on the Mashpee Substance Use Task Force, Friends of the Mashpee Public Library, and Mashpee Diversity and Inclusion Committee. I show up for clean ups, fundraisers, 5K's, workshops, webinars, networking events, festivals, and fairs. I help out when I can, however, I can, whether or not it's for my work, a neighbor, or a friend in need.
Favorite professional moment: When the Mashpee Chamber Executive Board offered me the position of executive director on April 30, 2021. I am so grateful for their faith in me and my ability.
Who is your role model / mentor? Mary Lou Palumbo, past Mashpee Chamber Executive Director, taught me so much about what it means to be passionate about the work the chamber does in the six years we worked together. Catherine and Dave Ferraressi, owners of Gustare Oils & Vinegars, have taught me so much about how to be exemplary leaders in small business. I owe a lot of my outlook to these three incredible people.
What mistake has taught you the most? Sending out forms without checking carefully! I have learned to draft form responses in advance then cut and paste instead of submitting answers directly into the form itself.
What one book has impacted your life? As a bibliophile, this may be one of the most difficult questions I have ever been asked. ONE book!? I'll go with Dorie Greenspan's “Paris Sweets.” This delightful recipe book is a key part of why I started baking Parisian macarons over 12 years ago.
What is your superpower? Sleep! I can fall asleep fast. No matter what is going on around me, I can sleep. Thank goodness.
Where can you be found on the weekends? Home with my husband and cats. I am so grateful to have such a beautiful little pocket of the world to call my home.
