The board of directors of Nantucket Chamber of Commerce has announced that David Martin, the chamber’s president and CEO since September 2017, will step down to accept the position of Chief Business Development Officer at the Nantucket Historical Association (NHA). Martin will continue to serve on several chamber committees and advise the chamber on important issues that affect the island community.
No immediate personnel changes are anticipated in connection with Martin’s departure. Karen Macumber, director of the Chamber’s Nantucket Center for Entrepreneurship (NICE), and Kristie Ferrantella, vice president and chief operating officer, will serve as interim chamber leaders until such time as a successor is announced.
The Nantucket Chamber experienced growth in all areas during Martin’s tenure. Overall membership grew by more than 25 percent and the chamber’s signature events — the annual Daffodil Festival and Christmas Stroll — both experienced significant growth and increased attendance. In addition, attendance growth at chamber networking events was substantial, reaching previously unprecedented levels. Progressive programming in education, leadership and entrepreneurship was also introduced, further invigorating the chamber’s own leadership role within the island community.
“My time as the Nantucket Chamber executive saw an overall re-brand and a re-imagining of the chamber’s value to the local business community,” said Martin. “I depart knowing that it has taken a well-earned place as the nexus of business, tourism, learning and economic development on Nantucket.
“The mission of Nantucket Historical Association and the professional and personal growth the new role offers have inspired me to embrace the change as this next exciting chapter of my island life unfolds. I am extremely grateful to retain the friendships, relationships and a strong connection as an active volunteer and continue to serve Nantucket and its vital business, tourism and non-profit communities.”
Martin will commence his new role at the NHA in early March 2020.
“We, as a board, as a chamber, and as a friend are very sad to see David go but we know that he leaves the chamber in a very good place and, under his leadership, we have seen unprecedented growth in so many areas,” acknowledged Burt Rice, chairman of Nantucket Chamber’s board of directors. “We are confident the Nantucket Chamber will continue with this growth in the near and distant future and are so excited for what we are going to achieve in 2020! I believe the chamber is on a fast-moving train, and no matter who the engineer is, the behind-the-scenes people are the ones keeping it moving and will do so each and every day. I want to thank David for his leadership and wish him the best at the NHA.”
