The officers and directors of Nantucket Island Chamber of Commerce have selected Robin Kirk, presently of central Florida, to lead the chamber as its new president and CEO, effective April 15, after considering more than 200 candidates.
Kirk spent several years residing and working on Nantucket and last left the island in 2013 to pursue furthering her education, fully intending to return and serve its community.
While pursuing a doctorate, Kirk focused on aligning her research and doctoral objectives with a commitment to sustainability in tourism and hospitality; she plans to implement best standards, practices of and engagement with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and adding value for chamber members.
She obtained a BFA from Loyola University and a Master of Science degree from John Hopkins University.
Kirk previously served in AmeriCorps and Teach for America where she worked to address community needs and engagement with a focus on partnerships and youth education. Kirk also worked closely with Habitat for Humanity, City Year, The United Way and STEM Alliances focusing on strengthening partnerships between for profit and nonprofit sectors.
“I consider this opportunity an honor and feel privileged to serve the highly valued members of Nantucket Island Chamber of Commerce and island residents so deeply appreciated and loved,” said Kirk.
Chamber Board Chairman Alicia Carney said, “The committee is confident it identified an ideal fit in selecting Robin Kirk as the new president and CEO. We feel confident Robin will seamlessly assimilate into this community and support and strengthen relationships with the chamber’s membership,
stakeholders, sponsors, and community members. On behalf of our membership and business community, we aim to strengthen the chamber’s pro-business initiatives and advocate for policies with local, state, and national partners that will help grow our island economy.”
After the previous president/CEO’s departure in October 2020, Melissa Murphy
became the chamber’s acting Interim president and CEO. Murphy, a local entrepreneur, will
now return to her own endeavors.
