Learn more about our leadership team
Colleen Callahan | Jewell Town Pottery
Colleen Callahan is the owner of Jewell Town Pottery, a welcoming ceramics studio in Amesbury, built around creativity, connection, and community. With a deep belief that art brings people together, Colleen has shaped the studio into a space where everyone can feel supported, inspired, and at home.
Colleen spent many years working as a nurse in critical care, leadership, and then education. Her background in caring for people, supporting growth, and fostering strong, compassionate teams naturally carries over into her work in the studio.
Today, she brings that same warmth, dedication, and steady presence to nurturing a creative community where people can learn, explore, and create beautiful work side by side.
Michael Cammarata | LaRosa's Italian Restaurant
Michael Cammarata Sr. is an accomplished hospitality operator and longtime business professional originally from East Boston. A graduate of Boston Latin School and Bentley University, Michael built a distinguished 23-year career at major technology companies including Oracle and Microsoft, where he worked in high-level customer, sales, and consulting roles.
After decades in the tech industry, Michael transitioned full-time into the restaurant business, bringing his corporate experience, leadership skills, and operational discipline to family-owned concepts such as LaRosa’s, LaFina, and The Autograph Tavern.
Michael is known for his hands-on leadership style, his commitment to team development, and his ability to combine family-driven values with professional standards. Beyond his work, he is a devoted father who raised three boys in North Andover, instilling in them the same principles of hard work, humility, and service that define his career. He remains deeply connected to the community and continues to support local programs, youth sports, and neighborhood initiatives across the region.
Rebecca Fortado | Salem Five Bank
Rebecca Fortado is a Vice President, Branch Manager III at Salem Five Bank, where she proudly serves the Georgetown and Hamilton/Wenham communities. With 18 years of experience in retail & commercial banking, community development, and Charitable Giving, she is deeply committed to building and strengthening meaningful client relationships while delivering exceptional financial guidance, and long-lasting positive impact.
Rebecca and her family love to visit the White Mountains, Martha's Vineyard, and exploring nature, while building memories for decades to come.
Actively engaged in her local communities, Rebecca is passionate about advocating initiatives that alleviate food insecurity and promote financial literacy. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for The Open Door Food Pantry in Gloucester, is Co-Chair of Winthrop FRIES Board of Directors for her sons school, is a Board Member of the Greater Newburyport Chamber of Commerce, to include a Committee Member of EDAC and Finance, and a Membership Ambassador for the Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce.
Rebecca earned her Bachelor’s degree in Social Science, with specializations in Psychology and Sociology, with a minor in Holocaust Studies, from Keene State College in New Hampshire, and later received her Master of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix.
A lifelong resident of Ipswich, Rebecca lives with her husband, Joe, their sons, Gunner and Silas, and their Siberian Husky, Skylar.
Justin Gonsalves | GAGE Construction
Justin Gonsalves serves as President of GAGE Construction, a Newburyport-based construction management firm focused on commercial construction across multiple sectors and servicing clients from Rhode Island to Southern Maine. Justin directs the company’s strategic growth and oversees its financial, operational, and business development functions. He maintains close involvement throughout each project to ensure consistent delivery, strong client partnerships, and service that exceeds expectations.
He is recognized for fostering long-standing professional relationships and for his active engagement across regional industry and community organizations. Justin resides in Kittery, Maine, and is deeply connected to the seacoast community.
Jon Growitz | Realty ONE Group
Jon Growitz is a longtime Newburyport resident with more than 20 years in the community and a dedicated real estate professional. He co-manages the Homes & Lifestyles Team at Realty ONE Group Nest, where he specializes in residential and commercial properties throughout Greater Newburyport, the New Hampshire Seacoast, and Southern Maine.
Jon is committed to strengthening local business, supporting community growth, and elevating the region through thoughtful engagement and service.
Rachel Hieronymus | SkinMD
Rachel is the Patient Coordinator for Skin MD Newburyport. With over a decade of management experience in the aesthetics and beauty industry, Rachel brings a deep understanding of both the business and personal sides of patient care. Known for her passion for building meaningful relationships, she is dedicated to helping every patient feel confident and supported in achieving their unique goals. She looks forward to helping create a positive impact in the Newburyport community.
Jackie Hogan | Hogan Life Counseling & Coaching
Jacqueline Hogan, PhD, is a psychologist and owner of Hogan Life Counseling & Coaching. Born and raised in Lynn, MA, she fell in love with Newburyport while attending Governor’s Academy (’92) and moved here permanently in 2018. She opened private practice to return to a time when healthcare felt personal and specializes in adult ADHD, brain health, and older adults. Before becoming a psychologist, she earned four degrees and worked for over 20 years as a documentary filmmaker, researcher, nonprofit leader, and entrepreneur at Johns Hopkins, Harvard University, WGBH and beyond.
Outside of work, she’s a mother, wife, martial artist, loud laugher, and lover of historical fiction.
Krystle Humphreys | RISEilience
Founder of RISEilience and Phoenix Café, multidisciplinary wellness hubs in downtown Amesbury. She brings sixteen years of executive HR and organizational strategy experience, building RISEilience as an integrated ecosystem offering yoga, salt therapy, an infrared sauna, a wellness café, and space for independent practitioners. Her work emphasizes practical innovation, local partnerships, and accessible wellness programming that strengthens community wellbeing.
As a Chamber board member, she focuses on small-business growth, community health, and collaborative initiatives that support a resilient local economy.
Serie Keezer | Sea Level Oyster Bar
Sarafeno Keezer is Owner and Culinary Director behind Sea Level Oyster Bar Newburyport and Salem, and Finz Seafood in Salem- three celebrated seafood restaurants known for their fresh, coastal flavors and twists on classic New England dishes.
With over 30 years restaurant experience in both Southern California and New England, Sarafeno brings to the table a commitment to quality, sustainable seafood and a standard of high hospitality that complements downtown Newburyport.
Amanda Kelcourse | Newburyport Bank
Vice President, Business Banking | Newburyport Bank
With more than 20 years of experience in the banking industry, Amanda Kelcourse has built her career on dedication, growth, and a commitment to exceptional customer service. Starting as a banker and advancing through branch management into business lending, Amanda now serves as Vice President of Business Banking at Newburyport Bank.
She is passionate about helping business owners navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and turn their dreams into reality. Known for her approachable style and solutions-focused mindset, Amanda partners with clients throughout their journey to ensure they feel supported every step of the way.
Beyond her professional role, Amanda is actively involved in the community. She serves on the Greater Newburyport Chamber of Commerce board and as Treasurer for the Exchange Club of Greater Newburyport.
Meghan Kinsey | Motivate Movement Studios
Meghan Kinsey is the Founder and Joy Coach behind Motivate.® Movement Studios, with locations in Amesbury, Rowley, and North Hampton, NH, where strength, barre, yoga, mobility, bounce, and pure fun combine to make movement the highlight of her clients’ days.
Now in her 50s, she blends her colorful background—teacher, medical sales rep, Newburyport City Councilor, educator, and instructor—into a research-backed, cheeky approach to wellness.
When she’s not parenting three grown sons or adventuring with her husband, she’s leading a powerhouse team, hosting international retreats, experimenting with healthy habits, writing, speaking, and generally enjoying life.
Dana Leavitt | Leavitt & Co.
Dana Leavitt is the Owner and Founder of Leavitt & Co., established in 2011. She recently opened a storefront at 11 Pleasant Street in Downtown Newburyport which features curated women’s clothing, accessories, home décor, and gifts, all of which are sourced exclusively from women-owned businesses.
Seth Nagle | LZC Marketing
Seth Nagle
Founder and Team Lead @ LZC
Local HubSpot expert with a decade in B2B marketing, creating simple, effective systems for SMB growth.
Dennis Palazzo | MPH Food Protection
Dennis Palazzo serves as owner/operator of MPH Food Protection, a Newbury/Danvers-based food safety consultant firm focused on commercial application across multiple sectors of the food service industry servicing clients around New England and maintains several food service clients in the Boston area. Specializing in food safety plans, HACCP plans, employee education, quality control plans, new restaurant openings and comprehensive inspection.
Dennis is a nationally certified health inspector (serving the communities of Newburyport, Salisbury, Danvers, Hamilton, Essex, Wenham and Rockport) with a strong emphasis on food safety and housing inspection. Dennis has been involved in several food related Guinness World Records and currently holds eleven world records. Dennis teaches at two colleges, trains health inspectors and has certified many food handlers in ServSafe procedures.
Dennis resides in Newbury, Ma. and is deeply connected to the seacoast community where he enjoys his hobby of organizing, planning and executing large scale events and festivals. He has been involved in the management and organization of Yankee Homecoming for 30 years where he honed his skills and has run countless events around new England (one of the largest was a concert that included in excess of eighteen thousand people). He is looking forward to assisting the chamber in any capacity.
Sandy Rochon | Northern Essex Community College
Sandy Rochon is the Director of Career Services at Northern Essex Community College, where she leads student career development, employer engagement, and workforce-aligned programming. An alumna of NECC, she brings more than two decades of experience in higher education and workforce development, including prior roles at Salem State University, MassHire, North Shore Community College, and the Massachusetts Department of Training & Development.
Sandy is dedicated to strengthening regional talent pipelines through internships, career readiness initiatives, and partnerships with local employers. She holds an associate degree in business from NECC and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Salem State University.
James Russell | Custom House Maritime Museum
James Russell, Executive Director of the Custom House Maritime Museum came to Newburyport two years ago from the Nantucket Historical Association, where he served as CEO from 2017-2021.
Prior, Russell served as President & CEO of the New Bedford Whaling Museum from 2008 – 2017. During his tenures at these maritime museums, he leveraged their world-class collections to frame whaling history in a global, historical, ecological, and societal context with relevance for diverse audiences today.
Previously Russell worked at the International Yacht Restoration School in Newport and the Herreshoff Marine Museum in Bristol Rhode Island. He grew up in Dublin, Ireland and attended college at Harvard University.
Rich Ryan | Chamber Clerk
Rich Ryan is a retired executive from the Human Resource Business Process Outsourcing industry, PHH Corporation a Fortune 500 company and ReloAction, an Employee Owned company. Rich built long term client relationships through performance and personalized service.
Currently, Rich is the Clerk of The Greater Newburyport Chamber of Commerce and Industry and active volunteer/Ambassador for Our Neighbors Table.
Alan Silverman | Clipper City Financial, LLC
Alan is a native of the Boston area. He received his Undergraduate Degree from the University of New Hampshire in Durham in 1980, and his Master’s Degree in accounting from Northeastern University in 1981. He has earned both professional designations granted by the American College – The Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) and Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC). He is also a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM certificant.
Alan was a tax manager with Arthur Andersen & Co. in Boston for six years, and a corporate tax manager with Kazmaier Associates, Inc. in Concord, Massachusetts for two years, before joining MetLife in 1989. Since July 1st of 2016, Alan has worked with MassMutual. Alan is a qualifying member of the Million Dollar Round Table and has qualified for Top of the Table, a recognition reserved for some of the top life insurance producers worldwide.
He is a Registered Representative and along with his son Greg, moved their financial planning practice, Clipper City Financial, to Newburyport in May 2023. Alan is married, has four children, and resides in Newburyport, Massachusetts.
Stu Steinberg | Gateway Financial Partners
Stu Steinberg, CFP®, CPA, MBA has always been drawn to numbers and strategy, long before his 30-year career in wealth and tax planning. As a kid, he was the one keeping score during neighborhood hockey and football games and mapping out strategy to win. That early instinct evolved into advising clients on generational financial planning, investment strategies, and philanthropic giving.
Clients value the way he models decisions with foresight and brings clarity to complex choices with a balanced approach that helps families prepare for life’s transitions rather than react to them.
Active in the community, he has served on several finance committees and is a familiar face around Newburyport, either behind his silent drum kit or walking the trails with his wife Kristine, three kids, and his dog, Coco.
Mark Stephenson | Blue Kangaroo Packoutz
Mark Stephenson is co-owner of Blue Kangaroo Packoutz of Boston Metro N&W with his wife, Nicole. Their company provides contents restoration services for residential and commercial property owners affected by water, fire, or mold damage throughout Essex and Middlesex counties, as well as southern New Hampshire.
An award-winning corporate communications executive, Mark has over 25 years of experience leading communications for global healthcare and healthtech companies, and previously served as founding president of The Steel Alliance. He has been an adjunct professor at Boston University, consulted internationally for several governments, and served on UNICEF’s Advisory Board for Communications. A Pacific Northwest native, Mark now lives in Andover with his wife and son.
Kelley Sullivan | Institution for Savings
Kelley Sullivan is the AVP of Digital Marketing & Financial Education at the Institution for Savings. She spearheads the development and management of the Bank's financial literacy and community outreach programs, in addition to leading social media strategy.
With a strong foundation in community-focused marketing, Kelley is passionate about making a difference and driving success through authentic community engagement and cross-sector collaborations. She resides in Newburyport with her husband, Sean, and their two boys.
Rob Trim | Stalgrid
Rob Trim is the co-owner of Stalgrid Technologies, a Newburyport-based provider of the design and installation of specialty lighting and custom home technology solutions. With a background in finance and entrepreneurship from the University of Vermont, Rob focuses on bringing thoughtful partnerships and meaningful growth to the business. Rob is passionate about amplifying the voices of the younger generation and supporting the next wave of local leaders. He advances this mission through his community role as Co-Chair of the Chamber’s Young Professionals Network. Rob is thrilled to contribute to the Chamber’s work as a board member.
Mike Trotta | Crystal Engineering
Owner of Crystal Engineering Co., Inc.
Managing Partner Potentia Manufacturing Group
Jimmy Williams | Mascoma Bank
Jimmy Williams serves as a Director and Treasurer for the Greater Newburyport Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Jimmy is a resident of Newburyport and is currently the Chief Financial Officer of Mascoma Bank, a community bank based in New Hampshire and Vermont. Jimmy has spent his career in the banking industry between New York City and the Greater Boston area, holding a variety of accounting and finance leadership positions at banks of various sizes.