Chamber adds 2 staff positions as part of year-long restructuring

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MANCHESTER, NH – As part of ongoing efforts to enhance its ability to serve members, the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce has announced a few changes –  Carolyn Leary has been hired to fill the role of Director of Member Experience and Programs, Lauren Kannenberg is the new Member Communications Manager and Rath, Young & Pignatelli will serve as the GMCC’s government relations consultant.

“These key hires and the selection of a government relations consultant is the culmination of a nearly year-long process of restructuring the GMCC in an effort to provide more value and benefits to our member businesses,” said Michael Skelton, GMCC President & CEO. “We are so fortunate to be adding team members with the qualifications, energy, and dedication of Carolyn Leary, Lauren Kannenberg, and Gina Powers as our new government relations consultant.”

Carolyn Leary
Carolyn Leary

Leary is responsible for taking the lead in developing exciting new programs and partnerships that will enhance the member experience at the chamber. She will be the leader for strategic vision, planning and execution of the Chamber’s events and programs, ranging from monthly networking events to the state’s largest business expo to a 1,000 person annual gala.

“I am so excited to begin my role at the Chamber at such a dynamic time for both the city and the organization. I look forward to bring my corporate, association and non-profit event planning and fundraising skills to the Chamber to enrich the member experience and the events that we offer. Joining the talented Chamber team is the icing on the cake as I return to my hometown,” said Leary.

Leary has 10 years of event and fundraising experience. She was previously the event planner for Armed Forces Reunions Inc., and served as the Fund Development Event Chair for the Junior League of Norfolk-Virginia Beach. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from Gettysburg College in Gettysburg, PA.

Lauren Kannenberg
Lauren Kannenberg

Kannenberg is responsible for communicating the marketing services that GMCC offers to its members as well as promoting the successes of member businesses. She will manage both print and digital marketing collateral and brings new ideas and enthusiasm to this role.

“I am thrilled to be back in my home-state of New Hampshire working for the Chamber. This is such a valuable opportunity that will allow to deepen my involvement with the Manchester community. I look forward to using my knowledge of marketing and effective communication to work with our member businesses to build their brand and network throughout Greater Manchester,” said Kannenberg.

Previously, Kannenberg worked as the Marketing Coordinator for a consumer product company in New Jersey (NJ) and was the Project Specialist for Intown Manchester Management in Manchester, NH. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication Studies from Fairleigh Dickinson University in Madison, NJ.

Rath, Young & Pignatelli (RYP), a GMCC member based in Concord, is widely recognized for its Government Relations practice and its ability to achieve results. RYP is  well respected and trusted by key decision makers and has tremendous experience in navigating the Executive and Legislative branches of state government.. “The addition of RYP will allow the GMCC to elevate its pro-business advocacy work at the State House on behalf of our members to a whole new level,” said Skelton.

“We are very pleased to have the opportunity to advocate on behalf of NH’s largest Chamber of Commerce. We look forward to working collaboratively with the Greater Manchester business community and elected officials to address public policy issues of interest and concern to the Chamber and its membership,” said Gina Powers, Senior Advisor at Rath, Young & Pignatelli.


About the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce: Incorporated in 1911, the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce (GMCC) is the largest business organization in the greater Manchester area with close to 1,000 members. The GMCC focuses its efforts primarily on Manchester and the surrounding communities of Auburn, Bedford, Candia, Derry, Goffstown, Hooksett, Litchfield, Londonderry, and Merrimack.  It is the Chamber’s mission to be the leading force in the improvement of the business environment, the economic health and the general vitality of the region. The GMCC provides members with marketing and networking opportunities, economic indicators, legislative bulletins, and representation in both local and state government. For more information visit www.manchester-chamber.org.


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About this Author

Carol Robidoux

PublisherManchester Ink Link

Longtime NH journalist and publisher of ManchesterInkLink.com. Loves R&B, German beer, and the Queen City!