Erica Ashton is assuming the role of executive director of the Martha’s Vineyard Chamber of Commerce, with Alessandra Hagerty taking over the deputy director position. 

Ms. Ashton this week said she is excited to enter a “new era” with the chamber.  

“What excites me is really building upon what the chamber has done in the past but also going into a new era and reaching out to everyone in the community and help to support them,” she told the Gazette. “I’m all about showing the love.” 

Alessandra Hagerty will step into the deputy director role. — Courtesy of the Chamber of Commerce

With more than two decades of experience in media and advertising sales, Ms. Ashton is confident her previous experience will guide her in her new role. Most recently, she was the vice president of sales at The Arena Group, which represented notable brands such as Sports Illustrated and Men’s Journal. 

The Martha’s Vineyard Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit organization that focuses on the Island’s economic landscape, offering guidance and programs to businesses so that they can succeed. 

“A lot of the job is to make sure that we are understanding the economic growth and diversification of the Island,” she said. “In my past roles, I’ve developed a lot of programs and initiatives that help stakeholders. And with my business background, I’ve had to always had a clear vision and I hope to be able to translate that to the community goals and values of the chamber.” 

Ms. Ashton, who moved to the Island in 2019 and resides in Edgartown, is taking over for former executive director Carolina Cooney. Ms. Cooney announced earlier this year that she was stepping down from the role.  

Ms. Ashton is looking forward to working with Ms. Hagerty and combining their strengths together to help foster economic prosperity on the Island. Ms. Hagerty was previously the marketing manager with the Vineyard Gazette Media Group.

“I just find that Alessandra is really poised for this position,” she said. “She brings in a ton of business acumen. She’s really in touch with the Island community and has strong roots here.” 

Chamber board president Greg Orcutt said that Ms. Ashton is “a very positive person.” 

“Her professionalism and her experience [excites me],” he said. “You step into a brand new job in the middle of summer and she’s rolled up her sleeves and she’s diving into things. She’s got great plans and she’s just a nice person to work with.” 

For Ms. Ashton, including diverse voices from all Island residents will create a successful partnership between the chamber and the community.  

“Facilitating connections and collaborations will lead to innovative partnerships,” she said. “I’m here to listen and I’m on a listening tour right now because I think if I don’t understand the needs of the businesses, it makes it harder to create change. I’m very passionate about the role and our beautiful Island community and I’m really excited about the journey ahead.”