Courtesy photo/Greater Nashua Chamber of Commerce

NASHUA – As he prepares to take the helm of the Greater Nashua Chamber of Commerce on July 13, Brian Shankey sees an abundance of opportunity.

Shankey, who is currently the executive director for the American Heart Association of Northern New England, was chosen to replace outgoing CEO Wendy Hunt as she is retiring.

“I am honored to join the Greater Nashua Chamber of Commerce and look forward to building relationships throughout the community,” he said. “Greater Nashua has a strong reputation for innovation, collaboration and economic vitality. I am excited to become part of that momentum, support our members and work alongside business and community leaders to help the region continue to grow and thrive.”

He plans to lead the chamber by interacting with small business owners in a “more exciting way.” Shankey also highlighted the chamber’s 100-year anniversary.

“This is an opportunity to look around the corner at the next 100 years,” he said, adding that there are 16,000 businesses in Greater Nashua. “We really have an opportunity to bring more people into the fold.”

Shankey began his career 27 years ago working in youth development, holding various field positions with the Boy Scouts of America as well as the Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains.

In 2017, Shankey became executive director of JDRF International, a position he held until 2021 when he was chosen to lead the American Heart Association of Northern New England.

In his current position, Shankey oversees fundraising campaigns and volunteer leadership in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont and Central Massachusetts. He is also responsible for managing $2 million in annual revenue.

“I’ve really had an opportunity to make a difference,” he said.

Shankey holds a Bachelor’s degree in health psychology from the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences and a Master’s degree in business from Cambridge College.