After three years as the executive director of the Boothbay Harbor Region Chamber of Commerce, Catherine Wygant Fossett is leaving to pursue a new career.

Fossett tendered her resignation to Chamber Board President Jim Chaousis after receiving an offer she said she simply couldn't refuse.

She will be the new executive director of the Institute for Family-Owned Business, a nonprofit that supports family-owned businesses in Maine.

Fossett said it was not an easy decision to leave the chamber. “I have mixed emotions. I wasn't looking for this. They came and approached me. I was a judge for the Family Business awards last year.”

She said she'll help grow it, she'll run the programs, and she will be working with contractors.

“I'll be taking the skills that I have used here, but will be focusing on family businesses.”

One of the perks of her new job is that she will be able to work from home, in Boothbay. “I won't be that far away. It's a cool opportunity because I know a lot of people who are tied into the business, from my 20 years of working in Portland (at the Hewins and Hurley travel firms.)”

Eighty percent of businesses in Maine are family owned, and Fossett said that this is an opportunity to help those businesses grow.

Staff members Cherie Scott, Brooke Hubner and Michelle Davis said in an email that working for Catherine has been an incredible experience. “Her positive energy combined with her passion and vision for this community is truly inspiring, and has brought out the best in our team. We are going to miss working with her, but wish her all the best in her new adventure.”

Fossett said she will miss her staff. “I've loved it here. It was a hard decision.”

She gave the chamber five weeks’ notice. “I really want to be a good shepherd of this transition and I will make myself available as needed,” she said. “I care about this (the chamber). I care about the staff and the members. I'm not going anywhere.

“If you want me, I'm here. I'll be in Boothbay.”

As for why she decided to leave the chamber, Fossett said there was no deep, dark secret. “An opportunity came to me and I thought it could be good. It will allow me to grow professionally, and I get to continue to help family-run businesses, which is what I've been doing here.

“And I might to get to see my husband some, which will be nice. And I can row my boat at lunch time!”

In a letter sent to members of the chamber from Chaousis, he said he will be working with the executive committee to design a transition plan for both the staff and the membership.

Fossett will be staying on as a Friend of the Chamber. She'll start her new endeavor on July 21. Her last day at the Boothbay Harbor Region Chamber of Commerce is July 11.

But she won't be disappearing. “I'm here to help with whatever anybody needs,” she said.