The Boothbay Harbor Region Chamber of Commerce didn’t have to look far last month finding a new executive director. The executive committee selected Patricia Royall, who previously served as the chamber’s events and marketing coordinator.

A new executive director isn’t the only recent change. The board of directors has a new president, Michael Maxim; a new visitor and membership coordinator, Luise Lichtenberg; and new administrative coordinator, Roseanne Taylor.

The executive board also has five new members: Elaine Jones, Sarah Foulger, Doug Goldhirsch, Nick Ullo and Karen Salantino.

The executive board hired Royall on Oct. 26 after accepting former director Rick Prose’s resignation. In a letter announcing Royall’s hire, Maxim praised Royall’s work in the past year as instrumental in developing a cohesive staff and for the chamber meeting its goals.

“She is a visionary with creative ideas, sharp attention to detail, and local knowledge of the peninsula. We are proud to recognize Patricia’s achievement. She is deserving of this opportunity to lead the Boothbay Harbor Region Chamber of Commerce,” Maxim wrote.

Among Royall’s immediate goals are fostering an inclusive, transparent, and unified voice for the membership and region’s business community.  One of her long term goals is making the Boothbay region a year round destination.

As a self-described “people person,” she enjoys interacting with the chamber’s visitors and members at the Visitors’ Center. Royall believes she is a good fit for the executive director’s position. Royall first experienced her love for the region spending her summers as a youth on Little River in East Boothbay. Royall has worked for several non-profit organizations marketing various community events.

“With my cherished childhood memories, my love for the region and my marketing background, I jumped at the opportunity when the position became available,” she said.

As the new executive director, Royall has instituted a new program called “Community Chats.” The program is designed to foster community ideas. “Community Chats” is an open forum format bringing locals into the chamber. Residents can have a cup of coffee with chamber staff and share thoughts and ideas about various projects.

She is also working with the Chamber’s marketing and membership committees developing a survey seeking community feedback, ideas and suggestions. The results will be included in a strategic marketing plan promoting the region’s many unique assets, according to Royall.

Maxim. the new president, is the general manager of Abacus, a Boothbay Harbor artisan craft shop.

The new board members bring a wealth experience from both the private and public sectors. Salantino is a commercial lines agent for J. Edward Knight Insurance Agency. She has worked there a year and a half. Salantino has volunteered for several civic organizations in past years including Rebuilding Together, Rocky Coast Road Race, Fisherman’s Festival, Y Arts and Rotary Auction.

As a new board member, she wants to promote the region as a year round destination to visit and live.

“Our region has more to offer than a pretty place to eat fresh lobster,” she said. “I want the peninsula, residents,and businesses to thrive and reach their potential. So I have joined to support and advocate for the locals.”

Foulger has been the Boothbay Harbor Congregational Church pastor for 13 years. She has served various churches in the Midcoast since 1984. She assisted in the founding of Tedford Shelter, the local Habitat for Humanity chapter. She serves on the Boothbay Region Community Resource Council. Foulger previously served on local boards of the United Way, Sexual Assault Services of Midcoast Maine, and the Boothbay Region YMCA.

Foulger joined the Chamber’s executive board because she believes a strong business sector is important to the entire community. She also found the board’s new president to be very persuasive.

“Who could say no to Michael Maxim,” she said. “I’m hoping to learn a great deal from service to the Chamber of Commerce. The board is loaded with energetic and thoughtful people.”

Jones is the director of marine education at the Department of Marine Resources. She is involved in various community organizations such as Herring Gut Learning Center, Albiston Foundation, Aphasia Center of Maine, Adaptive Outdoor Education Center, and Keepers of Burnt Island Light.

She joined the Chamber board to support the work it does promoting the community.

“I felt it was time to give back to the communities that provided me with both professional and personal support for over 40 years. I treasure my friendships with fishermen, business owners, residents, and summer visitors. I hope my service is a reflection of my appreciation.”

Goldhirsch is a boat builder and boatyard operator. He operates the Southport Island Mariner with his wife Sharon. The couple also operate the Crow Point Yoga Studio in Boothbay Harbor. Goldhirsch is a past board member of the Webb Institute Of Naval Architecture. He is also a former director and current overseer at the Sea Education Institute. He has been involved with SEA for 30 years.

Goldhirsch joined the Chamber board at the urging of former executive director Rick Prose. “I wanted to bring attention to marine interests in the region. This is a sector of our economy which I don’t think has been adequately promoted recently,” he said.

Ullo has been the Boothbay Region Land Trust’s executive director since 2010. He is a member of the Bay View Masonic Lodge in East Boothbay. He also serves on the Maine Land Trust Network’s steering committee. He is excited about promoting community events like the upcoming Festival of Lights.  “The Chamber has a lot to offer the region and I wanted to do my part to give back to the community,” Ullo said.

Among the projects the Chamber staff and board are currently working on are workshops on marketing and social media, co-op advertising, Harbor Lights, Boothbay Festival of Lights, What’s Nude in Boothbay Harbor? and the Walking Sculpture Tour.