Tony Cameron has resigned as the executive director of the Boothbay Harbor Region Chamber of Commerce. His last day will be soon after Columbus Day on Oct. 12.

Cameron, a native of Brunswick, has been the executive director for around one year. He replaced Catherine Fossett, who resigned in June 2014. He previously worked in the Ellsworth Area and Bar Harbor chambers of commerce as an executive director and membership and marketing director.

Cameron is leaving to take a position with Maine Tourism Association as the director of marketing and communications.

“I wasn't looking for anything else,” Cameron said. “There are a lot of great things going on right now in the area, but this is a great opportunity that was presented to me. I can have a huge impact on all of Maine — including this area.”

In his new position, Cameron said he will be playing a number of different roles. Along with general promoting tourism, he will keep an eye on bills being discussed in the legislature that would affect tourism.

He will be involved in creating awareness and educating people about these bills and teaching about how they will affect the area. He also said his role will involve bringing new technology and ideas to areas that could use them to promote visitors.

Cameron said he plans to work to make sure the Boothbay region continues to be highlighted as a wonderful place to visit, not just the summer, but the shoulder seasons as well.

Cameron is thankful his new job does not require his family relocating, as he is very fond of the region. He spoke of the beauty of the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, the fun at the Boothbay Railway Village, and the sense of community spirit found here.

“People like Sue (Burge) and the backpacks (Set for Success),” Cameron said. “It's absolutely wonderful, such a community event where every child is helped. Where else do you find something like that?”

During the recent Claw Down event, Cameron was pulled aside by a woman from Texas. She asked him if people realized how lucky they are to live in the area, and if they knew what a special place they had here.

“I really do,” Cameron said. “Everyone sometimes needs to take a step back and remind themselves of how lucky we truly are.”

“It's been a lot of fun and I've made lots of good connections here, and in the short time I've had we've done some amazing things thanks to the wonderful people working here,” Cameron said. “Not just at the chamber, but in the towns and the locals who volunteer their time. It's not just one person, it's the staff and people that the chamber represent.”

“It has been a privilege to work with the chamber and represent the region,” Cameron said. “And I look forward to continuing to work with them, just in a different way.”

Related:

Chamber announces new executive director

Getting to know Tony Cameron