Julia Munsey will be the next president of the Maine State Chamber of Commerce, the organization announced Friday. She will replace Dana Connors, who announced in April his plans to retire after nearly three decades at the pro-business organization’s helm.

Julia Munsey has been named president of the Maine State Chamber of Commerce. Photo courtesy of the Maine State Chamber of Commerce

Munsey, a Bangor resident, is currently the membership and corporate development director for the Maine International Trade Center. She will become the chamber’s first female president, and starts March 6.

The chamber, Maine’s largest business association, says it has a network of more than 5,000 members.

It focuses on advocacy, access and awareness. As president, Munsey will be responsible for overseeing a range of advocacy and economic development initiatives on behalf of Maine’s business community.

Munsey, 57, joins the organization during what she said is a pivotal time for Maine’s businesses and economy.

“As the 131st Legislature is underway, Maine’s business community and our State are facing not only economic challenges and headwinds, but vast opportunities to grow, innovate, and prepare for the future,” she said in a statement.

‘INCREDIBLE OPPORTUNITIES’

In an interview, Munsey said she’s passionate about working on behalf of the state and for Maine businesses, and is particularly excited about supporting local innovation.

Through her work with the trade center, she’s seen numerous businesses with creative and new ideas operating in perhaps unexpected parts of the state, she said. She hopes to help bolster similar business development across Maine.

“I think that Maine, going forward, has some incredible opportunities, especially coming out of the last couple of years,” she said.

During the pandemic, remote workers left cities in droves and many headed to Maine. Workforce development can be a challenge, but Munsey said the state can leverage some of the new interest and both promote and improve upon Maine’s high quality of life.

Connors is a “legend,” she said, and leaves big shoes to fill.

“I am excited to continue the work that he has done over the last 30 years,” she said. “We share an enthusiasm for advocating for Maine businesses.”

In announcing his retirement, Connors said his years with the chamber were a “tremendous honor and pleasure,” and that the decision was a difficult one.

But after nearly 30 years, it’s time for a leadership change at the chamber, he said. He’s confident that Munsey is the right person to take on that leadership role.

“She has a strong work background, a stellar professional reputation, and her experience is well-suited for the role,” Connors said in a statement Friday. “(Her) innovative spirit, fresh perspective, leadership and commitment to Maine and Maine people will surely add to the chamber’s strength and impact.”

Munsey has the leadership skills and background needed to hit the ground running, said LuAnne Ballesteros, chair of the Maine State Chamber’s board of directors.

She said Munsey is “well-regarded for her positivity, strategic vision and collaborative approach to bringing projects and initiatives over the finish line.”

Munsey, the chair of the Girl Scouts of Maine, said she’s proud to be the first female president of the organization and of the message it sends to young girls.

“I grew up in a family of amazing women who encouraged me to be all that I could be,” she said. “To have that honor is really incredible.”

Munsey is also active with the University of Maine Alumni Association, the Cross Insurance Center Advisory Board, BanAir and the Maine Manufacturing Extension Partnership. According to the chamber, she was a key leader in helping to bring the Cross Insurance Center to Bangor.

She has also worked in project management and marketing and communications positions.