Chamber announces appointment of new CEO
Chamber announces appointment of new CEO
SAINT JOHN, N.B. – The Saint John Region Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the appointment of Shannon Merrifield as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) effective Feb. 24, 2025.
As CEO of the Chamber, Merrifield will guide its strategic direction and spearhead initiatives to promote economic growth, drive innovation and enhance the business environment in the Saint John region.
Fresh off her most recent role as Director of Operations at the Beaverbrook Art Gallery in Fredericton, Merrifield brings with her over 20 years of strategic leadership and entrepreneurship, including previously owning and operating three businesses in the Saint John community.
She also brings a wealth of non-profit experience to the Chamber, having Chaired the Board of the New Brunswick Museum, Co-Founded Fusion Saint John, and is currently the Co-Director of 100 Women Who Care, Greater Saint John. Merrifield previously served on the Chamber’s Board of Directors from 2016-2018 and will draw on this experience as she advocates for the needs of the region’s business community.
“Shannon’s strong leadership and entrepreneurial experience will position the Chamber to support its more than 600 members and continue our progress in championing our business community. The Board is confident Shannon will lead with collaboration to support both our members and the economic growth of our region,” says Fraser Wells, Chair of the Saint John Region Chamber of Commerce.
“I am honoured to be leading the team at the Saint John Region Chamber of Commerce,” Merrifield says. “The Chamber has been a strong advocate for the Saint John business community for over 200 years. I’m looking forward to passionately supporting our 600+ members to help businesses in our region prosper and to realize our larger vision of making Saint John the best place in Canada to start and grow a business.”
The Chamber’s interim CEO Carole Cunningham will return to her position as the Director of Events and Administration upon Merrifield’s start. The Chamber is grateful for her steady leadership over the past three months and for her longstanding dedication to the organization.
The Chamber is excited about the future under Merrifield’s capable leadership and is confident that her vision and expertise will propel the organization forward.
About the Chamber
The Saint John Region Chamber of Commerce is a nationally accredited business organization dedicated to fostering an economic climate that enhances growth, prosperity and improved quality of life in the community. With more than 600 member businesses, representing the interests of 37,000 people, the Chamber is a dynamic advocate and the principal voice for the business community of Greater Saint John. It offers a variety of programs, activities, services and networking opportunities designed to enhance the business prospects of members and the overall business climate of the area.
For media inquiries or more information, please contact:
Fraser Wells
Chair, Saint John Region Chamber of Commerce
(506) 608-5985