Sam Bevins Steps Up as President, CEO of Greater Cape Ann Chamber

The Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce has named Sam Bevins as its new Chief Executive Officer, promoting him from within after a successful nine-month tenure as interim director. 

For watchers of the Chamber, the appointment wasn’t a surprise.  Bevins stepped in to lead the Chamber following the early 2024 departure of former CEO Steve Buckley, and formalization of his new title and role marks a generational leadership transition at one of the Commonwealth’s most active business associations.

“Sam’s performance over the past nine months has exceeded the expectations of the Board,” said Chamber Board President Jim Brown.  “His experience with Chamber operations, strong communication skills, and lifelong connection to Cape Ann have contributed greatly to the success of the organization over the past nine months.”

A Gloucester native, Bevins began his Chamber career working at the Rockport Visitor Center.  He later served as Director of Member Services in 2021 and Director of Operations in 2023 before being tapped to lead the organization on an interim basis this January.  Since then, Bevins has helped steer the nonprofit through a critical period of growth and reorganization.

During Bevins’ time as interim CEO, the Chamber launched a new Powered by Local campaign aimed at promoting Greater Cape Ann businesses.  He’s overseen the rollout of an updated Cape Ann Vacations promotional website supporting tourism across the region.  He’s helped coordinate election candidate forums in Essex and Gloucester, awarded grants to non-profit and civic organizations through the Cape Ann Community Foundation, and led the team that organized major events for businesses, residents and visitors, including Rockport’s Motif #1 Day, Manchester’s Festival-by-the-Sea, and Gloucester’s downtown Block Parties, and Ipswich’s Downtown Tuesdays.

“These past few months as Interim Director have been both challenging and deeply rewarding—a real reminder of how meaningful this work is,” says Bevins. “Getting to know our members, local businesses, and community partners has been inspiring, and their passion and commitment motivate me every day.”

Working with Bevins on the Chamber’s management team is Becca Campbell, director of membership services; Colleen Murdock, community relations director; Michelle Pepin, director of events; Cindy Rozen, director of marketing and communications; Debbie Walter, finance lead; and Cherl Cros, office manager.

In the weeks ahead, the Chamber will host several important events.  These include this weekend’s Essex ClamFest, which last year drew thousands of visitors to taste chowders from around Cape Ann to Memorial Park behind Essex Town Hall.  Then, the Chamber’s annual Businesswomen’s Luncheon in Gloucester is scheduled for next Wednesday,  October 29 at the Beauport Hotel. 

This year’s luncheon will feature conversations with three regional “Wave Makers and Tide Changers,” including Julie LaFontaine, president and executive director of The Open Door, Christine Miller-Shelly, captain of the Schooner Adventure, and Kendra McGrath Wire,  vice president of product development operations at Shark Ninja.

The Commerce is a nonprofit organization representing nearly 1,000 members across Essex, Gloucester, Ipswich, Manchester, and Rockport. Its mission is to promote member businesses, lead  regional economic growth, and celebrate Cape Ann’s distinct quality of life.  Signature Chamber events this year have included Gloucester’s Blackburn Brewfest, Rockport’s HarvestFest, Manchester’s Festival-by-the-Sea, and a series of downtown block parties.  It is one of the fastest-growing chambers in the state, with members that include  small businesses, global companies, and civic-minded individuals.