Lynn Chamber chooses Gould as new executive director

By David Liscio/The Daily Item

LYNN - When Kevin Donahue unveiled his intention last summer to resign as Lynn Area Chamber of Commerce (LACC) executive director after 16 years of service, the organization began searching for a suitable replacement.

On Wednesday, Chamber President John Olson and member Paul Crowley, a city councilor-at-large, announced that Leslie Gould officially assumes the role of executive director on Nov. 13.

A Swampscott native, Gould was executive director of the Marblehead Chamber of Commerce for nine years and, more recently, director of development at the Jewish Community Center of the North Shore in Marblehead for the past year. She also worked for seven years as a cable television journalist at Comcast MHTV-10 in Marblehead.

“This is an incredible professional challenge and growth opportunity,” said Gould, 39, of Gloucester. “I met with Kevin before I actually applied to make sure it would be a good fit, and after talking to him, I was sure it would be.”

Donahue submitted his resignation over the summer but agreed to stay on through September while the search committee interviewed applicants and to assist with the transition. He has accepted a management position with the Sandler Sales Institute.

“This is a great time to be a member of the Lynn Area Chamber of Commerce and the start of a new era. Leslie brings new energy, ideas and solid non-profit management experience to help our organization reach its full potential,” said Olson, noting that a welcoming reception will be held for Gould on Thursday, Nov. 15, at Tatiana’s Restaurant and Lounge, 70 Market St., from 5-8 p.m.Gould is a graduate of Boston University’s College of Communications and holds a bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism. She is an award-winning cable television producer and was named a Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow.

“While at the Marblehead chamber, I was able to put those broadcasting skills to good use,” she said, explaining that the Marblehead chamber produced a Chronicle-style magazine show that featured four local businesses in each segment. “That is something we could possibly do in Lynn.”

In addition to her business and journalism experience, Gould has also served as commissioner for the Essex National Heritage Area and on the Board of Directors for the North of Boston Visitor and Convention Bureau.

“People usually say I have lots of positive energy, which is true,” said Gould, describing herself as a high-energy person who understands the value of cheerleading. “I was a football and hockey cheerleader in Swampscott and later a hockey cheerleading coach in Marblehead. Cheerleading is uplifting and all about the team.”
Gould expects it won’t take long to familiarize herself with the Lynn business community. After all, her father ran Jack Gould Cycles at 811 Lynnway for 20 years.

“I spent a lot of Saturday mornings there as a girl, shining the cycles,” she said. “My parents taught me the value of hard work. My dad suggested I get a second job. I have a good work ethic.”

Along with other Marblehead stakeholders, Gould is credited with building the town’s chamber of commerce from its infancy to a professional, respected and relevant business powerhouse. As a result of her efforts, the Marblehead chamber remains focused on quality customer service for its members and community, as well as on cooperative advertising and creating local programs, initiatives and events.

Building tourism and a solid community image were part of Gould’s itinerary in Marblehead, using strategies she hopes to bring to Lynn.

Tickets to the social reception for Gould are $10. To reserve a seat, contact the Lynn chamber at 781-592-2900.

Newly-named Lynn Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Leslie Gould outside her downtown office with LACC board member and Councilor-at-Large Paul Crowley and LACC President John Olson.