Ellsworth chamber appoints director with local roots

The new executive director of the Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce brings civic leadership and business experience in Hancock County and New York City.

The chamber’s board of directors said Monday it appointed Patricia (P.J.) Keenan to the top post.

Keenan starts her new role June 1, when the chamber kicks off its annual meeting.

She succeeds Gretchen Wilson, who stepped down earlier this year to pursue retirement plans after 10  years with the chamber, seven of those as executive director.

Keenan will be responsible for the overall leadership of the chamber and maintaining its mission to encourage, promote and support the growth and development of the business community in Hancock County. 

“We welcome P.J. and look forward to the next chapter in the chamber’s long history of serving our area business community,” the board’s president, Tom Wheeler, said in a news release. “As a longtime Hancock County resident with strong ties to the community, her motivation, energy and passion for the area will serve her well in her duties.”

Keenan grew up in Blue Hill and attended the George Stevens Academy in her home town. She later attended the University of Maine at Machias. 

Her civic leadership role began as a member of the Ellsworth Rainbow Girls, serving as the Worthy Advisor of her local chapter and later, Grand Worthy Advisor of the state of Maine. She said she credits the experience for teaching her leadership skills, public speaking, poise and confidence. 

She worked in customer care, client retention and sales in New York City, then returned to Ellsworth. 

“I grew up in Maine and while in New York came to realize that my heart has always belonged in Hancock County,” she said.

Upon her return to Maine, Keenan spent time in event planning, catering and sales and ultimately settled into business administration for a local audiology office. 

Keenan also volunteers at Ellsworth events and at the Grand Theatre.