Maine State Chamber names first woman president

Provided photo Julia Munsey, president and CEO of the Maine State Chamber of Commerce, shown here, and Heather Johnson, the commissioner of Maine DECD, are scheduled to speak March 30.

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By Renee Cordes

Julia Munsey has been named the first woman president of the Maine State Chamber of Commerce, starting March 6, the chamber announced Friday.

Munsey will succeed Dana Connors, who is retiring after nearly 30 years at the helm.

“I am honored, humbled and excited to be selected to lead the Maine State Chamber of Commerce,” Munsey said. “This is a pivotal time for Maine’s business community and economy."

The Maine State Chamber is the state's largest business association, representing a network of 5,000 businesses at both the state and federal levels on issues that impact Maine's employers and economy. Connors announced his retirement in April 2022.

Munsey said that while she has big shoes to fill, "I am eager to get to work on behalf of Chamber members and Maine’s business community at large. I look forward to collaborating with business, state and federal government leaders, as well as the education community and other Chamber partners to help achieve the Chamber’s priorities and goals, and strengthen and grow our state’s economy, workforce and communities.”

Munsey currently serves as membership and corporate development director for the Maine International Trade Center, where she has led efforts to attract and retain members and develop and steward relationships with corporate donors.

Before joining MITC, Munsey helped launch a growing project management company in Bangor, leading its branding and marketing efforts and marketing-based projects for clients. She previously held marketing and communication positions with Oxford Networks in Lewiston and other organizations.

Munsey currently chairs the boards of the University of Maine Alumni Association, Girl Scouts of Maine and the Cross Insurance Center Advisory Board. She also serves on the boards for BanAir and the Maine Manufacturing Extension Partnership.

Her previous board service includes the Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce, Arena Yes! Campaign Leadership Team, YMCA Camp of Maine and Maine Public Relations Council.

The Bangor resident is a graduate of Orono High School and the University of Maine.