Maine State Chamber names interim CEO as search continues

Photos / File and LinkedIn profile Linda Caprara, right, has been named interim president and CEO of the Maine State Chamber of Commerce until a successor can be found for Julia Munsey, left.

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By Renee Cordes

Linda Caprara, a longtime employee of the Maine State Chamber of Commerce and advocacy vice president since 2022, will serve as interim president and CEO until the organization finds someone to fill the role permanently, the organization said Tuesday.

The news was announced in an email to chamber members by LuAnn Ballesteros, an executive at the Jackson Laboratory in Bar Harbor who chairs the chamber’s board.

“Linda’s deep experience and expertise in taxation and economic development have helped secure positive legislative outcomes for Maine businesses on a variety of tax issues, business incentive programs and economic development initiatives over the last three decades,” Ballesteros said.

“Linda is well-known and highly regarded in the business community, at the State House, and by state and federal policy leaders for her tireless efforts representing the interests of chamber members and promoting a strong Maine economy, she added. “Her passion for advocating for Maine’s business community is unparalleled.”

Throughout her time at the chamber, Caprara has led the group's advocacy efforts, directing initiatives related to manufacturing, campaigns and other areas, according to Ballesteros.

In June, Julia Munsey resigned as the chamber’s president and CEO, citing personal reasons. Munsey, who succeeded long-time leader Dana Connors, was in that role for less than four months. Connors, a tireless champion for Maine's economy, was honored by Mainebiz for lifetime achievement in last year's Business Leader of the year awards.

In Tuesday's email to chamber members, Ballesteros credited Caprara with knowing the “ins and outs” of the organization's operations, including membership, communications, finance and events.

““She and I are working closely together during the interim to provide oversight and ensure continuity between the board and the chamber staff,” she added. “We are fortunate to have Linda’s leadership in the interim as the chamber conducts a new search for the position.”