From the North Shore Chamber of Commerce
DANVERS — Karen E. Andreas has been named president and chief executive officer of the North Shore Chamber of Commerce, the organization announced today.
The chamber’s board of directors voted unanimously last month to hire Andreas, praising her as a proven leader and natural fit for the critical leadership position for the region.
“We are thrilled that Karen will be leading the North Shore Chamber into the future,” said board chair Darren Ambler, managing principal of OneDigital in Beverly.
“Karen possesses the talent and expertise to lead during such a difficult time for many businesses. We are confident that her proven track record for building and leading organizations will allow the Chamber to grow membership and support our members as the leading voice for businesses North of Boston.”
Andreas began her new role on Jan. 1. She replaces Robert Bradford, who recently retired after 40 years in the position.
“I look forward to leading this outstanding organization, especially now, during this very challenging time for the region’s business community,” Andreas said. “Now more than ever, the Chamber must aggressively advocate on behalf of businesses, many of which have been crippled by the effects of coronavirus. The Chamber team and I will work tirelessly to support our members to ensure a pro-business climate, economic growth, and quality of life for the North of Boston region.”
Andreas is the former publisher of North of Boston Media Group, where she led the region’s award-winning newspapers and magazines for decades. She began her media career as intern reporter, working her way up the career ladder to editor, vice president of news, publisher, and in 2013, the top role of regional publisher.
She has been an active board member of the North Shore Chamber of Commerce for many years, recently serving as chair of the Board of Directors. In 2016, she was inducted into the chamber’s North Shore Academy of Distinguished Leaders.
Joe Riley, executive vice president at Salem Five Bank, has known Andreas for many years, serving with her on the Salem Partnership as well as the chamber board of directors.
“At a time of incredible challenge to the regional economy, the North Shore Chamber of Commerce must be a powerful voice for business, and the addition of Karen Andreas — as the president and CEO — is just what is needed. Karen’s knowledge of, commitment to and influence within the North Shore will be invaluable in meeting these challenges.”
Mary Anne Clancy of Institution For Savings also served on the chamber’s 10-member search committee for its president and CEO.
“Karen is a strategic thinker, excellent communicator and collaborator, and just the change agent we need to take this organization to the next level,” said Clancy, the bank’s senior vice president of marketing. “I have no doubt she will be a strong leader and role model for staff, the board and members, and will provide the innovative and inclusive guidance that all of our businesses need during this challenging time and beyond.”
A graduate of the University of New Hampshire, Andreas is very active in the community and serves on numerous boards including The Salem Partnership, Salem State University Board of Overseers, Northern Essex Community College Foundation Board, and Essex National Heritage board of trustees. She is the immediate past president of the Massachusetts Newspaper Publishers Association.
Andreas is a longtime resident of Danvers, where she lives with her husband, Mike. They have two sons, Nick Andreas, a recent graduate of Stetson University in Florida, and Matt Andreas, an U.S. Army cadet at Norwich University in Vermont.
About the North Shore Chamber of Commerce
The North Shore Chamber, established in 1918, is one of the largest chambers of commerce in Massachusetts, with more than 600 members. The Chamber serves as a regional entity representing organizations within more than 30 cities and towns located in northeastern Massachusetts. Dedicated to shaping policy and events so that decisions by business and government result in a better North Shore as a place to live and work, the chamber serves as a platform for business and opportunity to meet, grow and succeed.
