POTSDAM -- Maggie McKenna has been chosen as the Potsdam Chamber of Commerce executive director.

McKenna was, until recently, serving as interim director, after the departure of John Morrison.

Morrison was hired in March to replace long-time director Marylee Ballou who left for a new position. Morrison resigned in June from the position to accept a job with the Diocese of Ogdensburg.

McKenna’s appointment comes just before the upcoming Potsdam Summer Festival, the chamber’s largest signature event involving dozens of businesses, organizations and groups. McKenna has been busy since beginning as the interim director a couple weeks ago with the final planning stages the town-wide event.

The new director has come to the chamber from the Potsdam Public Library, where she was the adult program coordinator. Prior to that she served as program and development coordinator at TAUNY in Canton.

A graduate of SUNY Potsdam with a music bachelor’s degree in violin performance and a mathematics major, McKenna also holds a master’s degree in business administration from Clarkson University.

“It is with pleasure we announce Maggie McKenna as the new executive director for the Potsdam Chamber of Commerce, and look forward to introducing her to the membership and the Potsdam community,” said Janice Adderly, chamber board president. “Her experience in event planning and coordination, marketing, fundraising and networking will be a great asset to her position with the chamber and its membership.”

McKenna plans to add new member benefits, enliven annual events and make the Market Street office and inviting place, said a press release from the chamber. Her experience as a board member for the Potsdam Food Co-op, Potsdam village trustee and primary organizer of the Ives Park Concert Series has proven to show her commitment to the Potsdam community, the press release said.

“I live and breathe Potsdam. Ever since we moved back to the village of Potsdam 4 years ago, my personal goal has been to help make Potsdam thrive,” McKenna said.

The new executive director lives in the village with her husband Matt McKenna and their two young children.

The chamber plans a “meet and greet” event to officially welcome McKenna at a later date to be announced.