10/08/2026
Amherst Area Chamber Announces Executive Director Transition: A Personal Message from Jacob Robinson
Dear Chamber Members and Friends,
Since becoming Executive Director in April 2024, I have had the opportunity to connect people and ideas across businesses, institutions, municipalities, and the wider community. I have seen introductions become partnerships and conversations lead to action.
On October 16, I will step down as Executive Director to join the Community Development team at the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission. Leaving the Chamber is bittersweet, but this new role will allow me to continue serving the region from a different place within the same landscape.
Board President Kishore Parmar and the executive committee will lead the search for the Chamber’s next Executive Director and share updates as the process moves forward. Until my final day, I will work with the board and staff to support a smooth transition and maintain momentum around the Chamber’s current priorities.
For 70 years, the Chamber has helped strengthen the Amherst area by bringing people together. Like any healthy ecosystem, a local economy depends on connections: people exchanging ideas, solving problems, sharing resources, and working toward a common purpose.
At our recent Community Breakfast, UMass Amherst Chancellor Javier Reyes spoke about the region’s momentum through innovation, investment, and engagement. That momentum grows when institutions work across boundaries and align their strengths with community needs. Creating space for that collaboration remains one of the Chamber’s most important roles.
[Completed letter in comments.]
