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MARTHA'S VINEYARD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE TEAM

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ERICA ASHTON

Executive Director

Erica Ashton brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to community engagement in her role as Executive Director of the Martha's Vineyard Chamber of Commerce.

With a distinguished 20+ year career in media and advertising sales, Erica has most recently served as VP, Head of Sales at The Arena Group, representing Parade, Sports Illustrated, Men’s Journal, and TheStreet. After fulfilling a lifetime dream to live on Martha’s Vineyard, she and her husband purchased a home in 2015 and moved to the island full-time in 2019, Erica has been dedicated to giving back to the island she loves. Residing in Edgartown with her husband, Chef Jon Ashton, and their beloved labradoodle, Eleanor Rigby, Erica is passionate about supporting local businesses and enhancing the economic vitality of the community she cherishes.

As an avid traveler, she’s excited about promoting Martha’s Vineyard globally as a premier destination. Outside of work Erica loves yoga, tablescaping, and gardening.

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ALESSANDRA HAGERTY

Deputy Director

Alessandra Hagerty brings over 15 years of advertising sales and marketing experience to her role as Deputy Director, along with a profound appreciation and love for the Island community. Prior to joining the Chamber, she held key positions at the Vineyard Gazette Media Group, The Knot Worldwide, and WeddingWire. Alessandra notably launched the annual Martha's Party Wedding + Event Conference for Martha's Vineyard Island Weddings magazine in May 2023.

Having spent her summers on Martha's Vineyard, Alessandra returned to live on the island year-round in 2013. She resides in Edgartown with her husband, two children, and their Vizsla, Archie. Alessandra actively contributes to the community by serving on the boards for both the Edgartown Board of Trade and Martha’s Vineyard Youth Lacrosse. Passionate about local businesses and community vitality, Alessandra is dedicated to promoting Martha’s Vineyard as a premier destination.

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STEFANI PAIGE ATNIP

Executive Memberships & Events Coordinator

Stefani brings over a decade of executive administration experience supporting leaders across media, finance, healthcare, and tech. She’s known for her positive approach, creating efficiency, and keeping operations running smoothly behind the scenes. With a background in the performing arts, she brings creativity, collaboration, and a strong work ethic to everything she takes on.

Outside of work, you’ll often find her and her husband at the baseball field, cheering on their energetic son who keeps life active and full of laughter. When she’s not on the sidelines, she loves exploring new restaurants, planning the next family trip, and watching live comedy shows.

With a passion for supporting local businesses and building strong community connections, Stefani is excited to serve with the Chamber, collaborating with members and helping bring meaningful events to life.

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VICTORIA BARR

Information Specialist

Victoria Barr, a native of Los Angeles, washed on to these shores over 30 years ago. A weekend holiday candlelight choral service began the love affair. A hotel sales and marketing executive with Le Meridien San Francisco and later the wildly popular Le Parker Meridien New York Victoria excelled at creating meaningful client relationships with international corporations, incentive houses, educational institutions, and media moguls of all stripes. Supervising a legion of salespeople charged with maximizing room, rate, and revenue she sharpened her skills through earthquakes, economic ups and downs and the tragedy of 9/11. A lifelong traveler, Victoria thoroughly enjoys welcoming newcomers to the island. As she entertains scores of eager visitors to our magnificent island, she can be found mapping out day trips, once in a lifetime adventure or just the best way to get from here to there.

Victoria, in her free time, enjoys sailing, gardening, line drawing and visiting friends andfamily from all corners of the globe. Her goldendoodle Dottie recently welcomed Ruthiea bernedoodle into the family.

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JEANNE WHITE

Information Specialist

With over 25 years of experience as a public school teacher and district administrator, Jeanne brings a deep commitment to service and community to her work. For the past decade, she has transitioned to visitor services roles at various Island cultural organizations and is proud to serve as an ambassador for the Island business community.

In 2014, Jeanne realized a lifelong dream by purchasing a home in Edgartown, where she lives full-time with her husband Richard. When not working, she enjoys gardening, reading, hiking, attending live music events and participating in water aerobics at the “Y”.

Jeanne is dedicated to sharing the unique experiences and diverse opportunities found across the Island with residents and visitors alike, helping everyone discover the best of what our community has to offer .

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Eleanor Rigby & Archie

Assistant Sales Team

Eleanor Rigby, a loving Labradoodle, is the team's "Director of Warm Welcomes." Known for her boundless energy and love of the outdoors, she excels at bringing smiles to everyone she meets. Whether it's chasing waves on the beach or greeting guests with her signature wiggle, Eleanor sets the tone for a friendly and engaging atmosphere.

Archie, a spirited Vizsla, holds the title of "Chief Motivation Officer." His focus and drive are unmatched, and he ensures that the team is always on their toes. Archie’s enthusiasm for adventure and knack for sniffing out the best opportunities make him an invaluable asset to the team.

Together, Eleanor Rigby and Archie bring energy, charm, and a dash of fun to every business venture!

MARTHA'S VINEYARD BOARD OF DIRECTORS

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President
Jason Mead, Branch Manager III, VP, Rockland Trust

Co-Vice President
Greg Orcutt, Executive Director, Habitat for Humanity & West Tisbury FinCom

Co-Vice President

John Tiernan, Owner, Dockside Inn

 

Treasurer

Judy Soules, County Treasurer, Dukes County

 

Clerk
Erica Ashton, Executive Director, MVCC

 

Board of Directors 

Alessandra Hagerty, Deputy Director, MVCC
Earle "Sandy" Ray, Principal (retired), Martha's Vineyard Insurance
Barbara Ronchetti, Proprietor, Island Alpaca Co. & M.V. Sales and Rentals
Hilary Moore, Owner, Martha's Vineyard Construction
Mike Mccourt, Manager, Murdick's Fudge
Lora Ksieniewicz, Owner, Yoga On the Vine and Aligned Pilates
Alton Chun, Chief Operating Officer, Upland Capital Corporation | Harbor View Hotel
Mary Stanley, Northeast Regional Marketing Manager, Cape Air
Thaissa Marta, Banking Center Manager, Cape Cod Five
Emily Pires, Owner, The Good Shoppe
Andy Bayliss, EVP, Retirement Services, MarshMcLennan Agency
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