Marblehead's New Chamber Director Settling In

The Marblehead Chamber of Commerce's new Executive Director wants local business owners to know her door is always open.

Deb Pesanti Payson, who was appointed to replace Ann-Marie Casey at the chamber's top spot last month, said the first order of business is getting to know local business owners and developing an understanding of what their concerns are.

"Ann-Marie did a phenomenal job here and I'm just trying to continue the excellent work she did," Payson said Friday afternoon. "People have been coming into my office all week, which is really great." 

Although Payson said she is looking to pick up a lot of local business endeavors right where Casey left off, she was quick to point out that she's open to new ideas.

"I think people are excited to have someone in this office who is really open to new ideas," Payson said.

Prior to joining the chamber, Payson, of Marblehead, was Director of Development & Communications for the Essex National Heritage Commission, a non-profit dedicated to regional sustainability of historic and natural resources in Essex County.

Payson began her career working for Members of Congress in Washington, D.C. focusing on healthcare policy and environmental issues, according to a release.

After moving to Massachusetts, she worked for the Massachusetts Hospital Association as Director of Grassroots Mobilization and also worked in Community Relations and Public Affairs at Salem Hospital.