Photo Courtesy of Franklin County Chamber of Commerce

By KENNEDY GRIFFIN

(Franklin County, MA) A new Executive Director has been named by the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce (FCCOC) Board of Directors; Jessye Deane, of Bernardston. Deane has been on the FCCOC Board of Directors since 2019 and she currently serves as the Director of Communications & Development for Community Action Pioneer Valley, an antipoverty agency. 

Deane has worked for Community Action for twelve years and in her time has increased their private funding by 1,645.7%. In addition, Deane and her husband, Danny, own two fitness studios: F45 Training Hampshire Meadows in Hadley and F45 Training Riverdales in West Springfield. Through her businesses, she has created a community impact program to benefit more than 86 nonprofits in the area with almost $100,000 in donations and services. Deane’s work as an entrepreneur has given her more than a decade of experience in business, marketing, volunteer, community building, and nonprofit service. 

“My passion has always been strengthening community through partnerships and creative collaboration, and I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to continue that work and support business and tourism in the county I love,” said Deane. “I understand the economic challenges Franklin County faces, and I am looking forward to working with our legislators to advocate on behalf of all those who work, live, and vacation in Franklin County.”

Deane has received multiple awards including the Chamber MVP Award in 2019, the first FCCOC Young-Professional of the Year in 2020, and BusinessWest’s 40 Under Forty in 2021. 

“The Board is thrilled to have Jessye transition into this role at the Chamber. Her ability to connect with the community and build business relationships is a tremendous asset for Franklin County and our membership,” said Shelby Snow Hasanbasic, Chair of the Chamber’s Board of Directors. “Jessye’s dynamic skillset will lead the Chamber into great success as we continue to adapt to deliver value to members in a changing economic landscape. Her vision for refining and building on the Chamber’s role in Franklin County is exciting, and we believe her expertise in community collaboration will excel successful partnerships for the greater good of our members, our community, and our visitors.”

Deane and Diane Szynal, the current Executive Director, are working together for a smooth transition. “Having Jessye as the next Executive Director will mean the smoothest transition possible,” said Szynal, “and having such a well-qualified candidate rise from our Board of Directors is just incredible. Jessye is a wonder woman, the Chamber will be in excellent hands,” she added.