BANGOR, Maine — Deb Neuman, a well-known Maine broadcast and print media personality, has been named the new president and CEO of the Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce, the business organization announced Thursday.
Neuman replaces John Porter, who resigned effective Aug. 28 after holding the job for five years. Neuman will take over the post Jan. 4.
“I’m excited and grateful for the opportunity to bring my experience and passion for promoting and advocating on behalf of Maine businesses to serve the chamber and the region in this leadership role,” Neuman said in a press release on Thursday. “I look forward to working with the board, staff, partners and members to continue to support and grow the region’s businesses and economy.”
Neuman’s media experience includes hosting the “Back To Business” radio show on WVOM. She can be seen on WABI-TV sharing business tips, and she writes feature stories for Bangor Metro Magazine and a blog for the Bangor Daily News. She also is a morning radio co-host on BIG 104 FM with Mike Dow.
Neuman has owned an inn, tour boat operation, manufacturing business and has developed products for market, according to her blog. In 2013, she created a blog and related products called “ Not Your Mother’s Menopause.”
She has worked with businesses statewide, serving as deputy commissioner for Maine’s Department of Economic and Community Development, as director of the Target Technology Incubator at the University of Maine and as a business lender and coach with Eastern Maine Development Corporation.
“We are excited that she will bring her unique combination of experience as a business owner and business advocate to the position,” said Renee Kelly, chair of the Chamber’s Board of Directors. “She not only understands the needs of our member businesses, but also sees the opportunities for growth in the Bangor region. She is recognized as a go-to resource in the region for small businesses and entrepreneurs.”
The Bangor chamber has more than 800 members in 21 communities in Eastern Maine, according to its website. Its mission is to promote and advance a healthy business environment.