NORTH KINGSTOWN –
When Maria Masse stepped up as executive director of the Wickford Art Association in early 2023, she recalls that Kristen Urbach, who then led the North Kingstown Chamber of Commerce, invited her to a meal.
Wanting to "carry on the torch" of the example Urbach set in connecting with the area business community, Masse says, she extended the same invitation to Urbach earlier this year, when the former chamber head announced that she would leave her longtime post.
Masse didn't go into that breakfast with Urbach planning to apply for the recently-opened executive director position. But by the time their conversation was over, it seemed like a natural next step for Masse, who had joined the Wickford Art Association a little under three years earlier.
“It just seemed like a good fit, a good chance,” Masse said of the opportunity to lead the North Kingstown Chamber of Commerce. “I had done a lot at the Wickford Art Association, and it felt like I was at a point where I was nurturing it, but the growth had occurred, and I wanted a new challenge.”
Now, Masse is starting on her third full month leading the North Kingstown Chamber of Commerce, having assumed the position on April 29. Urbach, who served as the chamber's executive director for nearly 10 years, now leads the Connecticut Wind Collaborative.
Though her most recent post focused on the arts specifically, Masse says that many of her experiences at the Wickford Art Association overlap with general business practices.
“I had really enjoyed working at the Wickford Art Association, but found that what I really enjoyed was talking to members, sponsorship and then writing grants,” Masse said.
And with her previous experience in small business ownership, which included overseeing a K-12 education service and her own art appraisal business, “I understand some of the challenges there are in operating a successful business,” Masse added.
Alongside that technical knowledge, Masse says that what she connected with most with in previous ventures – outreach – will remain a cornerstone of her role leading the chamber.
“I think a lot of what I enjoyed is the outward facing component” of previous jobs, Masse said.
“When I worked at the galleries, I was always talking to the public and matching their interest with a piece of art,” she continued. “Now, it’s visitors coming in and seeking business information or resources, and I’m kind of a matchmaker in a way.”
Masse grew up in Marblehead, Mass. and relocated to Rhode Island about three years ago from Washington State, where she had worked for a senior services nonprofit. Masse holds a bachelor's degree from Colby College in Maine, and a certificate in fundraising management from University of Washington.
After “a bit of a trial by fire” in her first week as executive director, with Masse closing out a major fundraising drive, Masse says she’s now focused on getting to know town officials, the chamber’s board of directors, colleagues and membership.
Masse is also getting to know the unique business needs of North Kingstown's eight villages, she said.
From Wickford Village to Quonset Business Park, “each area is crucial to economic stability and growth in the region in its own way," Masse said.
"“I’m kind of a sponge at this point," she added, "so in terms of my goals, it’s really hearing first what we can do to improve, what we can sustain and then disseminating that."
Jacquelyn Voghel is a PBN staff writer. You may reach her at Voghel@PBN.com
