The Greater Manchester Chamber Leadership Team Strengthens & Restructures
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he Greater Manchester Chamber (GMC) announced today that employees Lauren Getts and Cole Riel have been promoted as part of a mission-based, internal restructuring effort to better align team roles with the Chamber’s mission. Getts has been promoted to Vice President (VP) of Economic Development and Strategic Communications and Riel will now serve as Director of Small Business and Community Development.
The restructuring effort is being led by the organization’s President & CEO, Heather McGrail. McGrail, previously the GMC’s Vice President of Membership and Partnerships, was appointed in May of 2022 to lead the 111-year-old organization after an extensive search that resulted in more than 70 applicants. This is just one element of many strategies that McGrail has up her sleeve to effectively and organically reinforce the GMC’s mission – to be the voice of business, shaping economic success to enhance quality of life in Greater Manchester.
Lauren Getts, VP of Economic Development & Strategic Communications
Getts is an eight-year Chamber veteran. Over time, Getts’ responsibilities have increased, and her passion and leadership ability have led her to this role. Getts will continue to be responsible for spearheading the GMC’s messaging to position the city of Manchester as a regionally competitive environment to investors, businesses, retailers, visitors, and residents. Getts’ focus will increasingly shift to attracting, retaining, and growing for-profit and nonprofit businesses that create high quality economic opportunities for all. In this elevated role, Getts will also strengthen operations and communication systems within the organization.
As a marketer, relationship cultivator, and community liaison with a decade of experience in communications and public relations, Getts has helped communities, nonprofits, and start-up consumer product and service companies build brands with community connections from day one. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications Studies from Fairleigh Dickinson University and is a New Hampshire native who “boomeranged” back to the area, calling Manchester, NH home for good in 2015.
Cole Riel, Director of Small Business & Community Development
Riel, previously the Member Engagement Coordinator, has been with the Chamber for two years. In this short time, he has proven how far his passion for the city of Manchester reaches through effective strategies that both assess and address the needs of small businesses in the region. In the GMC’s new mission-oriented staffing model, focusing on small business and community needs is of critical importance. Riel is a dynamo at developing solution-oriented ways for the GMC to be a useful and connective resource and partner to small businesses. He also directs Taco Tour Manchester, Leadership Greater Manchester, and serves as the primary staff contact for Manchester Young Professionals.
Riel is a community activator with five years of experience in civic engagement and campaign management, uniquely positioning him with the skills to spark change and rally a community around a cause. He is a New Hampshire native who holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of New Hampshire.
Changes that Represent Growth & Strength
As part of McGrail’s mission-based restructuring, the GMC recently hired Lauren Clark to fill the new role of Office & Program Coordinator. This position provides vital support for the entire GMC team, managing program and event logistics as well as overseeing the activation of the GMC’s new Dartmouth Health Collaborative Hub, while coordinating room reservations and executing other member benefits. The GMC also recently posted an open position for Director of Investor Engagement, a role that is essential for communicating the many facets of the Chamber’s strategic plan and cultivating relationships with Chamber members and potential investors. This position will also direct and evolve the Chamber’s signature fundraising programs. These changes and growth all come from a place of strength, continuing the build upon many initiatives that have been implemented over the past several years.
