A local entrepreneur has been named the next CEO of the Saint John Region Chamber of Commerce.

Tracy Bell will oversee the chamber’s strategic direction and efforts to foster economic growth, drive innovation, and improve the overall business climate.

Bell said she is honoured to be leading the team at the chamber, which has been around for more than 200 years.

“I,m looking forward to passionately supporting and advocating for our 500+ Chamber members – to help businesses in our region thrive and to realize our larger vision of making Saint John the best place in Canada to start and grow a business,” Bell said in a news release.

Bell brings a wealth of experience to the chamber, from entrepreneurship to community and media relations.

She comes to the chamber from her most recent role as co-founder and CEO of Saint John startup Millennia TEA.

Her previous roles included stakeholder relations, communications and public affairs leadership in emergency medicine and post-secondary education, as well as journalism and media relations.

Bell will take over the chamber’s leadership role from David Duplisea, who stepped down in November after 10 years at the helm.

Carole Cunningham, the chamber’s director of events and administration, has been serving as interim CEO since then.