ITHACA, NY (607NewsNow) – The Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce has a new vice president.

On September 30, Rob Montana was appointed Chamber VP.

Montana brings a quarter-century of community-focused experience in leadership and communications to the role, including the last four years as Communications Manager for Visit Ithaca. He was chosen from a pool of 100 applicants.

“We were looking for the right person to elevate our work,” said Tompkins Chamber President and CEO Peggy Coleman. “Rob’s passion for community building for the greater success of the Tompkins County business community is inspiring. I look forward to working with him in this new capacity and celebrating the positive impacts he makes.”

Montana worked in community journalism for over 20 years, including managing the Ithaca Times, Tompkins Weekly, and some others in Maine. Montana has also worked in development and communications roles for nonprofit organizations and as a grant writer.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as the Tompkins Chamber’s vice president and continue working with my dedicated colleagues to build upon the organization’s work in Tompkins County,” said Montana. “Building relationships with others in a way that strengthens the community is work I am excited to continue doing to keep Tompkins County a great place to live, work, and visit.”

Among his primary responsibilities, Montana will oversee the Tompkins County Employer Resource Network and manage the Live and Work in Ithaca initiative. He will also aid Coleman in long-term strategic planning.

Montana will begin as VP on October 27.