Melrose Chamber Of Commerce Taps Stephanie Nelson As New Director

MELROSE, MA — Stephanie Nelson, whose exuberance is one of the driving forces behind the city's lauded Random Acts of Kindness Day, is the new executive director of the Chamber of Commerce.

Nelson, a lifelong Melrose resident, will be introduced at Wednesday's meeting of the Chamber's Board of Directors.

Nelson is stepping into the post that has been vacant since Jen Manning stepped down in January. Manning replaced Lauren Grymek in 2021.

Grymek was recently named the city's first director of economic recovery and business development, helping lead local businesses and nonprofits out of the pandemic. In a way, that's what Nelson will be doing, albeit not from the city side.

Nelson will also be responsible for popular city events like the Victorian Fair, Summer Stroll and Home for the Holidays, among others.

Nelson has a background in sales, marketing, consulting, and event planning. She has managed sales support teams in financial services, lead corporate sales for Healthworks and worked in public relations and sales for the Boston Red Sox.

She has two children in Melrose Public Schools and is involved in PTOs, educational and civic committees and youth sports.

Nelson is also co-founder of MelroseKind, a nonprofit behind the annual Random Acts of Kindness Day in the city.