Meet the Team
Chamber Staff
Steve Buckley
Chief Executive Officer
Hired as CEO in December 2022, Steve is dedicated to advancing the Chamber’s mission to support our businesses and the entire Cape Ann community. Having lived in Gloucester with his family for many years, Steve has a deep passion for Cape Ann, With extensive business management experience and a track record of community involvement, Steve looks forward to developing strong relationships with our members, the business community as a whole, and those who live, work and play in Greater Cape Ann.
Bernie Romanowski
Chief Operating Officer
Bernie is the first Chief Operating Officer at the Chamber. Reporting to the CEO, Bernie is responsible for leading our Team and improving the Chamber’s operational excellence in the performance of our mission to serve you and the greater Cape Ann community. Bernie lives in Manchester-by-the-Sea with his wife and two young daughters. They are outdoor enthusiasts and Bernie is a proud competitor in the Blackburn Challenge, completing it multiple times.
Olivia Perez – O’Dess
Director of Community Relations
Olivia serves as the Chamber’s community liaison and works closely with local businesses and municipal and community leaders by supporting community initiatives, fostering economic development growth and strategic planning. In her spare time Olivia loves to travel. Next on her bucket list is Cuba but until then, she enjoys exploring beautiful Cape Ann with her French Bulldog Leo.
Sam Bevins
Director of Member Services
Sam manages all aspects of chamber membership – outreach and assistance to current members, on-boards new members, updates and communicates member benefits, and leads our Ambassador Committee and Development Warriors Committee.
Michelle Pepin
Director of Events
Michelle leads all aspects of our over 50 annual events, including managing committees for our signature events, vendor and guest participation, sponsorships, venue logistics, and reporting.
Cindy Rodzen
Director of Marketing & Communications
Cindy leads the the member and Chamber events promotion, social media, newsletters and website content for all chamber activities. Cindy is your new “point person” for getting your events into our newsletter and promoted on our social media channels. On a nice day, Cindy has a hard time deciding whether to swing a golf club or go boating on Ipswich Bay. Whatever she decides, her rescued-Chihuahua mix, Taco, would rather she just stays home with him!
Cherl Cros
Office Manager
Cherl manages the day-to-day at the chamber office and assists all team members with tasks, while overseeing our volunteers and interns and helping to support of our events.
Debbie Walter
Finance Lead
Debbie manages all aspects of the Chamber’s finances payment processing for membership, advertising, event participation and sponsorships; monthly financial and year-end tax reporting.