The executive director of the St. John Valley Chamber of Commerce, Jessica Blalock, will leave the post at the end of the year.
Blalock announced late Tuesday she will pursue a new career at Fish River Rural Health as an optician’s assistant starting Jan. 2.
She was appointed as the chamber’s director in the spring of 2024. In her role, she helped spur economic growth and development initiatives, tourism, and highlighted local businesses throughout eight communities in northern Aroostook County’s St. John Valley.
“Ultimately, I made the decision to step away,” Blalock said. “This was not an easy decision, but it was the right one for both my professional integrity and long-term effectiveness.”
In a post yesterday on the chamber’s Facebook page, Blalock wrote that she is deeply thankful for all of the chamber members, business owners, community partners, municipal leaders, volunteers and supporters for their encouragement and belief in the chamber’s mission.
Since working with Fish River Health CEO Heather Pelletier in her role as executive director, Blalock said she has gained respect for her leadership skills and decided to pursue a career change when she saw the opening.
And while she is leaving the chamber, Blalock will continue serving the community. She will remain part of community groups such as the Village Partnership Initiative Committee and the Midtown Plaza Committee.
Since announcing her departure, Blalock has been overwhelmed with positive comments from community members. She has been “blown away” by the support she has seen, which makes her feel like she has done the job she intended to do when she first stepped up as director, she said.
“I’ve made a positive impact on the community, and that is just as important to me as taking care of the members,” Blalock said. “This Valley has been good to me since I moved here 11 years ago, and it is wonderful to give back.”
