Chardon Chamber Taps New Executive Director

Courtney Smith takes over leadership role after previous director's departure

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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The Chardon Area Chamber of Commerce has appointed Courtney Smith as its new executive director, about six weeks after the previous director, Melissa Ricco, departed in December 2025. Smith, who owns a local marketing agency, says she is eager to serve the Chardon community and support local businesses, families, and neighbors.

Why it matters

The Chardon Chamber of Commerce plays a vital role in supporting the local business community and promoting economic development in the area. The transition to a new executive director is an important event that could impact the chamber's priorities and initiatives going forward.

The details

Courtney Smith was selected as the new executive director of the Chardon Area Chamber of Commerce in early February 2026, about six weeks after the previous director, Melissa Ricco, departed in December 2025. In an introductory email, Smith expressed her commitment to serving the Chardon community and supporting local businesses, families, and neighbors. According to her background, Smith is the owner of a local marketing agency called Get Interested Marketing and Media.

  • Melissa Ricco departed as Chardon Chamber executive director in December 2025.
  • Courtney Smith was appointed as the new executive director in early February 2026.

The players

Courtney Smith

The new executive director of the Chardon Area Chamber of Commerce and the owner of a local marketing agency called Get Interested Marketing and Media.

Melissa Ricco

The former executive director of the Chardon Area Chamber of Commerce, who departed in December 2025.

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What they’re saying

“I always make decisions based on how they help others, so being able to serve my community as Chardon's next executive director was an easy yes. Supporting local businesses, families and neighbors is what matters most to me and what I've built my entire career around.”

— Courtney Smith (Introductory email)

The takeaway

The appointment of Courtney Smith as the new executive director of the Chardon Area Chamber of Commerce represents a transition in leadership that could shape the chamber's priorities and initiatives in supporting the local business community and promoting economic development in the Chardon area.