Chesnee Barney Named Assistant Director
We are pleased to announce the promotion of Chesnee Barney to assistant director, a role that reflects her growing leadership within the organization and her contributions to strengthening its community connection, communications and presence. She is the first assistant director in the organization’s history.
Barney joined Heart of Ellsworth as marketing and events coordinator in September of 2025. In that role, she helped build a more cohesive public presence for the organization across digital platforms and local events. Her work has supported greater visibility for not only the organization but downtown businesses and community programs.
The promotion comes as Barney recently completed her Master of Business Administration from Husson University, graduating summa cum laude with concentrations in marketing, small business management and leadership. With hospitality and marketing experience through a handful of small businesses, her professional perspective is shaped by both sides of economic development: the needs of small business owners and the role nonprofit organizations can play in supporting vibrant downtowns.
Barney is also no stranger to the Main Street model. Her hometown of Barre, Vermont, has been shaped by a designated downtown organization, with that work championed for the past seven years by her mother, Tracie Lewis, as executive director. Seeing the impact of that work firsthand helped shape Barney’s understanding of how meaningful downtown organizations can support economic and community development.
“I am filled with gratitude as I continue to grow in my commitment to the mission of Heart of Ellsworth,” Barney said. “I feel lucky to be at the table with others who are dedicated to the success and vitality of downtown Ellsworth, its deeply rooted culture and its local way of life.”
“Chesnee has consistently demonstrated the insight, initiative, and leadership capacity required to move our organization and downtown business community forward. We are excited to see her step into this role and continue building on the strong foundation she has helped create.” said Cara Romano executive director of Heart of Ellsworth.
In her new role, Barney will continue supporting Heart of Ellsworth’s mission while taking on broader organizational responsibilities. Her promotion reflects both her contributions to date and her continued growth as a community-centered leader, reinforcing Heart of Ellsworth’s commitment to thoughtful, collaborative downtown development
To learn more about Heart of Ellsworth’s team, visit https://www.heartofellsworth.org/our-team