GREENE – Grace Benkovitz has been named executive director of the Greater Greene Chamber of Commerce.

The organization, which counts 180 businesses and individuals in the Greene area as members, has been without a permanent director since June, when Stefanie Hartman stepped down due to health reasons. Ruthie Koertz and Ellen Adams have been filling in as co-executive directors on an interim basis since Hartman resigned. They will continue to work closely with Benkovitz to ensure a smooth transition.

The Guilford native is a 1992 graduate of Bainbridge-Guilford, and has a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Industry as well as a Masters in Nutrition. Her career path has taken her from producing large music festivals to working in investment banking and, most recently, to setting out on her own as a nutritionist and nutrition writer.

Benkovitz recently relocated back to Chenango County after spending the last 13 years living and working in New York City. She said she had been looking for an opportunity to return to her rural roots when she stumbled upon the listing for the part time chamber position.

“It coincided perfectly with my move,” she said, explaining that with her event experience and administrative skills she felt she had the “perfect background” to be successful in the position.