The Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors has named Robert W. Heidt, Jr. to become its next Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Heidt, who currently resides in Round Rock, Texas, has begun the process of relocating to Cape Ann, and will officially take the helm in his new position on January 23. Speaking on behalf of the Chamber’s Board of Directors and the C.E.O. search committee, President Sal Frontiero said that the Board chose Heidt from among 60 applicants for the position because of his strong and extensive chamber background, particularly in the area of member services: ‘He’s got good chamber planning and membership experience,’ Frontiero said in a recent interview for the Gloucester Daily Times. ‘He brings a lot to the table.’ Frontiero added that the Board unanimously supports Heidt’s selection as the Chamber’s new C.E.O.

Mr. Heidt, who most recently held of the position of Senior Vice President for Membership, Small Business, & Investor Relations with the Austin (Texas) Chamber of Commerce, said in the same Times article, that he ‘would like to put a member-first approach in place’ for the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce. Heidt, who previously served as Director of Member Services & Community Relations for the Las Vegas (Nevada) Chamber of Commerce, said that he is enthusiastically looking forward to coming to Cape Ann and beginning his work as the Chamber’s C.E.O.: ‘I am very excited to join the Chamber,’ he said Wednesday.