Greater Manchester Chamber Congratulates Ann Makowski On Her Retirement After 21 Years

MANCHESTER, NH - The Greater Manchester Chamber (GMC) announced the planned retirement of the nonprofit organization’s long-time Chief Financial Officer, Ann Makowski, effective at the end of June 2022. Makowski’s decision to retire will bring a close to a remarkable career of 21 years of service to the GMC and the communities it services.

“When I started as a part-time Finance Manager for the Chamber in 2001, I could never have imagined that it would be the launch of an incredible career spanning the next two decades of my life. Acting as CFO for a nonprofit organization with such a critical role in the community has been rewarding and meaningful. I am proud of my contributions and longevity in supporting the Chamber through many different phases of its development and what I truly will miss the most is the people – the staff, the members, and the Board of Directors. I look forward to ensuring this is a smooth transition for the Chamber and then to enthusiastically support the GMC’s progress from the sidelines. I could not be more appreciative of the growth opportunity the Chamber provided me and I’m so excited about what’s next for this remarkable organization,” said Ann Makowski, CFO, Greater Manchester Chamber.

During Ann’s tenure at the Greater Manchester Chamber, she has fearlessly guided the organization through decades of economic change, including the most recent navigation through the COVID-19 Pandemic. Over the years, as the Greater Manchester business community faced challenges and various reinventions, Makowski tirelessly ensured that the GMC remained financially solvent. This is perhaps the most tangible part of Ann’s legacy, resulting in an organization that has never lost track of its mission.

“If you know Ann, you know of her exceptional work ethic, intelligence, and loyalty to the GMC. With a steel trap memory and detail-orientation that are awe-inspiring, Ann has nimbly managed the finances for an organization that is nothing if not dynamic. Ann has the incredible capacity to provide clear budget accountability, yet equally support the staff’s creative freedom that often creates financial gymnastics for her. We are so grateful for the breadth of her skills and institutional knowledge,” said Heather McGrail, Interim CEO, Greater Manchester Chamber.

Makowski leaves the Greater Manchester Chamber in solid financial standing with perfected systems the Board and staff will continue to employ. McGrail, Makowski, and the Board of Directors are executing a comprehensive transition plan for Makowski’s scope of work to minimize disruption to the Chamber’s financial operations.

“A common thread between successful CFOs is their excellence in managing relationships, and Ann is a true example in that area. For more than two decades, the greater Manchester business community has benefitted from Ann’s expertise, focus, and kindness. I know I speak for many when I say, it has been a joy and privilege to work with Ann, and I am enormously grateful for her contributions,” said Genella McDonald, Board Chair, Greater Manchester Chamber.