Kate Bresnan Messa has been selected as the Executive Director of the Marblehead Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, taking the helm of to promote and market the most bustling resort community in western Ottawa County.

“Hiring someone with Kate’s experience and talent is a clear example of the chamber’s determination to continue its momentum and positive impact for our member businesses, while maintaining our quality of life here,” said Chamber President Jim Deer in a press release.

“Our Executive Board interviewed four very strong candidates and were quite impressed with the high quality of the people who had applied,” said Deer. “Kate stood out for her nonprofit management experience, and an ability to create and expand relationships with our members and the Marblehead community.”

A native Ohioan, Messa has a love for the arts and community. After completing her Bachelor’s Degree in Art History from Bowling Green State University, Messa earned a Master’s Degree in Public Administration with a nonprofit management specialization. She has a background in events, strategic planning and project management.

After graduation, Messa became an arts consultant for a Florida art gallery. Moving to Chicago, she was involved in assessing memberships at the Chicago Children’s Museum and the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics.

As a professional figure skating coach for 17 years, Messa also has an extensive background in instruction, ice show direction and synchronized skating. More recently, Messa led the first-year program as Director of Administration at the Art Institute of Chicago, overseeing departmental operations, staff, events and fiscal planning.

Homesick for Ohio, and with the arrival of their daughter, Kate, Messa and her husband, Mike, headed north to be closer to family and friend. They settled on Catawba Island, where they enjoy paddle boarding around the Lake Erie Islands.

Messa participates on the BGSU Recent Alumni Council, Greater Port Clinton Area Arts Council and IceReach Inc. She is also a part-time Director of Events with Ohio Explored, supervising its curated Maker Marts around Ohio.

Kate Bresnan Messa is settling in at the Marblehead Peninsula Chamber of Commerce this winter after being named its new Executive Director. (Photo by D’Arcy Egan)