New Haverhill Chamber CEO Sherwood Outlines Philosophy and Vision

Paul Magliocchetti, left, and Dougan Sherwood, right, present an $800 check to Emmaus, represented by Margot Regan, Gretchen Arntz. (WHAV News photograph.)

Dougan Sherwood, the recently hired president and CEO of the Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce, shared his philosophy and vision for Haverhill during a members’ meeting Wednesday night in downtown Haverhill.

Haverhill Chamber President and CEO addresses members at Olivia’s restaurant. (WHAV News photograph.)

Sherwood, co-founder of the Cambridge Innovation Center, compared Haverhill with St. Louis, Mo., where he spent much time in his last post.

“A great history, beautiful structures, along a great river, an incredible history and also a lot of work to do,” he said.

He said he has seen chambers of commerce that can be “incredibly valuable and can really serve the community in really positive ways” as well as others that are an example of an “antiquated model.”

“I want to use the Chamber of Commerce to help the broader efforts that occur from everybody, everywhere, that Haverhill is on the path—there is a renaissance taking place here, and I want to make sure that the Chamber is a part of that and helping to lead that wherever we can,” said Sherwood.

Sherwood, first began discussing taking the position in March, made a pledge to the Chamber’s 500 members and the city. “We, as an organization, are very open minded in understanding what works and what we can do better and what we can do for the very first time to add value.”

He was introduced by Chamber Chairman Paul A. Magliocchetti.

“All of us on the board, and for everyone that’s met him, we’re all excited about Dougan and the positive energy that he is bringing to the Chamber and the positive energy that he is bringing to our community,” said Magliocchetti, who is also vice chairman of the Haverhill School Committee.

Sherwood used the opportunity to present an $800 check to Emmaus. He explained the Chamber’s “Harbor Place Summer Events on the Boardwalk,” taking place every Saturday through Aug. 25, shares proceeds with a local nonprofit. Emmaus received a share from the first event, “Salsa Dancing on the Boardwalk.”

Sherwood is scheduled to appear on WHAV’s New Open Mic Show Monday night. The live talk show begins at 6 p.m. over 97.9 WHAV FM.