Tompkins Chamber announces Rob Montana as new vice president

Rob Montana has been chosen to serve as Tompkins Chamber new vice president.

Montana has 25 years of community-focused experience in communications, stakeholder engagement, and organizational leadership, including the last four years as communications manager for Visit Ithaca, a division of Tompkins Chamber. His ability to foster strong relationships with community and business leaders, as well as shaping and implementing strategic initiatives, will play a key role in helping lead the Chamber as it supports Tompkins County’s economic and workforce development, and enhances the quality of life for the whole community.

After a thorough and thoughtful search, Tompkins Chamber chose Montana from among 100 highly qualified applicants for the position.

“We were looking for the right person to elevate our work,” said Tompkins Chamber President and CEO Peggy Coleman. “Rob’s passion for community building for the greater success of the Tompkins County business community is inspiring. I look forward to working with him in this new capacity and celebrating the positive impacts he makes.”

“I could not be more excited for the future as Rob steps into the VP role, combining his skills with that of Peggy as President,” said Aly Evans, chairperson of the Tompkins Chamber Board of Directors.

“Both leaders have Tompkins County in their hearts and will do all they can to facilitate a healthy and connected community.”

Montana has two decades of community journalism experience, including managing local newspapers The Ithaca Times and Tompkins Weekly and others in Maine, as well as working in development and communications roles for several nonprofit organizations and working as a grant writer. Additionally, he has served on several nonprofit boards and grant review committees and was a graduate of the Leadership Tompkins program in 2024.

As vice president, Montana will oversee the Tompkins County Employer Resource Network, manage the Live + Work in Ithaca initiative, as well as administer the Tompkins Chamber Foundation fiscal sponsorships of Tompkins Connect and Ithaca Pride Alliance. Additionally, he will collaborate with Coleman on long-term strategic planning and enhancing Tompkins County’s business climate.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as Tompkins Chamber’s vice president and continue working with my dedicated colleagues to build upon the organization’s work in Tompkins County,” said Montana. “Building relationships with others in a way that strengthens the community is work I am excited to continue doing to keep Tompkins County a great place to live, work and visit.”

For more information about the Tompkins Chamber and its initiatives, visit tompkinschamber.org.