Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce Announces Susan Ruhlin as New President & CEO
April 01, 2026
Lewiston, Maine — March 31, 2026 — The Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce (LA Metro Chamber) is pleased to announce the appointment of Susan Ruhlin as its new President & Chief Executive Officer. Ruhlin officially began her role on Monday, March 23, 2026.
An accomplished entrepreneur, startup ecosystem leader, and economic development strategist, Ruhlin brings a dynamic and collaborative approach to her new role. She is the founder of JoynaTable, a startup dedicated to creating meaningful connections through shared dining experiences, and most recently served as Managing Director of Dirigo Labs, where she led a startup accelerator supporting early-stage companies across Central Maine.
Ruhlin also spent eight years with the Maine Center for Entrepreneurs as Program Manager for Top Gun, helping grow one of the state’s leading accelerator programs. Her experience is further strengthened by her time in the private sector as Vice President of Operations at Introspective Systems. Known for building strong partnerships across business and community, she brings an innovation-driven approach to economic development in the Lewiston Auburn region.
“On behalf of the Chamber’s Board of Directors, we are delighted to welcome Susan to the LA Metro Chamber. Her leadership experience will be a tremendous asset to an already talented team and will help serve our members and the broader community with thoughtfulness, creativity, and vision. We look forward to the energy and perspective she will bring to this role and are confident that, under her leadership, the Chamber will continue to grow and thrive.”
— Alyson Daniles, Board Chair, LA Metro Chamber
“I am honored to join the Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce at such an important and energizing time for our region. The Chamber plays a vital role in connecting businesses, civic leaders, and community partners to strengthen our local economy. I look forward to listening, learning, and working alongside our members to build on the strong foundation already in place and to help ensure that businesses of all sizes can thrive across the LA Metro region.”
— Susan Ruhlin
Ruhlin succeeds Shanna Cox, who announced in 2025 her decision to step down after six years of leadership to pursue elected office. During her tenure, Cox guided the Chamber through a period of significant growth and regional momentum, strengthening its role as a connector of business, community, and opportunity.
Her leadership marked a meaningful transformation for the organization, redefining how the Chamber serves its members and positioning it as a vital resource for businesses navigating an evolving economy. The Chamber is especially grateful for her steady guidance during times of extraordinary challenge, including the
COVID-19 pandemic and the tragic events in Lewiston.
Her dedication and unwavering commitment have left a lasting impact on both the organization and the broader community. The Chamber extends its sincere thanks for her service.
The LA Metro Chamber serves as an engine for economic vitality and enhanced quality of life, challenging business and community to build, lead, and thrive. Through its programming, advocacy, and partnerships, the Chamber connects people, places, and ideas to support business growth, workforce development, and a vibrant regional economy.
Ruhlin’s appointment comes at a time of strong energy and opportunity in the Lewiston Auburn region. The Chamber continues to focus on fostering innovation, supporting the next generation of business leaders, and building a diverse and thriving economic and cultural landscape in Central Maine.
About the Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce: The Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to supporting and promoting the business community in Androscoggin County. Through advocacy, networking, and resources, the Chamber works to foster a thriving economic environment for businesses of all sizes. As an engine for economic vitality and enhanced quality of life, the Chamber challenges business and community to build, lead, and thrive.
For more information: Becca Tinkham, Director of Marketing & Communications | becca@lametrochamber.com
To connect with Susan: SusanR@LAMetroChamber.com
An accomplished entrepreneur, startup ecosystem leader, and economic development strategist, Ruhlin brings a dynamic and collaborative approach to her new role. She is the founder of JoynaTable, a startup dedicated to creating meaningful connections through shared dining experiences, and most recently served as Managing Director of Dirigo Labs, where she led a startup accelerator supporting early-stage companies across Central Maine.
Ruhlin also spent eight years with the Maine Center for Entrepreneurs as Program Manager for Top Gun, helping grow one of the state’s leading accelerator programs. Her experience is further strengthened by her time in the private sector as Vice President of Operations at Introspective Systems. Known for building strong partnerships across business and community, she brings an innovation-driven approach to economic development in the Lewiston Auburn region.
“On behalf of the Chamber’s Board of Directors, we are delighted to welcome Susan to the LA Metro Chamber. Her leadership experience will be a tremendous asset to an already talented team and will help serve our members and the broader community with thoughtfulness, creativity, and vision. We look forward to the energy and perspective she will bring to this role and are confident that, under her leadership, the Chamber will continue to grow and thrive.”
— Alyson Daniles, Board Chair, LA Metro Chamber
“I am honored to join the Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce at such an important and energizing time for our region. The Chamber plays a vital role in connecting businesses, civic leaders, and community partners to strengthen our local economy. I look forward to listening, learning, and working alongside our members to build on the strong foundation already in place and to help ensure that businesses of all sizes can thrive across the LA Metro region.”
— Susan Ruhlin
Ruhlin succeeds Shanna Cox, who announced in 2025 her decision to step down after six years of leadership to pursue elected office. During her tenure, Cox guided the Chamber through a period of significant growth and regional momentum, strengthening its role as a connector of business, community, and opportunity.
Her leadership marked a meaningful transformation for the organization, redefining how the Chamber serves its members and positioning it as a vital resource for businesses navigating an evolving economy. The Chamber is especially grateful for her steady guidance during times of extraordinary challenge, including the
COVID-19 pandemic and the tragic events in Lewiston.
Her dedication and unwavering commitment have left a lasting impact on both the organization and the broader community. The Chamber extends its sincere thanks for her service.
The LA Metro Chamber serves as an engine for economic vitality and enhanced quality of life, challenging business and community to build, lead, and thrive. Through its programming, advocacy, and partnerships, the Chamber connects people, places, and ideas to support business growth, workforce development, and a vibrant regional economy.
Ruhlin’s appointment comes at a time of strong energy and opportunity in the Lewiston Auburn region. The Chamber continues to focus on fostering innovation, supporting the next generation of business leaders, and building a diverse and thriving economic and cultural landscape in Central Maine.
About the Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce: The Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to supporting and promoting the business community in Androscoggin County. Through advocacy, networking, and resources, the Chamber works to foster a thriving economic environment for businesses of all sizes. As an engine for economic vitality and enhanced quality of life, the Chamber challenges business and community to build, lead, and thrive.
For more information: Becca Tinkham, Director of Marketing & Communications | becca@lametrochamber.com
To connect with Susan: SusanR@LAMetroChamber.com
