HOLYOKE — The Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce has filed a criminal complaint with the Holyoke Police Department and the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office against former Executive Director Jordan Hart for the alleged theft and misappropriation of funds.

In November, chamber leadership identified financial irregularities and initiated an internal review, led by the executive committee, over the course of several months. The investigation determined that chamber funds had been used for personal expenses by the executive director and that certain grant funds designated for specific programs were instead diverted to other purposes. Hart’s employment with the chamber was terminated in January.

Following this review, the chamber submitted its complaint to the Holyoke Police Department, and it has since been referred to the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office. The chamber will continue to cooperate fully with both agencies throughout the investigation.

In response to this incident, the chamber has implemented new financial oversight protocols and will continue to strengthen procedures to ensure the highest standards of fiscal accountability.

“We recognize this alleged misappropriation of funds harms the reputation of our business association, and the good work we do, and we pledge to work diligently to follow this criminal complaint to its conclusion,” Harry Montalvo, president of the chamber’s board of directors, stated in a letter to chamber members. “We will work to correct and improve oversight going forward in order to earn your renewed trust in the organization.”

He added, “while this unfortunate and painful occurrence has harmed our reputation, we believe the Holyoke Chamber represents a vital institution worthy of support from our local businesses and the community at large. In the meantime, we will continue to offer our regular programming to our membership, and we look for your continued support and engagement.”

HOLYOKE — Harry Montalvo, president of the Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce board of directors, informed chamber members this week that Jordan Hart, who had been serving as the chamber’s executive director, is no longer with the chamber.

“We are incredibly proud of the progress the chamber has made over the past several years and remain committed to building on that momentum,” Montalvo wrote. “The board is focused on maintaining operations and ensuring the continued success of programs and services that benefit chamber members and the community.”

Montalvo noted that the board has launched a search for a new executive director, and Lisa Totz of LT Consulting will oversee operations during this period of transition. He added that Totz has served the chamber and community through many programs and initiatives, including small-business consulting and as president of the Women Business Owners Alliance.

“We look forward to welcoming a new leader to guide the chamber into its next chapter, focusing on advancing the organization’s strategic initiatives, supporting local businesses, driving the economic vitality of the Greater Holyoke area, and working together to strengthen Holyoke’s reputation as a vibrant hub for businesses, innovation, and community engagement,” he wrote.

“I urge you to stay connected and engaged during this exciting period of transition and hope to see you at the annual St. Patrick’s Breakfast and at our upcoming Power Hours, After Hours, and other events. Together, we will continue to build a stronger and more vibrant Greater Holyoke. Please feel free to reach out to me directly with any questions or to get involved.”

HOLYOKE — The Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce has named Jordan Hart its new executive director.

“Jordan brings a longtime commitment to Holyoke and to the chamber to her new position,” said Harry Montalvo of bankESB, the chamber’s board chair. “We are looking forward to her leadership in mapping out new strategies to work with our members as we emerge from the challenges of the past year.”

Hart will replace Andréa Marion in the role. Marion recently announced her departure to pursue other opportunities.

“It is such an honor to serve our membership as their new executive director,” Hart said. “I have gotten to know many of our members and business leaders in our community since I started at the chamber in 2013, and I look forward to bringing vibrancy and presence to our membership through new programming and collaborations as we emerge from the limitations imposed by the pandemic. And, of course, I’ll be excited to start seeing our members in person again soon.”

Hart has served in a variety of roles in the past eight years at the chamber, most recently as program coordinator. She is a board member at Enchanted Circle Theater and was a leader of the “Have a Ball in Holyoke” public art effort through Leadership Holyoke. She holds an associate degree from Holyoke Community College and is currently taking courses at Greenfield Community College.

Among the top priorities for the 131-year-old chamber moving forward are re-establishing a solid suite of programming and seminars to support local businesses in their success, continuing to serve as a cheerleader for economic development and job growth in the city, and working with leaders throughout the area to bolster civic pride and quality of life in Holyoke and surrounding communities.

Key to Hart’s responsibilities will be collaborating closely with partners throughout the region, including leaders at City Hall.

“It’s great to see Jordan Hart take the reins of the Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce at this critical time,” said Aaron Vega, director of the Office of Planning and Economic Development. “Jordan has been actively involved in every aspect of the chamber’s work for over seven years. I know Jordan is passionate about our city, supporting current business and attracting new businesses here. As director at the Office of Planning and Economic Development, I look forward to working with Jordan in her new role.”