Chamber names Kathleen Harrington interim president

Former Mayo Clinic executive Kathleen Harrington will take over as interim president of the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce, the organization announced Tuesday afternoon.

The move comes two weeks after the resignation of former chamber president Rob Miller. The embattled Miller stepped down after an ex-employee accused him of "discrimination and bullying behavior." An investigation into those claims remains under way.

Harrington most recently worked as Mayo’s Clinic’s Public Policy and Government Relations Division Chair where she was responsible for government relations on behalf of the clinic.

In a news release, the chamber said Harrington comes to the organization with a "reputation for her strong collaboration, policy development, advocacy and communications skills."

“I believe my background working at the intersection of government and business issues will help me in service to the Chamber," said Harrington.

She added: “Chamber members want to ensure the voice of the business community is heard and is able to help shape the region. I am committed to ensuring our membership is getting the service and advocacy that they have come to expect. I’ve met with the Chamber staff and I am confident that they will continue their great work in service to this organization.”

The Rochester chamber represents more than 1,500 business.

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Cover photo: Kathleen Harrington