Laura McNamara, Neighbor

executive director, East Providence Area Chamber of Commerce, East Providence, Rhode Island.

Born in Chicago, Illinois; grew up in New Jersey (Exit 9;) landed in Rhode Island in 1988 through twists of fate and decided to stay.

Graduated from Rutgers University with a B.S. degree in management. Worked at Rutgers University and Brown University. Started my own office management/event planning/public relations business in the mid-90's. Got involved with the East Providence Area Chamber of Commerce as a board member and created/chaired the Chamber's Community Awareness Committee (event planning.)  'saw an opportunity to share my talents and skills as a paid employee of the Chamber. The board of directors agreed and have been doing so since 1997.

Involved with several, local non-profit organizations as a board member and volunteer. Interested in historic sites, tourism, human psychology and discovering what makes people tick.