Brian Jackson is stepping down as president of the Rye Chamber of Commerce over what, he says, are increasingly conflicting obligations with his professional career.
Jackson began working with the Chamber in 2019 when he served as a liaison to the business group for the Rye Lion’s Club. When the pandemic hit, Jackson, who was employed by Wells Fargo Advisors at the time, stepped up his involvement and took on the role of Chamber president in April 2021.
But last year he joined Vincere Trading as a senior partner and his professional workload increased dramatically, eventually leading to his decision to resign. The news was announced at the Chamber’s monthly breakfast meeting on Wednesday.
“I’ve only had three days off since last July,” Jackson said.
“I’m leaving the chamber in good hands with the board,” he added. “I cherish the time I’ve had as a leader and hope I’m remembered as having done a decent job.”
No replacement has been named. At the meeting, Board members said that, before naming a new president, they were going to reorganize the chamber’s structure to make it less demanding on Jackson’s successor.
Chamber Vice President Samantha Benson, owner of children’s retailer Sammy & Nat, called 2026 a rebuilding year for the group. The Chamber will focus on four major initiatives: two events (the annual summer Sidewalk Sale and winter Mistletoe Magic programs), a scholarship program for Rye High School graduates, and membership development.
The shakeup comes after the chamber was forced to cancel Mistletoe Magic because they failed to attract adequate sponsorship support from local merchants. That, in turn, has impacted the scholarship program which traditionally is funded by Mistletoe Magic proceeds.
Once the group has reorganized its leadership structure, Benson hopes that it will attract more volunteer leaders from the local business community willing to take on well-defined roles.
At the meeting, state Assemblyman Steve Otis, a former Rye mayor, said it was important that the chamber “find a path forward” because Rye’s business community needs a healthy connection to city government.
