Staff Directory
Meet Our Staff
Jacob Robinson
Executive Director
Jacob brings over 15 years of experience in building coalitions, fostering cross-sector partnerships, and championing business-driven leadership for sustainable impact. At the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce, he works at the intersection of economic development, equity, and environmental stewardship to support a thriving regional economy.
His professional background spans nonprofit leadership, public-private innovation, and community planning. He has served in roles advancing Boston’s Main Streets Program, as well as a researcher and educator focused on corporate sustainability leadership.
Jacob also contributes his expertise to several local boards and committees, including the Belchertown Energy & Sustainability Committee, the Downtown Amherst Design Guidelines Working Group, the UMass Amherst Campus Council, and the Amherst Rotary Club.
With personal interests in urban planning, landscape design, and outdoor recreation, Jacob is deeply invested in place-based solutions and community well-being. He is especially passionate about entrepreneurship, cross-sector partnerships, and interdisciplinary approaches to solving local challenges and driving impact.
Polina Potochevska
Marketing & Events Coordinator
Polina serves as the Marketing & Events Coordinator for the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce. In her role, she crafts newsletters, press releases, and content for the Chamber’s social media accounts. Polina’s ultimate goal is to share the meaningful work that our members are doing and highlight the Chamber’s impact on the Amherst Area. Additionally, she works with dedicated committee members to plan memorable events for the community that are both useful and joyful.
Polina holds a B.A. in English and Creative Writing from Brandeis University and an M.A. in Publishing and Writing from Emerson College. Prior to her role at the Chamber, she was an Instructional Design Manager at NewGlobe Schools in Cambridge, MA, creating English Studies curriculum and examinations for schools in Nigeria, Liberia, and Rwanda. Outside of work, Polina enjoys knitting and crocheting, reading, and trying out all of the great local cuisine that the area has to offer.
Joan Temkin
Visitors Information Center Coordinator
Joan Temkin has come out of retirement to serve as the Visitor Center Coordinator, bringing her wealth of experience and deep community ties to the role. Previously, Joan worked as the Membership and Events Director for the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce from 2002 to 2014. In her current position, she warmly welcomes visitors, answers their questions, and provides maps and brochures to help them explore the Amherst area. She is delighted to collaborate with both the Chamber and the Amherst Business Improvement District.
A long-time resident of Pelham for 30 years, Joan has been an active leader in her community. She served on the Pelham and Regional School Committees for 12 years, including six years as Chair of the Regional School Committee. Joan has also held leadership roles as President of the Amherst League of Women Voters and the Jewish Community of Amherst. In 2011, she and her husband, Paul Goulston, relocated to South Amherst. Most recently, Joan contributed her expertise as a member of the Feasibility Committee for the Jones Library Project.
In addition to her responsibilities at the Visitor Center, Joan oversees the preparation of Amherst Area gift cards. She warmly invites both residents and visitors to stop by the Visitor Center to explore all it has to offer—and to pick up a gift card while they’re there!
Laura Marks
Accounts Manager / Bookkeeper / Consultant
Laura Marks is the Owner and President of Homestead Bookkeeping, Inc. in Belchertown, MA. Laura and her dedicated team provide bookkeeping and advisory services to over 30 small businesses in the Pioneer Valley. She started Homestead Bookkeeping in 2017 so she could be more available for her family. She's proud of the business she has grown, and enjoys helping others do the same.
Laura lives on an acre in Belchertown with her husband and kids, where they also raise chickens and vegetables. As Laura states, "I love what I do, and I love that I can put my bookkeeping skills to even better use by helping the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce do more of what it does best: helping local businesses thrive!"