Staff Directory
Meet Our Staff
Jacob Robinson
Executive Director
Jacob brings over 15 years of experience in building coalitions, fostering partnerships, and promoting business-driven leadership for sustainable impact to the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce.
In his most recent role as a Main Streets program director, Jacob concentrated on local economic development, offering technical assistance to small businesses, facilitating pandemic recovery efforts, leading community events, and championing inclusive commercial planning efforts. His commitment has extended to serving on municipal planning committees and nonprofit boards, and contributing to Belchertown’s Climate Resilience and Sustainable Growth Plan.
Jacob's past work includes building regional and national networks of business leaders working together to develop and share best practices in energy management and strategy. He's also a skilled researcher and educator on the topics of corporate environmental, social and governance leadership.
Jacob's personal interests in gardening, landscape design, and hiking, complement his professional endeavors. He is passionate about understanding local food systems and supports initiatives linking regenerative agriculture with community health. Jacob holds a B.S. in Environmental Management from Indiana University and lives in Belchertown with his wife and their dog.
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.
