POULSBO – After a 26-day hiring process, the Greater Poulsbo Chamber of Commerce announced the appointment of E. Daniel Barry as its director of operations on March 16.

As director of operations, Barry will oversee all elements of board governance, external marketing, strategic event planning, and staff management.

“The Greater Poulsbo chamber has become the catalyst for business prosperity, connections, and opportunities in our business community,” Chamber President Ingemar Anderson said in an announcement of Barry’s hire.

“With this responsibility, it is essential that we source a true leader as our director of operations, an outstanding individual that will provide our membership the tools and support necessary to excel and thrive. Dan’s unique skill set will ensure the chamber is successful in executing our recently developed 10-year strategic plan.”

Barry was selected after a national search facilitated by Anderson, immediate past president Mark W. Costa and first vice president Brittany Cline, who collectively composed the search committee.

“What an honor to have been afforded this exceptional opportunity,” Barry said. “The chamber has a strong membership of which I am very excited to fully engage. Given our dynamic board of directors and significant city relationship, I believe that the Greater Poulsbo chamber is well on its way to becoming a leader in the state.”

During his career, Barry has worked as a sales manager at another chamber of commerce, and he held senior management-level positions within the banking, mortgage, and travel industries.

Aside from his professional achievements, Barry has received recognition from the Poulsbo Rotary Club, Kitsap Business Journal and was a 2015 Volunteer of the Year nominee with the chamber.

Barry resides in Keyport with his wife of 12 years and their 4-year-old daughter.

As Barry has been the interim director for the past 60 days, he said his focus has been on sustainability and evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of the chamber.

“Now I get to go into the growth model itself, it’s much more exciting for me,” he said. “I’m looking forward to implementing some new programs throughout the year with the chamber and the president.”

The Greater Poulsbo Chamber of Commerce has more than 430 members and was established 62 years ago.