Essex Heritage Elects New Commissioners, Trustees

SALEM, MA — Essex Heritage welcomed business and community leaders from around Essex County to its annual spring meeting, where new commissioners and trustees were announced.

The nonprofit manages and provides programs focused on preserving and enhancing Essex County’s historic, natural and cultural places.

Cheri Grishin, Essex Heritage director of operations, shared updates on Essex Heritage's 25th Anniversary of Trails & Sails, Teaching Hidden Histories, Park for Every Classroom, and Rev250 programs.

"Our local commissioners represent a variety of institutions across the Heritage Area and serve an important role as ambassadors and advocates for this region," CEO Annie Harris said. "Essex Heritage is grateful for the support of these new commissioners as partners in promoting the unique assets of Essex County."

Essex Heritage announced six new commissioners elected to serve from 2026 to 2029 — Dr. Kabria Baumgartner, professor of history and Africana studies at Northeastern University, Matthew Eriksen, creative director of Good Brand Partners, Dan Gagnon, historian and Peabody High School teacher, Emma Hughen, education program manager at Ipswich River Watershed Association, Richard Lindeman, president of Historic Salem, Inc., and Jeff Swartz, executive director of the Salem Chamber of Commerce.

The nonprofit also announced two new trustees — David Haley, senior vice president of commercial lending at Salem Five Bank, and Dr. Kurt Steinberg, chief operating officer and director of collection services at the Peabody Essex Museum.

The spring meeting brought together updates on current programs and new leadership appointments tied to the organization's work across Essex County.