FARMINGTON — The Franklin County Chamber of Commerce has welcomed Stephanie Marcotte, Farmington, as new assistant to the executive director.

“I am very excited to be joining the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce. I was brought up in Farmington and am a local through and through,” noted Marcotte. “I graduated from Mt. Blue and attended the University of Maine at Farmington where I met my husband Thomas. I have lived in several different communities across the state and the country, including Lake Tahoe, Calif., and Missoula, Mont. While in Missoula my husband obtained his masters in geography.

Although I had a great experience being away, I always missed Maine. In 2005, Thomas and I were thrilled to be able to move back to Farmington and raise our family. We have two children, Benjamin, age 9, and Quintessa, age 6. It is wonderful to see them enjoying some of the same exact activities that I grew up participating in many years ago. To watch my son on stage with the Sandy River Players and see my daughter march in the Chester Greenwood Day Parade is so thrilling to me and it really reinforces why I chose to come back to this area.

“As a family we spend much of our time involved in outdoor activities. We love cross country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter, and in the summer we are often hiking many of the trails right here in Franklin County. I believe this challenging new chapter in my life with the Chamber will be an amazing opportunity to continue to be a part of this wonderful community that I love.”

Marc Relford, former assistant, resigned the position to focus on his graduating semester at UMF.

“Marc’s absence will certainly be felt at the Chamber. He has brought a lot to the organization, and his work has truly strengthened our efforts,” said Stacie Bourassa, executive director.

“Marc is committed to the goals of the Chamber, and will continue volunteering with us as his schedule allows. We are so fortunate to have Stephanie on board to carry forward this momentum and add her strengths and local knowledge to the position.”

Bourassa said, “Like myself, Stephanie has experienced Franklin County as a child, a parent and an active member of the community, and I think that makes us a pretty dynamic team when promoting the region and our membership.”

The Chamber invites residents to stop in to the Welcome Center, 248 Wilton Road, to meet Marcotte.