Melrose Launches New Position, Fills It With Familiar Face

MELROSE, MA — Lauren Grymek, the former head of the Chamber of Commerce, is joining the city in a new role meant to help lead the local business out of the pandemic.

Starting March 1, Grymek will be Melrose's first director of economic recovery and business development. She'll work to help steer Melrose toward economic development opportunities and connect local businesses, non-profit arts and other organizations impacted by the pandemic with resources.

"The goals for this new role are to provide local support to our business community and address the short-term and long-term side effects of the pandemic," Mayor Paul Brodeur said. "Lauren’s work will be essential to the City’s economic recovery, given her track record of successful event planning and increasing revenues right here in Melrose."

Grymek was the executive director of the Melrose Chamber of Commerce from 2016-2021, when she stepped down to take the same position at the Massachusetts Women's Forum. Grymek, popular among many local business owners, spearheaded community events like the Victorian Fair, Summer Stroll and Home for the Holidays, among others.

"I am extremely excited to work with Melrose’s business community again, and to serve the City in this new capacity," she said.