At 35, Brian Lenberg is part of a new generation helping shape Bethel’s future.

The new executive director of the Bethel Area Chamber of Commerce brings experience in business, tourism and community engagement, along with ideas for strengthening connections among local businesses and residents.

His appointment also reflects a broader trend: despite Maine’s aging population, Bethel has emerged as a community where a growing number of younger residents are stepping into leadership roles in local government, businesses, farms and community organizations.

The trend extends across the area. Bethel’s newest Select Board members, chamber of commerce board Chair Ellen Wainwright, several business owners and farmers are all in their 30s or early 40s. Former Select Board Chair Meryl Kelly, Lenberg’s wife, also held the position while in her early 30s.

Lenberg said Bethel is changing, and younger residents want to help shape its future.

A self-described former “ski bum” who decided to make Bethel home several years ago, Lenberg said he found his calling in the community.

“For me, it’s a passion for place,” he said.

That passion shaped his career. He started at a local 4-H camp before spending more than a decade in hospitality at Sunday River Resort, introducing visitors to the region’s natural beauty. About five years ago, while working full-time at the resort as executive assistant to the general manager, he earned his business degree.

Now, he hopes to use that experience to help local businesses succeed.

“I am in favor of giving people the resources they need to start a business,” Lenberg said.

He took the reins from Executive Director Bobbi Vandenbulcke on June 29.

Lenberg envisions the chamber as a practical resource, offering guidance on licensing, local ordinances and other challenges businesses face. He also wants to expand training in marketing, event planning and entrepreneurship while improving communication through a shared community calendar, active social media and an up-to-date membership directory.

Ultimately, Lenberg said, his goal is to advocate for local businesses while helping Bethel grow, “making sure they are comfortable, feel well-respected and happy to be here.”

He also plans to personally meet the chamber’s hundreds of members, particularly those who prefer face-to-face communication over technology.

“Meeting people where they are,” he said, will guide his approach. At Sunday River, he compiled meeting notes and distributed them in multiple formats because, he said, everyone gets information differently.

Most recently, Lenberg worked at Maine Adaptive, where he focused on fundraising and event planning. While quick to credit the organization’s team, he noted Maine Adaptive held its most successful ski-a-thon in 38 years during his tenure. The experience also reinforced the importance of telling the people’s stories, something he’ll do at the chamber.

As chamber director, Lenberg said community events are an opportunity to bring people together, but any changes to longtime traditions will come only after listening to chamber members and the broader community.

If the community supports the ideas, he hopes to build on Bethel’s event calendar with new events, including WinterFest, a Main Street community walk, ice sculpting and fireworks on the common.

“I want Bethel to show up,” he said. “Let’s bring the Team Bethel passion in person.”

Lenberg plans to continue serving on Bethel’s conservation commission and budget committee. During his career, he has written grant applications that secured more than $700,000 for nonprofit organizations.

He also hopes to “bring some fun back to Bethel” for residents of all ages. One lighthearted idea is creating a ceremonial “Dog Mayor” to appear at community events.

Beyond programs and events, Lenberg said he wants to strengthen the community.

“We are all here for a reason,” he said. “Bethel is the collective interest we all have and we all care about.”