Maplewood Chamber Announces 3 New Executive Board Members

From the Maplewood Chamber of Commerce:

The Maplewood Chamber of Commerce presented its Executive Board for the upcoming year at its annual End of Year Luncheon  on June 27 at Verjus Restaurant in Maplewood, bringing the 2017-2018 year to an official close.

The new members of the Board are:

• Catherine Wilson, President and CEO of United Way of Essex and West Hudson;
• Joy Yagid, owner of Joy Yagid Photography, LLC; and
• Christine Coster, SateFarm Agent and owner of Christine Coster Insurance Agency Inc.

The Chamber is proud and honored to welcome these Board members, each accomplished and distinguished in her field. Their past support of and commitment to the Chamber and the community speak volumes about their character and dedication. We look forward to their contributions as members of the Executive Board and we anticipate a successful and productive new year for our members. Former Vice President Diana Galer takes on the role of President as current President Rick Gilman ends his term. Serving alongside Ms. Galer as Vice President will be Ellen Donker, publisher of Matters Magazine; Rhonda Panken Esq. as Chamber Legal Counsel; and Steven Truppo of RRBB & Co. as Chamber Treasurer.

For additional information on the luncheon, please contact Executive Director Lorraine Labonne-Storch 973-477-6352, [email protected], or visit the Chamber website, maplewoodchamber.org.

Catherine Wilson

Catherine Wilson serves as the President and CEO of United Way of Essex and West Hudson, a position she has held since May of 2016. She provides executive leadership and vision to the organization. In 2017, she led the board of trustees to adopt a new mission, vision and strategic focus for the organization focusing on financial empowerment and literacy to build healthier communities. Prior to becoming the CEO, Catherine spent 6 years designing, implementing and evaluating programs as the Program Design and Evaluation Specialist and Senior Director of Community Impact. She developed a passion for empowering community residents to take charge of issues specific to their neighborhoods and schools. Prior to joining United Way, Catherine spent 8 years in the child welfare field, first working for what was then the Division of Youth and Family Services and the Essex County Court Appointed Special Advocates. There she advocated for children and youth stuck in the child welfare system, and designed the first CASA mentoring program for youth aging out of foster care. Catherine holds a B.A. in Communications from Rowan University and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Rutgers University. She also holds a certificate in Executive Leadership from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government. Catherine lives in Maplewood where she enjoys reading and playing golf. “I’m so excited to join the Maplewood Chamber of Commerce Board. As both a resident of Maplewood and the leader of a community impact organization, I’m thrilled to partner with fellow business owners and community leaders to support one of the key the economic drivers of our community: small businesses.

Joy Yagid

“I moved to Maplewood 20 years ago and have been loving it ever since. I have had a camera in my hand since I was eight years old and I haven’t put down a camera since. I went on to work in the video industry, all the while, taking photos. I was the family photographer at weddings, birthdays and baptisms. Fast forward to mid-2005. I had made up my mind to become a ‘photographer’. I had a 3-5 year plan to leave my day job. In 2007, the decision was made for me. I was laid off. I took some time to think about it. I discussed it with my family, and took the plunge. I ‘became’ a photographer. I always was one, but it was the first time I had used the word ‘photographer’ to describe what I did for a living. It’s something I’ve wanted to do all my life. I am now living my unlived life.”

Christine Coster CLU, ChFC

Christine Coster is an insurance agent with StateFarm Insurance, serving the greater New York City area. She is a graduate of Columbia University and has been a longtime member of the Maplewood Chamber of Commerce. “I have been serving Maplewood business owners and families as a State Farm Insurance Agent for 20 years, 10 of those years in Maplewood Village and now on Valley Street. I look forward to bringing my energy and passion to the Maplewood Chamber to promote the interests of all Maplewood business.