Island native Laurie Givan, who said she is passionate about branding, innovation and community, was recently announced as the new executive director of the Mercer Island Chamber of Commerce.

She said she sees the chamber as a “friend to everyone,” and is learning the job under the tutelage of outgoing Director Terry Moreman.

“Terry is a people person, a master of ‘soft skills,’ and I think I have those skills as well,” Givan said. “I’m excited to learn how she used that skill set with businesses, the city and every other group the chamber works with.”

Givan said some of her goals are to increase the chamber’s membership and social media presence. A marketer and salesperson, Givan said she is excited to introduce herself to business owners and community members.

“I want to help the community grow and prosper, continuing what [the chamber] is already doing and adding some new things,” she said.

Givan grew up in Mercer Island, graduating from Mercer Island High School in 1989 and going on to earn a bachelor’s degree in English literature from the University of Washington in 1993.

She started her career at Mercer Island-based Sunrise Identity, and then launched into a six-year corporate career at Eddie Bauer, working in its licensing department with such companies as the Ford Motor Company, Target and Lane Furniture.

In 2004, she started work as a regional account executive for Packaging Specialties, a local packaging company. For 13 years, she provided local businesses, from Island Books to Boeing, with expertise in presenting their brands in a professional and creative way through packaging.

She and her husband moved back to Mercer Island in 2009 with their two sons, now ages 10 and 13 and attending Lakeridge and Islander Middle School. Her husband is also an Island native, and the majority of their extended family members still live on Mercer Island.

In her free time, she loves staying healthy with fitness activities, watching her boys play any sport and spending time with friends.