KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) After nearly four years at the helm, Luca Paris will step down as president of the Greater Monadnock Collaborative (GMC) in January 2025, the organization announced in a news release today.

Paris, a familiar figure in the Monadnock Region and former Keene restaurateur and the host of What’s Cookin’ with Luca Paris on WKBK Radio, says the decision marks a personal turning point as he prepares to reenter the hospitality industry, a field he describes as his “true passion.”

Paris joined the Collaborative in 2021 and played a key role in transforming the organization, which supports businesses and communities across the region, the release said.

His tenure was marked by a significant rebranding effort, expanded regional outreach, and initiatives that strengthened the organization’s presence at local and state levels. Under Paris’s leadership, the Collaborative bolstered community partnerships, enhanced business support programs, and launched a regional promotion campaign that gained widespread recognition.

“Serving as President and CEO of GMC has been an incredible honor,” Paris said in the release. “I’m proud of the progress we’ve made together and grateful for the board, members, and staff who have worked tirelessly to advance our mission. Now feels like the right time for me to return to hospitality, a field that has always been close to my heart.”

Christopher Coates, Chair of the GMC Board of Directors, lauded Paris for his accomplishments. “Luca’s leadership has been instrumental in positioning GMC as a key driver of growth and collaboration in the Monadnock Region,” Coates said. “His efforts in rebranding, member engagement, and team building leave a strong foundation for the organization’s future.”

The GMC Board plans to launch a comprehensive search for Paris’s successor while maintaining the organization’s focus on its mission. During the transition, day-to-day operations will be overseen by Michelle DellaVita, GMC’s Director of Development & Community Engagement.

Paris’s departure signals a shift for the collaborative as it prepares for new leadership. Meanwhile, the outgoing president is looking forward to reconnecting with the hospitality industry, where his career first took shape.