A familiar face to many in the Gloucester area has taken the reins of the Retail Alliance.

Jenny Crittenden, who led Gloucester’s Main Street Preservation Trust for 16 years, was appointed by the Retail Alliance Board of Directors as president and CEO, effective Feb. 16. She has replaced Ray Mattes, who announced his retirement in October 2022.

The Retail Alliance is a nonprofit trade association serving the interests of local retailers in the Hampton Roads region since 1903. The organization, which includes a number of Gloucester businesses as members, promotes and supports the healthy growth of retail businesses and trade through education, advocacy and member benefits.

Crittenden previously served as Senior Vice President of Retail Alliance. She is just the second woman appointed president and CEO in the organization’s 120-year history.

“We are very fortunate to have Jenny lead our organization into the next chapter,” said Mattes. “Working with Jenny during the past 14 ...