Courtesy / LA Chamber
Shanna Cox
July 11, 2025
Shanna Cox leaving LA Metro Chamber to run for political office in 2026
After almost six years as president and CEO of the Lewiston-Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, Shanna Cox announced she will be leaving the organization to prepare a run for elected office.
Cox declined to elaborate on what office she would run for or which party she will be aligned with.
"In January, folks can pull papers and publicly declare, and this is certainly not a declaration, but I plan to run for elected office," she told Mainebiz. "I live in this region and I hope to run for something in the state."
Betsy Sibley, chair of the chamber’s board of directors, said in a statement that the group rejects campaigning or endorsing candidates for public office, and does not allow its president and CEO to serve in an elected position.
"We were founded as a membership organization to create and lobby for business-friendly policies, and we know our greatest impact on behalf of the businesses we serve comes from working with all elected officials, regardless of party or platform," Sibley said. "This principle has guided our work for many years and will continue to do so."
Transition plan
Cox said she will transition out of her leadership role in coming months to plan a thoughtful search and ensure a smooth onboarding of her successor.
"We have contracted with the search firm that we used in 2019, the last time this position was open, and the internal review has begun," Cox said. "We look forward to being transparent and in frequent communication and expect to have an update on the timeline and posting by fall.”
The chamber aims to name a new leader by May 2026.
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