HOLYOKE — The Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce filed a criminal complaint with the Holyoke Police Department and the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office against its former executive director, Jordan Hart, for the alleged theft and misappropriation of funds.
In November 2024, chamber leadership identified financial irregularities and initiated an internal review, led by the Executive Committee, over the course of several months.
The investigation determined that the chamber’s funds had been used for personal expenses by the former executive director and that certain grant funds designated for specific programs were instead diverted to other purposes.
The total amount has not been disclosed. Hart’s employment with the chamber was terminated in January 2025.
Following this review, the chamber submitted its complaint to the Holyoke Police Department, which has since been referred to the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office.
Reminder Publishing reached out to the Holyoke Police Department who said since they referred the case to the Attorney General’s office, only their agency could discuss the case as they are investigating.
Reminder Publishing also reached out to Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell for comment, but her office said, “The AGO is currently reviewing a request for criminal review regarding this matter and is unable to provide further comment.”
In the press release, it said the chamber will continue to cooperate fully with both agencies throughout the investigation.
In response to this incident, the chamber has implemented new financial oversight protocols and will continue to strengthen procedures to ensure the highest standards of fiscal accountability.
The press release concluded that, “The chamber deeply regrets that this situation occurred and takes the matter with the utmost seriousness. As this is now an active criminal investigation, we will make no further comment until the judicial process is complete.”
