Chamber of Commerce CEO fired for ‘serious misconduct’
The chief executive of the Bermuda Chamber of Commerce has been fired for “serious misconduct”.
Danielle Riviere was removed from the post on Wednesday, 20 months into the job, after the chamber identified “financial irregularities“.
The matter is to be reported to the Bermuda Police Service.
Marico Thomas, the president of the chamber, told The Royal Gazette: “The chief executive of the Chamber of Commerce was terminated on October 16, 2024 for serious misconduct relating to financial matters.
“The internal controls of the chamber quickly identified the financial irregularities.
“The matter was investigated and will be referred to the police.
“The chamber takes its leadership position within the community seriously and feels that setting an example about how such matters should be handled is important.”
The now former chief executive of the Bermuda Chamber of Commerce took to social media this morning to respond in the wake of the revelations of her dismissal
“In response to the story and comments, I apologise for disappointing those who have trusted and supported me over time. I have always tried to own my mistakes, so today I will try to do the same. I made the worst decision and mistake of my life in a moment of weakness and desperation and transferred just over $15,000 to a personal account. Even though I regretted my actions immediately, there is no excuse. I sincerely apologise to the staff, board, members of the Chamber and even the community of Bermuda.”
Ms Riviere was named as the chamber’s new chief executive in January 2023, taking up the role the following month, replacing Kendaree Burgess.
On her appointment, Ms Riviere was described by the chamber as an “accomplished consultant, advocate and leader”.
Nathan Kowalski, the chamber’s immediate past president, who at the time of her hiring was its chairman, said: “The board sub-committee conducted a recent search to find the right candidate to continue the critical advocacy work of the chamber and we are delighted to have found such a worthy candidate in Danielle …
“We are confident that Danielle will bring a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to our organisation, and will continue to drive our mission forward.”
Ms Riviere said at the time: "I am honoured to be joining such a well-respected and impactful organisation, and I am looking forward to the challenge of building on the great work that has already been done.“
Ms Riviere became the first programme manager for The Centre on Philanthropy in 2006. She was with the centre for seven years, developing its volunteer programme, and extensive training and education platform.
She left in 2013 to become an independent consultant for OD Solutions before returning to The Centre on Philanthropy in 2017 as interim executive director. She assumed the permanent role the following year until the fundraising group closed in 2019.
In January 2021, Ms Riviere became the first executive director of the Institute of Directors Bermuda Branch.
She is a graduate of Florida A&M University.
The chamber’s website says: “Danielle’s pursuit of excellence is rooted in the entrepreneurial spirit of her family.
“Building better organisations is a passion of hers and she is excited with every opportunity she has to lead organisations to greater opportunities and continued growth.”
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