(Credit: SUNY Adk, 2023)
Cornelius Gilbert
(Credit: Courtesy Big Brothers Big Sisters Adks, 2023)
Bill Moon
(Credit: Courtesy Hyde Collection, 2023)
Bryn Schockmel
(Credit: Courtesy Dan Washburn, 2023)
Dan Washburn
(Credit: Courtesay ARCC, 2023)
Marc Yrsha
(Credit: Courtesy Paula Traina, 2023)
Paula Traina
(Credit: Courtesy GF Hospital, 2023)
Ray Agnew
ARCC names four to board, chooses chair
From a press release: The Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce (ARCC) is pleased to announce the addition of four new members to their Board of Directors in 2023. The ARCC would also like to express our gratitude for the service of the following Board Members, whose terms were completed in December 2022: Ash Anand of the Lotus Group of Companies, Jared Humiston of Adirondack Technical Solutions (ADKtechs), and Zach Moore of French Mountain Commons. We thank them for their dedication to the organization and their continued support of the ARCC.
The ARCC would also like to announce the appointment of Marc Yrsha, EVP, Director of Relationship Banking of Glens Falls National Bank & Trust Company as the ARCC Board Chair.
“The ARCC plays a critical role in our region by championing the needs, ideas and goals of our business community. I am very appreciative of the opportunity to chair this great board of highly engaged volunteers and work alongside the tremendous team at the ARCC,” Yrsha said.
The new ARCC Board Members are as follows:
F. Raymond Agnew (Ray) is Vice President for Hospital & Community Engagement at Glens Falls Hospital, taking on that role in February 2020. Previously he served as Vice President for College Advancement at Paul Smith’s College, arriving on campus to assume this role in April of 2011. For the previous 14 years Ray served as Vice President for Community Relations of Glens Falls Hospital and Executive Vice President of the Glens Falls Hospital Foundation and many other positions. Ray is a graduate of the Crane School of Music and is a member of ASCAP (the American Society of Composers Authors and Publishers).
Bill Moon has been the Chief Executive Officer of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Southern Adirondacks since 2015. In addition to his role with BBBS, Bill is a local real estate agent assisting clients in both residential and commercial real estate transactions. He holds degrees in humanities and social services, a BA in Psychology and a master’s degree in Human Resources – Strategic Alignment. Moon believes the keys to organizational success include a strong sense of strategic alignment and building and sustaining an effective team.
Paula Traina, of State Farm Insurance, is a transformational leader known for building teams who execute at a high level. She has led multiple start-ups and cross functional teams. Currently, Paula serves as the CEO of Traina Insurance and Financial Services, Inc., with two Warren County agencies specializing in providing insurance and financial services products offered by State Farm. Traina holds an MBA in Organizational Leadership and various insurance industry professional designations and is currently pursuing FINRA investment advisor licensing.
Daniel W. Washburn, Vice President of Commercial Operations and shareholder of Hilltop Construction Co., became a part owner of Hilltop Construction in 2006. He helped diversify the company with a strong focus on commercial construction. He served as an ambassador for the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce, and currently serves as Councilman for the Town of Kingsbury, and a commissioner at the Washington County Sewer department. He was the President of the Hudson Falls Girls softball organization from 2009- 2014.
SUNY Adirondack appoints Cornelius Gilbert Chief Diversity Officer
From a press release: SUNY Adirondack is proud to announce the appointment of Cornelius Gilbert, Ed.D., as the college’s chief diversity officer. Gilbert grew up in Chicago, earned bachelor’s degrees in History and Afro-American Studies, a master’s degree in Afro-American Studies and a doctorate in Education with a focus on History from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Gilbert grew up the youngest of three children of a college-educated father and learned early the importance of education. He has held many positions in higher education, especially around diversity, inclusion and student success.
Applying to the chief diversity role at SUNY Adirondack made sense on many levels.
“The opportunity to do good work is part of the reason, but another is family — my brother lives in White Plains; and I enjoy nature. Plus, I have an interest in Bigfoot, so hearing he calls this area home caught my attention,” he laughed, explaining that something about the mythical creature holds his interest.
Gilbert’s role at SUNY Adirondack includes working with college President Kristine D. Duffy, Ed.D., the Board of Trustees, administrators, faculty, staff, students, and the Office of Student Engagement and Diversity Initiatives.
Hyde Collection appoints Bryn Schockmel curator of the permanent collection
From a press release: The Hyde Collection has announced the appointment of Bryn Schockmel, Ph.D., as the Museum’s new curator of the permanent collection. Schockmel, a curator specializing in Italian Renaissance and Baroque art, comes to The Hyde from the Oklahoma City Museum of Art (OKCMOA) and joined the museum staff on Jan. 9.