Longtime Glens Falls-area business leader and community volunteer George Ferone was appointed as interim president of the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Chamber announced on Jan. 26.
Ferone, who retired last year after 44 years with Tribune Media Co., served most recently as executive director of Tribune company Gracenote in Queensbury (formerly Tribune Media Services). He served 14 years on the Chamber’s board of directors, including two terms as chairman.
The ARCC board of directors announced earlier in January that President and CEO Peter L. Aust tendered his resignation after five years of service to pursue new career opportunities. The board said it would launch a nationwide search for Aust’s successor.
Robert Davey, regional vice president at TD Bank, is volunteer chairman of the search committee.
With the naming of Ferone, board Chairman Thomas G. Albrecht Sr., president and CEO of Hilltop Construction Co., gives up day-to-day operations of the Chamber.
“George’s experience as an executive and his deep ties to the Adirondack Region and the ARCC will ensure a smooth leadership transition at the Chamber,” said Albrecht. “On behalf of the board and the ARCC staff, I want to thank George for making this commitment to the Chamber, its mission, and most importantly, our 1,000 members.”
“This is an exciting time for the Chamber and our region’s business community as ARCC searches for its next leader,” Ferone said. “I will be working closely with the staff and board to carry on the mission of the Chamber. Our programs and services will continue uninterrupted. And with the legislative session in Albany underway, we are moving ahead with our advocacy efforts, focusing on the issues that will affect our local business community and quality of life.”
“Our search will, no doubt, turn up many exciting, qualified candidates,” Albrecht said. “We are looking forward to hearing their ideas and seeing what they can do to propel the Chamber and serve our members as we move into the future.”
Ferone has a long history of service to the region and state. He serves on the board of governors of Glens Falls Hospital, the board of directors of the Adirondack Civic Center Coalition, and is a member of the Planning Board in Queensbury. He previously served on the boards of the Tri-County United Way, United Way of New York State, and the Prospect Child and Family Center.
Aust was named president and CEO of the ARCC in December 2010 after nearly 10 years in that capacity with The Chamber of Southern Saratoga County.
photo credits for both: Courtesy Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce