The board of directors of the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce (ARCC) has hired Michael Bittel as its new president and chief executive officer.
He takes the reigns from Marti Burnley, who was named interim president after Tori J.E. Riley left the position in September of 2017.
Michael Bittel stepped into his new role effective April 30.
“I am so blessed to live in the most beautiful area in the world. We have it all—lakes, great restaurants, manufacturing, schools, financial, farming and so much more. The most important asset to our area is the commitment and quality of our people. I look so forward to serving our community in this fantastic endeavor,” said Bittel.
In September, the Chamber retained Waverly Partners, a national executive search consultant firm, to help determine a strategic direction for the Chamber and aid in the search for a new president and CEO. Waverly Partners has completed over 85 chamber and economic development CEO search assignments in roughly 32 states.
“During our search it was very important that we engaged our community stakeholders,” said Tim Jansen, Board President. “Our community leaders said there was a great opportunity for our Chamber to do more for our region and business community. The board of director is committed to this increased impact and we feel Michael is the one to lead us.”
Bittel most recently was COO at Hometown Healthcare and prior to that Co-CEO of The King Arthur Flour Co. in Norwich, Vt.
Bittel joined Clifton Park-based Hometown Healthcare, Inc. in 2016 as its COO where he was responsible for human resources, operations, customer service, sales, marketing, insurance payer and government relations, and new business development.
Bittel has also served on the Board for the March of Dimes New York, the Glens Falls Hospital board of governors, and the Northwest NY Salvation Army board of directors.
He has a Bachelor of Arts degree in business and government from Skidmore College.
Bittel resides in Greenwich.