Advokate, LLC has announced the appointment of Olivia Dybas as marketing and communications associate.
Ms. Dybas is a recent graduate of Cornell University, earning her bachelor’s of science in communication with a social influence concentration. She was a member of Phi Theta Kappa National College Honor Society at SUNY Adirondack and served a season as company manager at Adirondack Theatre Festival after interning there in 2021.
In addition to working with Advokate, Ms. Dybas is known for her roles on stage including roles with Adirondack Theatre Festival, Lake George Youtheatre, Glens Falls Community Theatre, Glens Falls High School, and many others. Outside of the arts, she is a sales associate at Eddie Bauer, and put in many years working the counter at Angelina’s Pizzeria. She also plays violin, guitar, and sings all throughout the community.
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The Hyde Collection has announced the appointment of Christine Hoard as the director of development. With over 25 years of experience in professional fundraising, project management, and special events production, Ms. Hoard brings a wealth of expertise to her new role.
Prior to joining The Hyde Collection, she served as the development manager at Comfort Food Community, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to reducing rural hunger in Washington, Warren and Saratoga counties. During her tenure, she spearheaded establishing the organization’s annual giving program and collaborated closely with the board to develop protocols and processes.
Ms. Hoard’s career also includes serving as the director of philanthropy for the VNA & Hospice of the Southwest Region, where she played a pivotal role in planning, organizing, and directing all fundraising initiatives.
Prior to that she served as the annual fund coordinator at Burr & Burton Academy, where she managed the annual giving program and orchestrated various special events.
Ms. Hoard held several positions at the Glens Falls Hospital Foundation, where she played a key role in developing and implementing the hospital’s inaugural annual giving program.
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The Arrow Family of Companies has announced the promotion of Paul Wersten to Vice President, Corporate Banking Team Lead for its subsidiary Glens Falls National Bank and Trust Company.
In his new role, Wersten will guide teams of relationship managers in Glens Falls and Plattsburgh to develop new and foster existing relationships. He will also help business owners meet their goals by offering comprehensive banking solutions.
Wersten has 25 years of commercial banking experience, most recently serving as Vice President, Senior Relationship Manager. He began his career in banking as a Commercial Credit Analyst at Charter One (Citizens Bank) and then KeyBank, before joining Glens Falls National Bank in 2007 where he held several positions from 2007-2015. He later transitioned into commercial banking positions at TD Bank, Trustco Bank and Community Bank, N.A., before returning to Glens Falls National Bank in 2023.
Wersten earned a master’s degree in business administration and a bachelor’s degree in economics from Union College. He is active in the community, serving as Board Secretary and Executive Committee Member on the Board of Directors of Family YMCA of the Glens Falls Area.
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The board of directors of Arrow Financial Corporation has announced that it has unanimously voted to appoint Tenée R. Casaccio as the new Chair of the Arrow Board of Directors. This appointment by the board follows the retirement of the former Board Chair William L. Owens, Esq..
Casaccio has been a director of the company since January 2014 and has also served as a director of Arrow’s banking subsidiaries, Glens Falls National Bank and Trust Company and Saratoga National Bank and Trust Company since 2010 and April 2022, respectively. During that time, she chaired the Wealth Management Committee, played a vital role on the Governance Committee of the board and served as a director of Arrow’s insurance subsidiary, Upstate Agency, LLC.
Casaccio is the first woman to chair the Arrow board.
A member of the American Institute of Architects, Casaccio is the president of JMZ Architects and Planners, P.C., an established Women-Owned Business Enterprise specializing in higher education planning and design based in Glens Falls. The firm has earned numerous design awards and recognition as one of the region’s Best Places to Work.
A native of Bolton Landing, Casaccio has been active in the Glens Falls community her entire career. She is a former member of the board and chair of the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce and The Hyde Collection art museum. She has held positions on the boards of the Warren County Industrial Development Agency, Warren County Economic Development Corporation and Glens Falls Hospital. She is a trustee of the Charles R. Wood Foundation.