With a new year comes new opportunities, and the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce (ARCC) has welcomed four new members to their Board of Directors in 2025.
“The ARCC looks forward to the opportunities that our new board members will bring. Each of our board members bring something unique to the organization, which we are incredibly thankful for,” said ARCC President & CEO Tricia Rogers.
Joining the ARCC Board in 2025 are:
Ryan Haig, Account Executive for Amsure
Ryan Haig is uniquely positioned to champion the ARCC values and initiatives in the North Country business community. He previously served as an Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce (ARCC) intern, employee, volunteer, LADK Alum, mentor, and advisory council member.
Ryan earned his associate’s degree in business administration from SUNY Adirondack and a bachelor’s degree in business from Skidmore College. Having achieved his Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) designation, Ryan now serves as a trusted advisor at Amsure, providing risk management services for commercial clients primarily in Warren, Washington, and Saratoga counties. His connection to a variety of businesses throughout the geographical footprint of the ARCC positions him well to understand the unique needs of the ARCC business community. As an active member of the ARCC, Ryan is passionate about creating community and modeling servant leadership. Ryan has personally experienced the continuous generosity of this business community that has benefitted him both personally and professionally, an experience he wishes to share with others.
Maurice “Mo” O’Connell, HR Specialist with Adirondack Studios
Maurice “Mo” O’Connell has over 35 years of experience in various aspects of Human Resources, Business Development, Theatrical Administration, Museum Management, Event Creation, Civic Service, and Volunteer Coordination. His extensive local career includes Museum and New Business Development for Adirondack Studios, General Manager/Director of the National Museum of Dance and Hall of Fame, and House Manager at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC).
Mr. O’Connell has actively participated in the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce, and he is a well-known entity with local business leaders and not-for-profit agencies. His involvement can also be attributed to being an advocate and host to the ARCC Leadership Adirondack program and a panelist for the joint ARCC and SCCC venture titled “Building Belonging” held at SUNY Adirondack a few months ago.
He is a past President of Lakes to Locks Passage (the Lakes to Locks Passage is designated as a New York State Scenic Byway, a National Scenic Byway, and an All-American Road), as well as Past President of the Friends of US Grant Cottage on Mount McGregor. He has been involved with many other local civic and not-for-profit organizations, including the Feeder Canal Alliance.
Craig Seybolt, Senior Vice President and Regional Corporate Banking Manager for NBT Bank
With over 18 years of professional banking experience, Craig Seybolt has worked closely with regional leaders and the commercial relationship team to support commercial customers throughout the North Country and Glens Falls/Saratoga region.
Mr. Seybolt was born and raised in South Glens Falls and holds a Bachelor of Science degree from The State University of New York at Plattsburgh. Active in his community, he has served as a board Trustee for The Hyde Collection, President of the Moreau Community Center, President of the Glens Falls Kiwanis Foundation and member of the South Glens Falls Youth Baseball Board of Directors. In his free time Mr. Seybolt enjoys spending time with his family and cheering on the Buffalo Bills!
Chris Thomas, Owner of Elite 9 Talent Solutions
Christopher J. Thomas is a seasoned executive leader with over two decades of experience in developing innovative strategies to drive success in complex organizations. With a strong background in leadership methodologies and concepts, he has built a reputation for talent acquisition and team building expertise, leading numerous teams across various industries to achieve exceptional results.
As a retired senior executive in the U.S. Marine Corps and current owner of a recruiting and workforce development company, Chris has consistently delivered impactful results, leveraging his analytical prowess to exceed client expectations. He has worked with businesses of all sizes, providing tailored solutions to drive prosperity and success.
Chris is committed to ongoing learning and professional development, pursuing a Doctor of Education in Leadership & Innovation (Ed.D) degree, in addition to holding a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and Master’s in Public Administration. He is also a certified Resilience-Building Leadership Professional Trainer and Everything DiSC Practitioner, equipped to develop resilient teams and leadership programs that drive organizational excellence.
ARCC appoints new Board Chair
In addition, the ARCC appointed their new Board Chair, Damian D’Angelico, General Manager of Fitzgerald Bros. Beverages. Mr. D’Angelico was promoted to General Manager of Fitzgerald Bros. in November of 2024 and has over 30 years of achievements in the multiple positions he has held there. He has served as an officer on the ARCC Board for four consecutive years.
“I am very excited about chairing the ARCC Board of Directors,” said D’Angelico. “I believe in the mission of the organization and what it brings to the local business community.”
D’Angelico succeeds Marc Yrsha, SEVP, Chief Banking Officer for Arrow Financial Corporation.
“We are so grateful to have such passionate and dedicated board members and appreciate the hard work of past Chair Marc Yrsha, who supported the team immensely throughout his tenure,” said Rogers.
The ARCC also expresses their gratitude for the service of the following Board Members, whose terms were completed in December 2024: John Jablonski, Vice President for Academic Affairs for SUNY Adirondack, Pat Suprenant, Vice President for Stewarts Shops Corporation, and Immediate Past Chair Marc Monahan, Regional Executive SVP ofNBT Bank.
Founded in 1914, the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce (ARCC) is membership organization representing in excess of 23,000 people predominantly in New York State’s Washington, Warren, Essex and Northern Saratoga Counties. The ARCC is a 501c6 not-for-profit corporation, governed by volunteer Board of Directors, and does not receive any funding from local, county or state governments. All employer contributions to ARCC are tax-deductible as a business expense. The ARCC’s mission is to support our business community through advocacy, education, connection, and collaboration. Visit www.adirondackchamber.org to learn more.