Category Archives: Personnel Briefs

Personnel Briefs: July 2027

July 21, 2026

AAA Northway announced the addition of travel agents Nadia Traslavina and Taylor Robertson.

Traslavina will work from the Halfmoon branch office at 1647 Route 9. Robertson will serve customers from the Schenectady branch office at 220 Harborside Drive, second floor.

AAA Northway provides travel services to members and nonmembers. More information is available at AAA.com or by calling 877-222-8283.

Provided by AAA Northway; edited for style and length.

* * * * * * * *

Julie & Co. Realty has welcomed Natalie A. Caruso to the brokerage as an associate broker.

Caruso specializes in luxury homes, custom homes, new construction and residential real estate. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems from the University of Tulsa and began her career in finance and information technology before obtaining her real estate license in 2014.

As the primary Realtor for Caruso Builders, Caruso has spent more than a decade working with architects, designers and construction professionals. She has guided clients through the custom home process and represented buyers building with Capital Region builders, giving her knowledge of construction and the local real estate market.

For more information, call 518-350-SOLD (7653), email info@juliecorealty.com or visit www.JulieCoRealty.com.

Provided by Julie & Co. Realty, LLC; edited for style and length.

* * * * * * * *

Personnel Briefs: June 2026

June 22, 2026

The WSWHE BOCES School Library System honored Amy Carpenter and Marissa Macey as its 2026 award recipients during a May 19 Communication Coordinator meeting.

Amy Carpenter, School Library Media Specialist, Stillwater Middle/High School, was named School Librarian of the Year for excellence in programming, collaboration and leadership and for a commitment to literacy and lifelong learning.

Marissa Macey, Principal, Kensington Road Elementary School, Glens Falls City School, was named Administrator of the Year. The award recognizes a leader who supports and advances school library programs through collaboration, advocacy and educational leadership.

The SLS Awards Committee, made up of school librarians, selected the recipients from nominations submitted by educators, librarians and administrators across the region.

“Both Amy and Marissa’s outstanding dedication to fostering a culture of learning and innovation in the library ensures that students have the tools they need to grow and be prepared for lifelong learning. On behalf of the SLS Awards Committee, we congratulate them on this well-deserved recognition,” said Kerrie Burch, School Library System Coordinator.

Provided by WSWHE BOCES; edited for style and length.

* * * * *

Personnel Briefs: May 2026

May 19, 2026

Northern Insuring Agency, Inc. has added Chrystina Chaney to its Personal Insurance Division as a Retention Specialist Assistant in the company’s Glens Falls office.

Chaney joined the team in January and has obtained her NYS Insurance License. She and her husband live in Hudson Falls with their three children and pets.

“We’re excited to welcome Chrystina to the team,” said Melissa Kokofsky, manager of the Personal Insurance Division. “She brings years of face-to-face experience working with people from all walks of life, along with a strong commitment to providing exceptional service. We’re thrilled to have her on board.”

Northern Insuring Agency, Inc., founded in 1930, provides auto, home, business, life and health insurance, and employee benefits services.

Provided by Northern Insuring Agency, Inc.; edited for style and length.

* * * * *

Arrow Bank National Association has hired Cara Schroeder as Assistant Vice President, Business Banking Relationship Manager.

In her new role, Schroeder will support small businesses by developing new relationships and strengthening existing ones with customized financial solutions. She will manage a portfolio of business customers, collaborate with internal partners to drive business growth and support retail teams across small business and business banking.

Schroeder has more than 20 years of banking experience. She began her career with TD Bank in 2004 and held roles including Teller, Head Teller, Customer Service Representative, Small Business Specialist and, most recently, SBA Business Development Associate.

A native of Averill Park, New York, Schroeder will support businesses throughout the region.

Arrow Bank National Association, part of the Arrow Family of Companies, is a commercial bank headquartered in Glens Falls, New York, serving eight counties in northeastern New York. It operates 38 banking offices and provides banking, wealth management and insurance services.

Provided by Arrow Bank National Association; edited for style and length.

* * * * *

Business / Personnel Briefs: April 2026

April 21, 2026

NBT Bank announced that Tesha Mihaly has joined the company as Vice President and Mortgage Loan Originator, serving customers throughout the North Country region.

Mihaly will guide borrowers through the home financing process, reviewing financial profiles, explaining mortgage options and supporting customers from application through closing. She will work with NBT Bank’s home lending operations team.

A lifelong member of the Bolton Landing community, Mihaly brings more than 16 years of mortgage experience in the North Country. Prior to joining NBT Bank, she served as a Residential Mortgage Officer at Arrow Financial Corporation.

Mihaly serves on the Board of Directors for Pine Knolls Alliance Church, the Wiawaka Center for Women and the Children’s Committee of Warren County.

NBT Bank and its parent company, NBT Bancorp Inc., are headquartered in Norwich, NY. NBT Bancorp had assets of $16 billion as of Dec. 31, 2025, and trades on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol NBTB. Member FDIC.

Provided by NBT Bank; edited for style and length.

* * * * * * *

March 17, 2026

Fenimore Asset Management has hired Carina Trudell as senior operations associate and Jim Haley, CFP®, as senior director, the firm said.

Trudell, a Voorheesville resident, has 25 years of investment industry experience and previously was vice president and head of corporate onboarding and experience at Goldman Sachs Ayco.

“We are very pleased to have Carina on the team,” said Liza Baran, Director of Shareholder Services & Operations. “As Fenimore continues to grow and evolve operationally, Carina will be integral to our strategic vision and adoption of new technologies to better serve investors.”

Haley, who is based in South Carolina, has nearly 30 years of experience and works with individuals, families, nonprofits and institutions. He previously served in management at Dividend Assets Capital.

Founded in 1974, Fenimore manages $5.06 billion in assets under management as of Dec. 31, 2025, through its Cobleskill and Albany offices.

Provided by Fenimore Asset Management; edited for style and length.

* * * *

North Country Media Network, a multimedia podcast network based in Glens Falls, New York, has launched and is accepting applications for a limited “Founding Member” cohort, the company said.

Founder Ann Donnelly said the network provides studio or mobile recording options and handles production, editing and publishing.

NCMN will accept one participating expert per industry for the cohort, offering category exclusivity, the release said.

Founding Members who commit to a six-month weekly podcast schedule under the Authority Pro package will receive top placement in network listings, preferred monthly pricing and waived start-up fees.

Professionals can inquire by emailing ann@northcountry.media.

Provided by North Country Media Network; edited for style and length.

* * * *

Personnel Briefs: November 2025

November 18, 2025

Roohan Realty is thrilled to announce that Brendon Teetor has joined the commercial division as a Licensed Real Estate Salesperson. He is licensed in both New York and Florida with more than a decade of experience spanning residential sales, property management, and real estate investment.

After founding and leading Sterling Teetor Realty Group in Fort Lauderdale, Brendon expanded his practice to upstate New York, bringing his deep understanding of both South Florida and Capital Region markets to Roohan Realty. His career has covered every facet of industry from helping first-time homebuyers and investors find the right property to managing multi-unit portfolios and collaborating on commercial development projects.

Brendon and his wife relocated from Fort Lauderdale to Saratoga Springs in 2021, where they’re raising their two children and embracing all that the region has to offer. When he’s not working with clients, Brendon enjoys backcountry camping in the Adirondacks, tending his vegetable garden, and watching movies with his family.

Known for his calm, hands-on approach and genuine passion for helping people, Brendon blends big-market experience with small-town care—making every client feel like a neighbor and every transaction a shared success.

Brendon can be reached at 954.242.2326 or brendon@roohanrealty.com.

* * * * *

Tully Rinckey PLLC is pleased to announce the promotion of Benjamin Westerman, Esq. to Senior Associate.

Mr. Westerman joined the firm’s Latham office in 2023 and focuses his practice on employment law. Mr. Westerman works with clients on various labor and employment matters, including EEO/discrimination claims, wage/hour law, accommodations, and compliance requirements. Mr. Westerman was also named a Super Lawyers “Rising Star” in 2025.

“We as a firm are thrilled to promote Benjamin Westerman to Senior Associate,” said Allen Shoikhetbrod, managing partner of Tully Rinckey PLLC’s Latham office. “Throughout his time here, he has demonstrated his exceptional legal skills and unwavering dedication to clients. We look forward to his continued growth and success at our firm.”

Mr. Westerman obtained his law degree from Albany Law School.

For more information about Mr. Westerman’s promotion, please contact Scott Brewster at (518) 640-1261 or via email at sbrewster@tullylegal.com

* * * * *

Personnel Briefs: September 2025

September 18, 2025September 18, 2025

Adirondack Rehabilitation Medicine, PLLC is pleased to announce the addition of Dr. Patrick O’Connor to its medical team, further expanding the practice’s specialized care for patients throughout the Capital Region and North Country.

Dr. O’Connor is Board-Certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, with extensive training in the diagnosis and treatment of nerve and musculoskeletal conditions. He earned his undergraduate degree from Syracuse University and his Doctor of Medicine from Albany Medical College. He completed his residency in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the University of Rochester, where he served as Chief Resident during his final year. Dr. O’Connor also completed a North American Spine Society (NASS)–recognized fellowship in Interventional Spine and Musculoskeletal Medicine at the University of Rochester.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. O’Connor to our team,” said Todd Jorgensen, MD, a senior partner of Adirondack Rehabilitation Medicine. “His expertise in interventional spine and musculoskeletal medicine complements our existing services and strengthens our ability to provide exceptional, patient-focused care in the region.”

Dr. O’Connor is now accepting new patients. Adirondack Rehabilitation Medicine offers a wide range of services, including:

Personnel Briefs: February 2025

February 25, 2025

Arrow Bank National Association is pleased to announce the appointment of Scott Duggleby as Senior Vice President, Director of Wealth Management.

In his new role, Duggleby will oversee the wealth management division, bringing extensive leadership experience in sales, wealth management, retirement planning and retail brokerage to the Arrow team.

“We’re excited to welcome Scott to Arrow Bank’s wealth management division,” said President and CEO Dave DeMarco. “His proven track record in wealth management, passion for community banking and growth mindset will strengthen our team and enhance our ability to serve clients across the region.”

Duggleby joins Arrow Bank, formerly named Glens Falls National Bank and Trust Company and Saratoga National Bank and Trust Company, from Community Bank, where he most recently served as Senior Vice President, Regional Sales Manager. In that role, he oversaw wealth management operations across New York, Vermont and Pennsylvania. During his career, he has developed expertise in practice management, advisor recruiting and operational excellence. His leadership will bring additional depth and strategic insight to the wealth management team of 30 employees that manages approximately $2 billion in assets.

Duggleby earned a bachelor’s degree from the State University of New York at Oswego. He holds National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD) Series 6, 7, 24, 63 and 66 licenses and is Life and Health licensed in New York state. Active in his community, he served as board president and a board member on the Central Square Central School District Board in Oswego County for 12 years. As he relocates closer to the Glens Falls area, he plans to continue serving the community.

Personnel Brief: December 2024

December 16, 2024

Whiteman Osterman & Hanna LLP, the Capital Region’s largest law firm, has announced that John B. Cannie has joined the firm as Of Counsel in the firm’s Environmental, Land Use & Development, and Real Estate Practice Groups.

Prior to joining Whiteman Osterman & Hanna, Mr. Cannie was an Associate at Snyder, Kiley, Toohey, Corbett & Cox LLP, where his practice focused on land use, zoning, and real estate development and transactional matters. He has represented clients in a variety of development projects, including residential, commercial, and public benefit initiatives, assisting with contract negotiations, securing government approvals, and finalizing transactions.

Mr. Cannie holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Politics from Bates College and earned his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Kentucky College of Law in 2014.

Whiteman Osterman & Hanna LLP, the Capital Region’s largest law firm, has announced that John M. Czajka has joined the firm as partner and John F. Wirenius has joined as of counsel.

Czajka, who spent the last 15 years in New York State government service, most recently serving as General Counsel to the New York State Police, will join the Litigation and Government Relations practice groups. Wirenius is the immediate past Chair of the New York State Public Employment Relations Board and will join the Labor & Employment and Litigation practice groups.

Czajka, who has over 19 years of criminal and civil investigatory and litigation experience having served in various capacities in both the private and public sector, also brings to the firm extensive legislative and policy making experience as a former Albany County Assistant District Attorney, Assistant Counsel to the Governor, General Counsel of the NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services, and most recently as General Counsel of the New York State Police. While Counsel at the NYSP for the past five years, Czajka served as the chief legal officer responsible for providing legal and ethical advice to the NYSP Superintendent and the more than 4,000 sworn and non-sworn NYSP personnel. During his tenure with the Troopers, Czajka was also responsible for managing the drafting of proposed legislation, implementing policy and legislative initiatives, coordinating and managing all State Police involved litigation, managing labor and employment issues, and advising the agency and the Governor’s office on the legal, regulatory, administrative, and legislative matters facing the agency.

He is a graduate of Union College and in 2004 earned his law degree from Albany Law School and his MBA from Clarkson University. He is a resident of Guilderland.

Personnel Briefs: September 2024

September 25, 2024

Adirondack Winery has announced the appointment of Courtney Rankin as the organization’s inaugural female winemaker. With over six years of experience in winemaking, she will assume the responsibility of overseeing the production of over 35 wines and six hard ciders, as well as leading the development of new wine and hard cider releases for the company.

Ms. Rankin’s career started by getting involved in the craft beer industry. After completing her bachelor’s degree in film and screen studies, she changed direction to study craft beer brewing at Schenectady County Community College, where she got firsthand experience with local brewers. Through this introduction to the beverage industry, she found Galway Rock Winery in Ballston Lake. She started out apprenticing as the assistant winemaker for the owner and winemaker, Kate Soldani, learning the world of winemaking by, again, getting hands-on experience.

At Adirondack Winery, Ms. Rankin’s responsibility for wine and cider production will more than triple. Adirondack Winery’s wine production reaches 20,000 cases annually, while its Extreme Heights Cidery brand is fledgling. The Queensbury wine making facility has capacity to grow to a 50,000 case annual production volume.

Shortly after starting her new position at Adirondack Winery, Ms. Rankin demonstrated her expertise in the field by passing the Level 1 Sommelier exam. To earn this status, she had to pass a wine theory exam in which she was tested on different wine types and the various regions they represent.

* * *