ARCC Celebrates Team Member Promotion & Council Growth

Ava Kanninen promoted to Director of Membership Development

The Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce (ARCC) has announced the promotion of Ava Kanninen to Director of Membership Development. After 10 years in the wine and spirits field, Ava took her energy and enthusiasm to fulfill the role of Membership Manager for the ARCC in January 2023.

“One of the things that was a joy to learn in my time at the ARCC was how much talent there is in our region,” said Kanninen. “I didn’t realize that we were creating, developing, and manufacturing so many things here until I started in my role at the Chamber.”

At the Chamber, Ava cultivates meaningful relationships and fosters business growth throughout the Adirondack region. With a passion for shared success and a commitment to strengthening local businesses, she plays a key role in driving membership engagement and regional collaboration.

“Ava’s role at the Chamber has evolved into developing meaningful relationships with our members by focusing on engagement and retention,” said ARCC President & CEO Tricia Rogers. “She will serve as a liaison to build community, demonstrate value, and foster collaboration.”

Guided by the principle that “a rising tide carries all ships,” Ava is dedicated to enhancing regional prosperity and nurturing a thriving, interconnected business community.

“I love what I do, and I am so excited to expand my role and take on more responsibility with the organization,” Kanninen added.

Ava will also serve as the Chamber liaison for the new Young Professionals Network, launching in 2026, as well as continuing her service to the Workplace Health & Wellness Council and the ARCC Ambassador Committee.

If you are interested in learning more about membership with the ARCC, and what that means for your business or organization, please reach out to Ava Kanninen at akanninen@adirondackchamber.org.

Adirondack Nonprofit Business Council welcomes new members

In 2013, the ARCC began an initiative—called the Adirondack Nonprofit Business Council (ANBC)—to bring together nonprofit organizations, encouraging collaboration and strengthening the nonprofit community.

Although the members of the group have changed, the mission remains the same: to integrate nonprofit businesses and their leadership to further develop the region. The ANBC provides a forum for peer-to-peer interaction, programs that strengthen the business capability of its member organizations, and promotes the impact of the nonprofit sector on the region.

In addition, the ANBC hosts a monthly Nonprofit Chat—an informal meeting designed to unite regional nonprofits, share resources, and discuss topics of interest.

The ANBC is excited to welcome four new members to the council in 2026:

Christine Hoard is the Director of Development at The Hyde Collection, where she oversees annual fundraising initiatives, including individual and corporate giving and donor engagement. She works closely with the Chief Advancement Officer and volunteer committees to plan and execute major fundraising events such as the annual gala and summer luncheon.

With more than 25 years of experience in nonprofit advancement, Hoard has held leadership roles across the arts, healthcare, education, and social service sectors. Previously, she built and expanded fundraising programs at Comfort Food Community and VNA & Hospice of the Southwest Region, and earlier in her career played a key role in growing annual giving and special events at Glens Falls Hospital Foundation.

Francine Tyler joined the Glens Falls Senior Center in May 2024. She brings over seven years of experience in the nonprofit sector, drawing on a diverse background from her previous roles.

An active member and volunteer with the Adirondack Chamber of Commerce, Francine co-chairs the Workplace Health and Wellness Committee and regularly participates in the Nonprofit Chats.

Francine began her studies at SUNY Cobleskill, majoring in Child and Family Services, and continued her education at Hudson Valley Community College, where she shifted her focus to Early Childhood Administration. During her time there, she served a two-year term as President of the Kappa Delta Phi National Honor Society for Educational Studies.

Driven by a deep passion for community service, Francine remains dedicated to enriching the region she calls home. She believes the Glens Falls area is fortunate to have so many remarkable nonprofit organizations and passionate individuals working together to build a stronger, more vibrant community.

Michele Morehouse is a communications professional and mental health advocate serving as the Communications Coordinator at ASCEND Mental Wellness, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting mental health, recovery, and community well-being across Warren and Washington Counties in New York. In her role, Michele leads external communications, media relations, outreach, and community engagement initiatives that strengthen awareness of mental wellness resources and reduce stigma.

Michele earned her master’s degree in Communications from the College of St. Rose in 2015, where she developed a comprehensive skill set in both internal and external communications for corporate and community-based audiences. She completed her bachelor’s degree in Marketing Management at the University of Phoenix in 2011. Early in her career, Michele completed a Communications Internship with the American Red Cross, Northeastern New York Regional Office, from 2011 to 2012, gaining hands-on experience in nonprofit communications, public messaging, and community outreach. That same commitment to service is reflected in her long-standing involvement with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Southern Adirondacks, where she volunteered as a Big from 2005 to 2012.

Beginning in 2013, Michele expanded her professional experience by freelancing her marketing and communications skills, allowing her to continue building expertise while pursuing graduate studies and working in retail management. She brings over 10 years of supervisory and leadership experience, combining strategic communication, team leadership, and community-focused engagement to advance organizational missions and strengthen public connection.

Laura Jensen is the Director of Community Engagement & Communications at Tri-County United Way, where she unites and leads partnerships and communications across Warren, Washington, and Northern Saratoga Counties. Her work strengthens cross-sector collaboration and regional programs that empower and uplift local working families, seniors, and youth.

Her professional background spans marketing, nonprofit leadership, and public health, including career experience in New York City with NBCUniversal, The Economist, and The Monday Campaigns. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she served as Communications Manager at the Food Bank of Central New York, collaborating with community leaders to lead all large-scale crisis-response efforts that reached over 187,000 individuals across 11 counties in Central and Northern New York. Prior to joining Tri-County United Way, Laura served as Marketing & Communications Specialist at Flomatic Corporation, contributing to efforts that expanded access to safe, clean water on an international level.

She holds a master’s degree from Marist University and a bachelor’s degree from SUNY New Paltz. Her work has been featured in the award-winning book Pandemic: Tracking Contagions from Cholera and Beyond, as well as in publications by the American Water Works Association and the Water Environment Federation. She currently serves on the Board of Directors at The Conkling Center and remains actively involved with a number of nonprofits throughout the lower Adirondack region.