ARCC Finishes Year Strong, Adds on New Board Members & Ambassadors in 2026
It’s a new year full of new possibilities. The Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce experienced a busy year of making connections and supporting businesses in our region. Throughout 2025, we noticed a boom in small businesses, entrepreneurs, and consultants looking to grow their businesses.
Welcoming almost 140 new members to the Chamber exceeded the growth from the prior year and invited new opportunities for collaboration and connections. In addition, during the summer, the ARCC and the Greater Greenwich Chamber of Commerce entered into a Partnership Agreement, which will build a strong, collaborative relationship that supports local businesses and drives economic growth across both communities. This alliance marked an exciting new chapter for our regional business community, opening opportunities for members of both Chambers.
The ARCC also celebrated an 87% retention rate, further demonstrating the value that Chamber membership continuously shows year after year. It’s with this support that the ARCC can continue its mission of advocating for business, sharing education opportunities, and facilitating connections & collaboration.
ARCC Welcomes New Board Members
The ARCC is pleased to announce the addition of four new members to their Board of Directors in 2026. The ARCC would also like to express our gratitude for the service of the following Board Members whose terms were completed in December 2025: Juan Gonzales (Hunt Companies, Inc.), Eric Ryan (TD Bank), Tim Seeley Jr. (Seeley Office Systems), Jen Whalen (Rozell Industries), Rebecca Wood, and Past Board Chair Marc Yrsha (Arrow Bank).
The new ARCC Board Members are as follows:
Arleen Girard, Senior Vice President, Director of Business Services, joined Arrow Bank in 2014 and oversees the Municipal Banking and Cash Management teams. She is responsible for developing and managing opportunities for revenue growth, including deposits, cash management services, merchant and payroll services, and credit cards. Ms. Girard is also a member of the Adirondack Civic Center Coalition Board of Directors. Girard is a graduate of Glens Falls Senior High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Le Moyne College.
Josh Koons is an Information Technology Engagement Manager who specializes in guiding organizations through smart, sustainable technology decisions. With a knack for translating business needs into practical IT solutions, he partners closely with clients to strengthen operations, improve security, and unlock long-term value. Known for his clear communication and forward-thinking approach, Josh helps teams cut through technical noise and focus on what truly drives impact.
Chuck Barton serves as the CEO of the Warren-Washington Industrial Development Agency, overseeing investment incentive programs supporting 38 active projects valued at more than $690 million and generating over 670 local jobs. His prior career experience includes Chief Operating Officer of Barton Mines Corporation and Director of Finance for Honeywell’s former Engineered Materials division. Chuck also brings a small-business perspective as the former co-owner of a family recreation club.
Kate Wilkins is the Chief Advancement Officer and Deputy Director of The Hyde Collection, where she leads fundraising, external relations, and strategic initiatives that strengthen the museum’s role in the community. Since joining The Hyde in 2021, she has helped deepen the museum’s regional partnerships and supported its long-term vision for growth, access, and community connection. With more than a decade of experience in development, engagement, and communications for arts organizations across Upstate New York, Kate has built a career dedicated to expanding access to the arts in both urban and rural communities.
ARCC grows Ambassador Committee
A strong extension of the ARCC, the Ambassador Committee is comprised of volunteers from a variety of businesses & organizations whose mission is to welcome new members, assist at events, and foster connections through the Chamber’s networks. We are fortunate to welcome aboard the following:
Zach Walker, Director of Business Development for the Adirondack Thunder | Harding Mazzotti Arena – Zach grew up in Boise, Idaho, where he discovered his love for hockey early on. His playing career led him to the U.S. National Team Development Program in Ann Arbor and Plymouth, and later to Boston College, where he earned a B.S. in Psychology. During four seasons of professional hockey, he also completed an MBA in Marketing from Bellevue University. Today, Zach serves as Director of Business Development, partnering with corporate and local businesses to drive the team’s growth and community impact.
Shawn Weinberger, Sales & Marketing Manager for KEENA PEO Services – Shawn helps employers cut through the clutter of HR, payroll, benefits, and compliance with clear guidance and real-world solutions. As part of KEENA’s leadership team, he leads business development and marketing with a relationship-first approach, showing organizations how a PEO can simplify operations, reduce risk, and elevate the support they offer their teams. With experience across HR, compliance, and growth strategy, Shawn is driven by strengthening the regional business community and making it easier for local employers to move forward with confidence and momentum.
Andrew No, Financial Services Professional Agent for New York Life Insurance Company – Andrew is a Registered Representative and Insurance Agent with New York Life Insurance Company and NYLIFE Securities, LLC. With a master’s degree (MS) and licensure to assist with business solutions, life insurance, long-term care, investments, and annuities, Andrew helps businesses, individuals, and families plan for today and prepare for tomorrow. Andrew is eager to contribute to the Chamber’s mission by fostering genuine connections and supporting the success of local businesses. He aims to support ARCC events by fostering a positive environment where all members feel recognized and engaged.
The ARCC Team, Board of Directors, and Ambassador Committee are looking forward to an incredible 2026 of serving our business community.