Board of Directors and Staff

Special Announcement, Oct 2020

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

• Andy Sajor
• Peter G. Repas
• William Johnson
• Marcia O. Kees
• Carmella R. Mantello
• Mo O’Connell

Andrew Sajor: A retired educator, Andy taught physical science, earth science, and physics in the Peru School district and spent his summers doing research and developing curriculum for the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies Discover Earth program. Currently, he is a reviewer of education products seeking NASA endorsement and a part-time rigger for Doyle Sailmakers Champlain.

 Peter G. Repas: Peter served as the Executive Director of the Association of Public Broadcasting Stations of New York from 2003 – 2016. Prior to his employment with APBS of New York, Peter was a member of New York State Senator Ronald B. Stafford’s staff for 31 years. Born and raised in Plattsburgh, Peter currently resides in Castleton, New York.

William Johnston: Bill was the Essex County Planner/Planning Director for nearly 30 years. He is a founding board member of Lakes to Locks. In addition to his experiences as a planner, Bill taught in New York City public schools and was a Peace Corps volunteer in Tanzania. He has served on the board of a long list of nonprofit organizations—and helped found several, including Adirondack Architectural Heritage, Ballard Park Foundation, and the Housing Assistance Program of Essex County.

Marcia O. Kees: Marcia worked for 35 years with the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation, where she served as Coordinator of the New York State Heritage Area Program. She is a recognized expert on the development and management of state and national heritage areas. Marcia is an Adjunct Lecturer in the Department of Geography and Planning at the University at Albany and serves as a member of the Community Advisory Board for the Masters in Regional Planning Program.

Walt Lender: Walt is the Lake George Association’s executive director. A resident of Ticonderoga, he lives on the northern end of Lake George with his wife and three children. Previously, Lender was employed by Fort Ticonderoga as the Director of Development/Government and Corporate Relations Officer. He currently also serves as President of the Board of PRIDE of Ticonderoga, Inc, a rural preservation company working to preserve and revitalize Ticonderoga, where he once held the post of Executive Director. In all, he has nearly 20 years’ experience working in the nonprofit sector.

Carmella R. Mantello: Carmella currently serves as Troy Mayor. Previously, she served as an Eastern New York Regional Business Development Representative for Barton and Loguidice, where she promoted, developed, and marketed the firm’s professional engineering and planning services. Her previous positions include Director of the New York State Canal Corporation, Executive Director of the Hudson River Valley Greenway Communities Council, Executive Director of the Greenway Conservancy for the Hudson River Valley, Inc., and Director of the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area. Additionally, she worked 12 years as Legislative Director to a New York State Senator, Executive Director of the New York State Senate Labor Committee, and six years as a Troy City Council Member.

Mo O’Connell: Maurice “Mo” O’Connell: Mo holds over 30 years of experience in various aspects of theatre, museum management, event management, civic involvement, and volunteer coordination. He is the Human Resources Specialist for Adirondack Studios. His previous positions include Business Development for Adirondack Studios, General Manager/Director of the National Museum of Dance in Saratoga Springs, and House Manager at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center. He is a past President of Lakes to Locks Passage, Past President of US Grant Cottage and held many years of involvement as a Board Member of the Feeder Canal Alliance.