I was born and raised in Hudson New York. After graduation from high school, I served in the United States Airforce to earn money for college through the G.I. Bill. After my honorable discharge, I attained a bachelor’s degree in marketing with a minor in graphic design at SUNY Plattsburgh. It was there that I met my future wife and after graduating from college, Heather and I lived in Vermont for 9 years where I got my start in the hospitality industry. I was drawn to this industry because it was about people, creating trust and fostering authentic relationships with colleagues, guests, and clients. After starting our young family, we moved back to New York to be closer to family and settled in Ballston Spa. After working in Albany, I landed in Saratoga Springs in 2005 running the sales & marketing department at the Saratoga Hilton for 13 years. I then started with Discover Saratoga in 2018 where we promote Saratoga Springs as a destination for meetings and conventions and events.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I’ve been married to my wife Heather for 27 years and we have three children, Keenan 24, Griffin 21, and Morgan 19. We also have our yellow lab Stella who is 13.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I am currently the president of the Saratoga Convention and Tourism Bureau also know as Discover Saratoga. I enjoy working with our amazing team, and engaged board, to drive value for our members every day.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
All of them! Too many to choose just one!
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I moved to Ballston Spa in 2001, and started working in Saratoga Springs in 2005 at the Saratoga Hilton Hotel.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
One of the best was Bill O’Boyle, one of my first general managers when I started here in Saratoga. He was an old school gm that taught me about the hotel business, but more importantly he taught me about life. Understanding where your priorities are.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
London, England. Just booked it for November! We were supposed to go in 2020, but the pandemic had other ideas.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Any Warren Miller film
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Be humble, be nice, and help people. Oh, and don’t forget to laugh!
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
I want to be an Adirondack 46’er and summit all 46 major peaks of New York’s Adirondack Mountains. I’m currently at 12.
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
Radiohead
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
The Olde Bryan Inn-so much history and Sully does hospitality right!
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
David Letterman-he’s interviewed them all with grace, humor, and wit. We would do lunch at the track!
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
How can there be just one favorite! Horse racing culture, American history, mineral baths, cultural arts, safe and walkable downtown, food scene, and outdoor pursuits!
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Hopefully still promoting Saratoga Springs as a destination to work, play, and live!
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I am a PSIA Level III ski instructor. I taught at Gore Mountain Resort for 17 years.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Paris, France
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
Christmas always does it for me. Celebrations with family and friends.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
During the pandemic I started fly fishing again. Catching a wild trout on a fly is a special experience. Finding the perfect combination of fly selection, fly location and drift is very rewarding. 10 out of 10 when the line goes tight!
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My wife Heather. As an emergency department registered nurse, she has worked so hard, especially over the last few years, to care for people at their most vulnerable. Her compassion, intelligence, and work ethic are just a few of the attributes that make me so proud of her.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Pine trees on a mountain hike
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Love, Contentment, Security
