Roohan Realty is thrilled to announce that Alicia Griffin has joined the team as a Licensed Real Estate Salesperson. With several years of experience serving buyers and sellers in the Saratoga region, she brings a unique blend of market knowledge, renovation insight, and client-focused service to Roohan Realty.
A full-time REALTOR®, Alicia specializes in buyer and seller representation, first-time homebuyers, home staging, and interior design. Her real estate background includes renovating and selling eight homes with an impressive average profit margin of 38%. In addition, she owns and manages an investment rental property, giving her firsthand experience in both the investment and residential sides of real estate.
Before entering the real estate industry, Alicia spent more than 13 years as a chef and manager in Saratoga Springs. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America, earning a Wedding Cake Certification, and completed a Pastry Certificate at Schenectady Community College. This creative foundation now enhances her ability to stage and present homes in their best light, helping clients achieve maximum results.
“Real estate is not just about buying and selling homes—it’s about helping people create a space that truly fits their life,” says Alicia. “I’m excited to continue serving clients in the Saratoga area with the support of Roohan Realty.”
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Discover Saratoga is pleased to announce two recent additions to its growing team: Heather LaFountain as Office Manager & Member Services and Terese Russell as Advertising & Sponsorship Specialist. Both bring extensive experience and a deep commitment to serving the Saratoga community and its vibrant tourism industry.
Heather LaFountain joins Discover Saratoga with more than 20 years of experience in customer service, sales, and relationship building. Her professional background includes roles as a Health and Wellness Coach, Community Relations Manager, and a decade as the owner of Saratoga Bootcamp. A graduate of Castleton University with a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science, Heather has lived and worked in the Saratoga region for over 30 years. In her new role, she looks forward to connecting with members and visitors while supporting the organization’s mission.
Terese Russell brings 15 years of experience in advertising, marketing, and business development to her new role at Discover Saratoga. Most recently, she worked in Napa, California, where she promoted the hospitality industry and collaborated with Visit Napa Valley and Visit California to highlight regional tourism attractions. Locally, Terese has applied her expertise at the Saratoga Automobile Museum, Saratoga Living, and Bright Sighted Studios, specializing in sponsorships, business development, and member engagement. At Discover Saratoga, she is eager to help businesses thrive, foster meaningful community connections, and maximize the value of membership through advertising and sponsorship opportunities.
“We are thrilled to welcome Heather and Terese to the Discover Saratoga team,” said Darryl Leggieri, President of Discover Saratoga. “Their extensive experience, combined with their passion for building relationships and supporting our members, will further strengthen our ability to promote Saratoga County as a top destination for visitors and events.”
For more information about Discover Saratoga and its team, visit www.discoversaratoga.org.
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Empire State University is pleased to announce the appointment of Greg Connors, president and CEO at Saratoga Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) to its University Council. The appointment was made by New York State Governor Kathy Hochul.
Connors has a distinguished career spanning nearly five decades in real estate, economic development, and community and government relations. In August 2023, Connors was appointed president and CEO of the SEDC. His career highlights include a decade of leadership at GlobalFoundries’ Office of Government Relations and his tenure as town and county supervisor for Stillwater. There, he co-authored legislation that established the Luther Forest Technology Campus, now home to GlobalFoundries Fab 8. Connors also authored the only municipal tax revenue sharing agreement in New York state.
“I am honored to join SUNY Empire’s University Council and look forward to collaborating with its dedicated group of leaders,” said Connors. “I believe strongly in the power of education to create opportunities and drive economic growth, and I am excited to learn from and contribute to SUNY Empire’s ability to do both.”
“We are thrilled to welcome Greg Connors to our University Council,” said SUNY Empire President Lisa Vollendorf. “His leadership and extensive expertise in government and economic development will be incredibly valuable as we work to strengthen the workforce and communities across the state by providing affordable, flexible, and high-quality education to learners of all ages.”
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KeyBank has announced two leadership promotions in its Capital Region. Andrew Alessi has been named regional director of Wealth and Estate Planning, overseeing teams across New York, New England, Eastern Pennsylvania, and Florida. Vince Miles has been appointed market leader for Key Private Bank in the Capital Region, leading a team of relationship and portfolio managers, planners, and strategists.
Alessi previously led the Capital Region market for Key Private Bank and earlier worked with TIAA-CREF in Latham. Miles joined Key in 2016, became a senior relationship manager in 2020, and serves on executive boards for the American Red Cross and Mohawk Hudson Humane Society.
“These promotions are well earned,” said Capital Region Market President Erica Choi.
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Alliance180, a nonprofit serving veterans, first responders and healthcare workers through equine-assisted programs, has appointed Jason Collins as strategic support director. A U.S. Navy veteran and former board advisor, Collins began his new role in August.
He first experienced the program’s impact after being introduced to it by co-founder Bob Nevins while seeking help for PTSD. “This organization changed my life,” he said. “It gave me the tools to heal and reconnect.”
Collins, who holds a psychology degree earned through the Post-9/11 GI Bill, has worked in veteran and family services. Founded by Nevins and Melody Squier, Alliance180 provides no-cost, science-based equine programs for trauma recovery.
Learn more at www.alliance180.org.
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The Alzheimer’s Association Northeastern New York Chapter has appointed Stefanie Bastien as executive director. She succeeds Beth Smith-Boivin, who led the chapter for 13 years and will continue with the Association in a statewide role.
Bastien has over a decade of experience with the chapter, most recently serving as director of development. She also worked as director of development and communications at Unity House of Troy.
Her commitment to the mission became personal when her grandfather was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and her mother became his caregiver. Bastien said she is dedicated to building on progress for the 426,500 New Yorkers living with the disease. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Russell Sage College.