Staff

William C. (Willie) Janeway, Executive Director

William C. (Willie) Janeway returned to the Adirondacks to become the Executive Director and leader of the Adirondack Council in May 2013 after close to six years as the Regional Director for the State Department of Environmental Conservation Hudson Valley/Catskill Region. He brings to the Adirondack Council team a life-long passion and interest in the Adirondacks and nearly 30 years of experience as a professional conservationist, fundraiser, administrator, coalition builder and advocate for the environment. When not working Willie can be found outdoors. He is an Adirondack 46er, a year-round hiker and skier, a runner and a fisherman.  He and his family share a camp in the Park.  Willie and his wife Mary live in Keene.

Diane W. Fish, Deputy Director

Diane joined the Council staff in 2001 and works with Executive Director Willie Janeway to manage staff and Board activities of the Council to effectively implement the Council strategic ofthe Board and Staff to expand the number of advocates engaging in conversations about the Park’s future, participating in advocacy actions and supporting the Council’s work to protect the Adirondacks.
Diane shares other Council supporters' love of the Adirondacks, enjoys the Park's many outdoor recreation activities, and appreciates the astounding beauty of the Park every day.

Raul "Rocci" Aguirre, Director of Conservation

Rocci joined the Adirondack Council staff in 2013 as Director of Conservation. He is responsible for the design and implementation of the Council's conservation strategy. Rocci holds a MS in Resource Management and Conservation from Antioch University New England. Rocci’s previous work experience includes eight years spent as a ranger with the National Park Service,  as field staff for Trout Unlimited and  in the Catskills. overseeing land protection efforts for the Finger Lakes Land Trust in Ithaca, NY and the Monadnock Conservancy in Keene, NH. When not fly fishing or hunting, Rocci can usually be found hiking in the woods looking for chanterelles or other delicious ingredients to add to the supper pot.

Jackie Bowen, Conservation Fellow

Jackie is the Council's Conservation Fellow. She has a Master’s Degree in Environmental Law and Policy, with a certificate in Land Use Law, from Vermont Law School. During her year and a half program she interned in Washington, D.C. at American Rivers where she worked with the Government Relations team to track legislation, identify federal funding sources and research tribal water rights.

As a native of nearby Plattsburgh, Jackie grew up hiking, swimming, cross-country skiing, and camping in the Adirondacks.

Elaine Burke, Director of Operations

Elaine joined the Adirondack Council staff in 1988. As Director of Operations she is responsible for managing the daily finances, human resources, and office systems that support the Council’s operations to achieve its mission. Growing up in the Champlain Valley provides a great appreciation for the Council’s work and a love for the Adirondacks.She enjoys the outdoors and spends time fishing on Lake Champlain. She likes exploring different areas of the Park to experience the distinct differences that makes the Park as a whole unique.

Kevin Chlad, Director of Government Relations

Kevin joined the Adirondack Council staff in 2011. He leads the Council’s Albany-based Government Relations team, building coalitions and lobbying government officials to improve protection and grow funding for the Adirondack Park. When not advocating for the Park, Kevin can be found on the golf course, deep in the wilderness, or clinging to the occasional rock face or hanging from an icicle drip.

J.A. Tyler Frakes, Membership Director

Tyler joined the Adirondack Council staff in 2007. He keeps Council supporters informed, working with program staff to create letters and publications covering Adirondack conservation topics of interest and importance. A North Country native from Port Kent, NY, Tyler can be found enjoying the beauty of the Adirondacks and Champlain Valley in his free time. He is an avid gardener, hiker, fisherman, golfer, and sailor.

Lisa M. Genier, Program Analyst

Lisa grew up in Mineville in the Adirondacks and joined the Council in 1992 working as its Legislative Associate in the Albany office. She played a role in the creation of the Environmental Protection Fund, which is used to fund land purchases and environmental programs in the Adirondacks and around the state. Lisa now works part-time as Program Analyst writing action alerts, managing the Council’s website and serving in a consultative role on legislative and other issues. Lisa is a member of the Department of Environmental Conservation’s Accessibility Advisory Committee that works to make the Forest Preserve and its facilities more accessible for people with disabilities. In her free time, Lisa enjoys listening to music, playing guitar, spenidng time with friends, and being at he family camp in the Adirondacks.  

Mary Godnick, Marketing and Development Assistant

Mary joined the Council in 2016. She develops, manages and implements strategic social media and marketing campaigns to grow the visibility of the Council's efforts. Mary also works with the Development team to help expand financial support for the Council programs. Mary grew up in the small town of Hartford, NY, a neighbor to the Park. Previously, she worked in digital marketing, search engine optimization and social media management. Outside of work, Mary enjoys cooking, gardening, yoga, and enjoying all that the Adirondack Park has to offer.

Susan Hughes, Executive Assistant

Susan joined the Adirondack Council staff in 2003. In addition to serving as Assistant to Executive Director Willie Janeway, she an coordinates the Clarence Petty Internship program and works closely with the Development team. Susan moved to the Adirondacks in 1989 and loves working for an organization that helps to protect the pristine beauty of the Park. She fills her spare time by providing cultural activities for the surrounding communities of the Champlain Valley, including directing and performing in plays, conducting several choral groups and singing with various ensembles.

Debbie Pastore - Fund Development Director

Debbie joined the Adirondack Council in July 2015 and brings over two decades of development experience to the Council having worked in both educational and cultural institutions. She also brings her life-long passion for the Adirondacks to her work with the Council. Debbie moved to Park full time and found her “perfect fit” when she joined the Council staff to help fulfill the Council’s mission and vision and work with supporters of the Park. When Debbie is not working, she can be found in the Adirondacks hiking, kayaking or perpetually trying to “green up” her black thumb in the garden!

John F. Sheehan, Director of Communications

For the past 25 years, John has been the voice of the Adirondack Council on radio and television and in local, regional and national media.
He helps the public and the media understand the unique nature of the Adirondack Park and the Council’s efforts to sustain its clean air, wilderness, wildlife, clean water, and vibrant communities. John is a frequent guest lecturer at New York colleges and addresses civic and not-for-profit organizations, scientific societies and community forums to provide guidance on how to employ media strategies to help with advocacy efforts. John lives in Albany where he is an active volunteer and baseball fan and player. He also enjoys time at a family camp in the Adirondacks.