ALA Advisory Board
Jane Smith
Co-Founder ALA Former President, ESSLA |
When my husband and I retired we wanted to come back home to NYS and perhaps buy a piece of the Adirondacks. We fulfilled that dream and bought property in Adirondack NY on beautiful Schroon Lake….can’t get more literal than that.
We became involved with ESSLA (East Shore Schroon Lake Association) and I eventually went on to serve as President. With the team work of a terrific board we moved ESSLA from being a nice social group to focusing on truly helping to care for our lake and river. We did, of course, keep the social aspect because you know the saying of “all work and no play”. In our reorganization we realized that to be successful stewards we needed to align ourselves with the already well established advocates and agencies and to take advantage of their generously offered resources. Ed Griesmer, then President of the Loon Lake Park District Association, and I were generally at the same meetings and conferences when we realized that most Adirondack lake and river associations were not present and, therefore, not represented when decisions were being made about Adirondack watersheds. We floated the idea to our fellow lake and river association of having a collective voice, an Alliance. With team work from associations and support from the multitude of government, government agencies and non-profit organization partners the Adirondack Lakes Alliance was founded |
Zoë Smith
Vice President of Strategic Initiatives Paul Smith's College |
Zoë serves as the Director of Strategic Initiatives at Paul Smith’s College and is currently the Interim Director of the Adirondack Watershed Institute. Zoë's conservation approach includes safeguarding both the natural resources and local communities in the Adirondacks. As Interim Director, Zoë supports AWI’s strategic partnerships and cultivates opportunities to advance AWI's mission. Her leadership ensures that AWI’s team has the resources they need to implement programs that are effective and align with the needs of the region. Zoë works with Paul Smith’s College to support students and deepen AWI’s contributions across all departments. Zoë is currently a board member for the Adirondack Park Agency, a co-Regional Director for the Adirondack Lakes Alliance, and a core team member of the Adirondack Common Ground Alliance. Before joining AWI, Zoë was the Director of the Adirondack Program for the Wildlife Conservation Society for 17 years. In her free time, Zoë is outdoors with her kids and husband, paddling, skiing, and enjoying living in one of the greatest places on earth.
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Guy Middleton
Executive Director Upper Saranac Foundation |
Guy Middleton serves as the Executive Director of the Upper Saranac Foundation (USF), bringing decades of experience in environmental conservation and watershed management. With a BA in Environmental Science and Land Use Planning and an Associate’s Degree in Wilderness Education, he has dedicated his career to preserving and enhancing the Upper Saranac watershed. Before joining USF, he worked with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and Northwood School, gaining valuable expertise in environmental stewardship and education. Since 2009, Middleton has played a crucial role in managing invasive species, overseeing water monitoring programs, and leading public outreach initiatives. His commitment extends to ensuring the proper operation and accreditation of the Foundation’s dam, as well as advocating for responsible shoreline and land-use practices.
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Jackie Bowen
Director of Conservation Adirondack Council |
Jackie joined the Adirondack Council in 2017 as the Grant Conservation Fellow and is now the Director of Conservation. Jackie leads the Council’s engagement on climate change policies and issues for the Adirondacks, monitors regional land use and natural resource policies and projects, coordinates research efforts, and manages the Clarence Petty Internship program. She holds a Master’s degree in Environmental Law and Policy from Vermont Law School. Jackie appreciates the natural, recreational and spiritual qualities of the Adirondacks. She particularly loves hiking, finding a good swimming hole, and cross-country skiing.
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Brendan Wiltse
Executive Director Lake George Association |
As Executive Director of the Lake George Association, I am dedicated to safeguarding one of the world’s most iconic freshwater lakes through science-driven action, community engagement, and policy leadership. With a Ph.D. in biology and a deep-rooted passion for limnology, my career has been focused on understanding and mitigating the threats facing our lakes and rivers—ensuring they remain clean and healthy for future generations.
I bring over a decade of experience in freshwater conservation, working at the intersection of science, advocacy, and public policy. My expertise spans water quality monitoring, climate change impacts, invasive species management, and road salt reduction—critical challenges that require innovative, collaborative solutions. At the LGA, we lead by example, demonstrating how communities can successfully balance environmental protection and economic vitality. We partner with scientists, municipalities, businesses, and residents to implement cutting-edge conservation strategies that are replicable worldwide. |
Assemblyman Matt Simpson
NY Assembly District 114 |
Matt Simpson was elected to the New York State Assembly on November 3, 2020. His district is comprised of Essex County, Warren County, and parts of Saratoga, Washington and Fulton counties.
Simpson grew up in the North Country and was first elected to the public office in 2011 when he won a seat on the Horicon Town Board. Two years later, he was elected Town Supervisor where he served until his election to the Assembly. He was appointed to the Warren and Washington County IDA in 2015, and served as its Chair from 2018-2019. During that time, he oversaw many projects designed to advance the economic viability of the area. His volunteer work includes serving as President of the Adirondack Association of Towns and Villages (AATV). The AATV represents more than 100 municipalities throughout the Adirondack Park. In his time there, he has worked alongside members of the New York State Assembly and Senate, as well as numerous environmental organizations like the Adirondack Council, and serves on the Advisory Board of the Adirondack Lakes Alliance. |
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