Category Archives: Personnel Briefs

Adirondack Rehabilitation Medicine, PLLC is pleased to announce the addition of Dr. Patrick O’Connor to its medical team, further expanding the practice’s specialized care for patients throughout the Capital Region and North Country.

Dr. O’Connor is Board-Certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, with extensive training in the diagnosis and treatment of nerve and musculoskeletal conditions. He earned his undergraduate degree from Syracuse University and his Doctor of Medicine from Albany Medical College. He completed his residency in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the University of Rochester, where he served as Chief Resident during his final year. Dr. O’Connor also completed a North American Spine Society (NASS)–recognized fellowship in Interventional Spine and Musculoskeletal Medicine at the University of Rochester.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. O’Connor to our team,” said Todd Jorgensen, MD, a senior partner of Adirondack Rehabilitation Medicine. “His expertise in interventional spine and musculoskeletal medicine complements our existing services and strengthens our ability to provide exceptional, patient-focused care in the region.”

Dr. O’Connor is now accepting new patients. Adirondack Rehabilitation Medicine offers a wide range of services, including:

Whiteman Osterman & Hanna LLP, the Capital Region’s largest law firm, has announced that John B. Cannie has joined the firm as Of Counsel in the firm’s Environmental, Land Use & Development, and Real Estate Practice Groups.

Prior to joining Whiteman Osterman & Hanna, Mr. Cannie was an Associate at Snyder, Kiley, Toohey, Corbett & Cox LLP, where his practice focused on land use, zoning, and real estate development and transactional matters. He has represented clients in a variety of development projects, including residential, commercial, and public benefit initiatives, assisting with contract negotiations, securing government approvals, and finalizing transactions.

Mr. Cannie holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Politics from Bates College and earned his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Kentucky College of Law in 2014.

Whiteman Osterman & Hanna LLP, the Capital Region’s largest law firm, has announced that John M. Czajka has joined the firm as partner and John F. Wirenius has joined as of counsel.

Czajka, who spent the last 15 years in New York State government service, most recently serving as General Counsel to the New York State Police, will join the Litigation and Government Relations practice groups. Wirenius is the immediate past Chair of the New York State Public Employment Relations Board and will join the Labor & Employment and Litigation practice groups.

Czajka, who has over 19 years of criminal and civil investigatory and litigation experience having served in various capacities in both the private and public sector, also brings to the firm extensive legislative and policy making experience as a former Albany County Assistant District Attorney, Assistant Counsel to the Governor, General Counsel of the NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services, and most recently as General Counsel of the New York State Police. While Counsel at the NYSP for the past five years, Czajka served as the chief legal officer responsible for providing legal and ethical advice to the NYSP Superintendent and the more than 4,000 sworn and non-sworn NYSP personnel. During his tenure with the Troopers, Czajka was also responsible for managing the drafting of proposed legislation, implementing policy and legislative initiatives, coordinating and managing all State Police involved litigation, managing labor and employment issues, and advising the agency and the Governor’s office on the legal, regulatory, administrative, and legislative matters facing the agency.

He is a graduate of Union College and in 2004 earned his law degree from Albany Law School and his MBA from Clarkson University. He is a resident of Guilderland.

Adirondack Winery has announced the appointment of Courtney Rankin as the organization’s inaugural female winemaker. With over six years of experience in winemaking, she will assume the responsibility of overseeing the production of over 35 wines and six hard ciders, as well as leading the development of new wine and hard cider releases for the company.

Ms. Rankin’s career started by getting involved in the craft beer industry. After completing her bachelor’s degree in film and screen studies, she changed direction to study craft beer brewing at Schenectady County Community College, where she got firsthand experience with local brewers. Through this introduction to the beverage industry, she found Galway Rock Winery in Ballston Lake. She started out apprenticing as the assistant winemaker for the owner and winemaker, Kate Soldani, learning the world of winemaking by, again, getting hands-on experience. 

At Adirondack Winery, Ms. Rankin’s responsibility for wine and cider production will more than triple. Adirondack Winery’s wine production reaches 20,000 cases annually, while its Extreme Heights Cidery brand is fledgling. The Queensbury wine making facility has capacity to grow to a 50,000 case annual production volume.

Shortly after starting her new position at Adirondack Winery, Ms. Rankin demonstrated her expertise in the field by passing the Level 1 Sommelier exam. To earn this status, she had to pass a wine theory exam in which she was tested on different wine types and the various regions they represent. 

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Glens Falls native Colin Bannon has scored one of the first major Hollywood deals of 2024. Universal Studios purchased his short story package Long Lost. Steven Spielberg will be a producer. One entertainment news site says: “Colin Bannon’s name is one you can expect to hear a lot more of.”

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Janine Scherline of Peru, N.Y., has joined the Adirondack Council staff as Director of Development. At the same time, Elizabeth Rogers of Willsboro joined the Council’s staff as Director of Strategic Initiatives and Engagement. 

Prior to joining the Council’s team, Scherline was Director of Donor Engagement for the Adirondack Foundation, a regional community-foundation based in Lake Placid. Rogers was Director of Development for the UVM Health Network – Elizabethtown Community Hospital.

“With the new year comes an amazing opportunity to welcome two new senior staff members to the Adirondack Council,” said Adirondack Council Executive Director Raul J. Aguirre.  

 Scherline will fill an existing director position, while Rogers will take on a newly created senior position focused on operational and strategic planning priorities. 

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The Warren County Historical Society held its 26th annual meeting at the Holiday Inn last month. Those in attendance were updated on the progress of the development of the Joseph Warren Museum next door to their headquarters at 50 Gurney Lane in Queensbury.

The new trustees elected were John DiNuzzo, John Strough, and John Schroeter. Dr. Stan Cianfarano and Teri Rogers were reelected as Co-Presidents; along with Tom Lynch, Vice-President; John Barry, Treasurer; and Marianne Moran, Executive Secretary. 

Dr. Paul Derby’s term expired and was thanked for his contributions. 

The new trustees will be working with the existing board of Bob Bayle, Patricia Berry, Cherie Brooks, Patricia Dolton, Chuck Farrar, Gerri Groff, Bruce Hazard, Wally Hirsch, Kurt Kilmer, Andrea Matte, Steve Matte, Judy Melkonian, Eloise O’Neil, Dr. John Simon, Wayne Wright, and Executive Director Don Rittner. 

Priorities for 2024 were also discussed.

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The Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce (ARCC) has announced the promotion of two team members. Former Marketing Director Amanda Blanton will now serve as Vice President, Marketing & Communications; and former Events Manager Carol Ann Conover will now serve as Director of Events & Community Engagement.

These two ladies have really grown in their positions, and as the ARCC is ready to take it to the next level I am confident that Amanda and Carol Ann will continue to lead and excel in their roles,” said ARCC President & CEO Tricia Rogers.

Ms. Blanton joined the ARCC team in August of 2016, after serving as a marketing and call center representative for a credit union in Saratoga Springs. She has been responsible for all marketing and communications for the Chamber, hosts the Chamber’s weekly radio show, regularly writes for business related publications, and has successfully increased the ARCC’s social media presence. She also serves as the staff liaison to the Adirondack Nonprofit Business Council.

“Every step in my career path has certainly led me to where I am today. The past seven-plus years at the ARCC have been a rewarding and educational experience. I feel much pride and joy in the work that I do for this organization and greater community. I am truly excited to grow in my new role,” said Ms. Blanton.

Ms. Conover joined the team in January of 2021, bringing with her a diverse professional background spanning multiple business sectors. She has been active in the Adirondack region and Glens Falls community since moving here permanently in 2013. She also serves as the staff liaison for the ARCC’s Women’s Business Council, Veterans Business Network, and Leadership Adirondack.

“Growing with the ARCC and our amazing community these last three years has been nothing short of inspiring. The way our members come together to support our mission and celebrate each other is truly a gift. I’m excited to continue the momentum and excitement this team has created in my new role as Director of Events & Community Engagement – I am grateful to my teammates for this opportunity and to our members for their constant support and encouragement. Thank you for putting your trust in me and in the ARCC. Together, there is no limit to what we will achieve.” said Ms. Conover.

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