FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: June 18, 2026
Contact: Audrey Schwartzberg, ANCA Communications Director, [email protected], 518.891.6200
ANCA Launches Search for New Executive Director
Elizabeth Cooper to depart after five years leading the regional economic development nonprofit
SARANAC LAKE, N.Y. — The Adirondack North Country Association (ANCA) Board of Directors has announced that Executive Director Elizabeth Cooper will be stepping down from her leadership role after five years serving the organization. The regional economic development nonprofit, which is based in Saranac Lake, N.Y. and serves 14 counties in northern New York State, has launched a search to fill the position.
“Elizabeth leaves ANCA in a position of strength,” said ANCA Board President Kelly Chezum. “Over the past five years, she has helped strengthen the organization, deepen relationships across the region, and guide the development of a strategic plan that will shape ANCA’s work for years to come. On behalf of the Board of Directors, I want to thank her for her leadership, dedication, and commitment to the communities of the Adirondack North Country.”
Chezum added, “ANCA’s mission remains as important as ever. We are fortunate to have a talented staff team, engaged partners, and a clear strategic direction that position us well for the future. We wish Elizabeth every success in her new role and look forward to identifying the next leader who will build on the strong foundation she leaves behind.”
Cooper is moving on to a leadership role with a regional nonprofit based closer to her home and family in the Capital Region. Her final day with ANCA is Friday, July 10, 2026. ANCA invites community members to gather for a send-off event honoring Cooper on Wednesday, July 1 at Hotel Saranac in Saranac Lake, N.Y. More information about the event will be posted on ANCA’s events page at adirondack.org/events.
“This is a good time to attract an excellent new leader for ANCA’s next chapter,” said Cooper. “Our new strategic plan is strong, inspiring and adaptable to emerging needs and opportunities in our region. I’m enormously proud of ANCA’s strategic work over the last several years, including our efforts to strengthen member and partner engagement through increased accountability and transparency, as well as an impressive array of projects that make a real difference for North Country businesses and communities.”
ANCA is an independent, nonprofit organization and regional economic hub focused on small businesses, climate and energy, local food systems, and welcoming and belonging. Home of unique, community-centered initiatives including the Adirondack Diversity Initiative, Compost for Good, the Center for Businesses in Transition, and the North Country Clean Energy Hub, ANCA works to ensure the long-term viability of the North Country region by connecting farms, businesses and communities with programs, resources and networks to help them thrive.
Cooper said, “While I am sad to leave this organization and the amazing team I’ve been so honored to work with for five years, I am also confident that ANCA will continue to do tremendous work and create meaningful impact in our region. I look forward to following their accomplishments and supporting the organization in the months and years ahead.”
The ANCA Board of Directors has appointed a committee to manage the executive director search and hiring process. Zach Hobbs, who joined ANCA’s staff in 2021 and was appointed deputy director last year, will serve as interim executive director until the position is filled. The Board anticipates selecting a successful candidate by Fall 2026.
The executive director job description will be posted by the end of the month on ANCA’s website at adirondack.org/job-opportunities. Information and registration for the July 1 send-off event honoring Cooper will be posted at adirondack.org/events.
ANCA is a regional nonprofit and economic hub building shared prosperity across northern New York. Focused on small businesses, climate & energy, local food systems, and welcoming & belonging, ANCA works to ensure the long-term viability of the North Country, empowering individual wellbeing, economic strength, and regional stewardship. ANCA works with individuals, groups, and communities across 14 counties to navigate resources, cultivate networks, generate economic and community solutions, build shared capacity, and shape region-boosting narratives.
Attached: one (1) photo
Photo of Elizabeth Cooper provided by ANCA.
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