Adirondack North Country Association appoints three new board members

The new members are: J. Daniel Mohr, executive VP and chief financial officer at Utica–based Adirondack Bank; Kevin Richardson, executive VP of sales and operations at Sackets Harbor–based Agbotic Inc.; and Noah Shaw, a partner with Buffalo–based Hodgson Russ Attorneys LLP and co-chair of the firm’s renewable-energy practice, working from its Saratoga Springs office.

The three new board members join ANCA as the regional economic-development nonprofit begins implementing its new five-year strategic plan. The plan, which the organization will roll out in February, will support new and existing programs in ANCA’s 14-county service area that advance clean-energy adoption and energy savings, expand local food access and markets, provide support and development opportunities for small businesses and entrepreneurs, and advocate for North Country residents, businesses, and communities at the state and federal levels. 

“ANCA’s strategic plan is ambitious, based on our vision — a New Economy that works for all — and our mission to build prosperity across Northern New York,” Kate Fish, the nonprofit’s executive director, said in a statement. “Dan, Kevin and Noah bring a wide range of experience to the ANCA team though their work in the small business, agriculture and clean energy sectors. Their combined knowledge and experience will help inform our strategies moving forward.”

The new members

Mohr, who took on his current role at Adirondack Bank in 2017, has more than 20 years of senior-level financial and operational-management experience in banking. He holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Binghamton University. Mohr was born and raised in Binghamton and now lives in Utica. 

Richardson is co-founder of Agbotic, a venture-backed leader in the ag tech sector. Agbotic builds year-round, organic, and environmentally restorative “SmartFarms” that utilize robotics with machine learning and artificial intelligence. The company’s first SmartFarm project is located in Sackets Harbor.

“Agbotic has been fortunate to work with ANCA over the last several years through their farm to school and clean energy initiatives,” Richardson said. “ANCA’s mission is spot on with their focus on creating strong systems for local food, agriculture, small businesses and renewable energy. I feel my own interest and experience in these areas will complement and strengthen ANCA’s programs and networks.” 

Shaw comes to the ANCA board with more than 17 years of experience in law and legal advising with private law firms as well as state and federal agencies. Prior to Hodgson Russ, he served as general counsel and board secretary for the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). Shaw also worked as senior advisor to the general counsel for the U.S. Department of Energy during the Obama administration. 

“ANCA continues to be on the leading edge of clean-energy outreach in the North Country region,” Shaw said. “I’m excited to lend my own passion for the North Country and energy policy to the board as ANCA and partners bring clean energy planning and programming into the next decade.”