Pietroski to depart Greater Watertown Chamber for job at Jefferson Rehabilitation Center

WATERTOWN, N.Y. — Lynn Pietroski, president and CEO of the Greater Watertown-North Country Chamber of Commerce (GWNC), will leave the organization in early July, the chamber announced Wednesday.

Pietroski will become the new COO of the Jefferson Rehabilitation Center (JRC), effective July 6, according to a news release posted on the JRC website. The Jefferson Rehabilitation Center is a chapter of NYSARC, Inc., a statewide advocacy organization for people with disabilities.

She’ll remain with the GWNC through July 3 “to ensure a smooth transition” as its board of directors searches for a new CEO, the GWNC said.

At JRC, Pietroski will replace Lisa Jeschawitz, who will retire after nearly 40 years of service, JRC said.

In her new role, Pietroski will oversee all program-service divisions to include day habilitation; residential, preschool/early intervention/daycare, and vocational services; and will “play a major role” in the implementation of the agency strategic plan, the JRC said.

In addition to her executive experience with the GWNC, Pietroski also previously served as associate executive director of the Children’s Home of Jefferson County.

The GWNC isn’t sure if it’ll have a replacement hired before Pietroski leaves, says Mark Gaines, president of the GWNC board of directors.

“The sooner, the better, but it’s more important to have the right person [in place],” says Gaines. He spoke with BJNN on Thursday morning, noting he has set up meetings with the GWNC’s executive committee to begin the search process.

In addition to its search for a new CEO, the GWNC has also posted an advertisement on its website for a membership-development director, but Gaines says the position isn’t related to Pietroski’s upcoming departure.

Contact Reinhardt at ereinhardt@cnybj.com