Please join the Adirondack North Country Association (ANCA) for our 2021 Annual Meeting as we focus on Climate Justice. Together we will learn from innovative leaders who are weaving equity and justice into systems as we face the impacts of the growing climate crisis.

What: ANCA Annual Meeting: Climate Justice 
When: Friday, September 17, 2021, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Where: VIRTUAL via Zoom*

**REGISTER TODAY**
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from the following climate policy, clean energy and food systems experts:

• Alanah Keddell-Tuckey: Public Outreach Specialist, Office of Environmental Justice, NYS Department of Conservation

Alanah Keddell-Tuckey is the Public Outreach Specialist for DEC’s Office of Environmental Justice. In her position, she focuses on crafting materials and messaging to improve communications between EJ communities and the agency, as well as analyzing policies related to climate justice, adaptation, and social resiliency. In addition to her work for the Office of Environmental Justice, Alanah has served as the Deputy Director of Legislative Affairs and worked on diversity, inclusion, education, and public outreach with the Office of Communication Services. Alanah came to state service after several years working as a Government Relations Associate with the Adirondack Council, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of the Adirondack Park. Prior to this, she served as the Government Affairs Coordinator for the Empire State Pride Agenda. Alanah holds a Juris Doctorate from Albany Law School, and a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from SUNY Binghamton with a minor in Sociology. She is married with four children aged 6 to 17. In her limited free time, she enjoys hiking, nature walks with her children and kayaking.

• Jen Kretser: Director of Climate Initiatives, The Wild Center (Moderator)

Jen Kretser is the Director of Climate Initiatives for The Wild Center in Tupper Lake, NY. Jen manages The Wild Center’s climate change engagement programs, including the Youth Climate Program, which was highlighted by the Obama White House Office of Science and Technology; interpretive programs for visitors; green building education & design; and other climate related initiatives/partnerships. In December 2015, Jen represented The Wild Center and the Association of Science Technology Centers at the UN COP 21 climate talks in Paris and is working to help seed youth climate summits around the world. Jen currently serves on the coordinating team of the U.S. Action for Climate Empowerment – working to build a network of climate change education, public engagement and training across the country. She serves on the Adirondack Diversity Initiative board and is a graduate from Cornell University in Wildlife Ecology & Antioch University in M.S. Environmental Science & Education. When not working, Jen can be found outside hiking, paddling, xc skiing and picking blueberries with her family and friends.

• Michael Reilly: Executive Director/Co-founder, Foodshed Capital

Michael is a co-founder of Foodshed Capital, and oversees the day-to-day operations as Executive Director.  Under his leadership the organization grew from a local slow money project in Central Virginia to a region-wide loan program serving farms and food businesses throughout the Mid-Atlantic and beyond. Michael also led Foodshed Capital toward certification as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) in 2020. Michael has developed strong relationships with dozens of farmers around the region and has been involved in making more than 50 microloans since 2019. Michael began his career in banking and later honed his financial skills as a 15-year executive in the broadcast television business. He founded an initiative called Foodwaze, a program to help consumers identify the best sources of sustainable/regenerative food at restaurants, markets, and farms. He is on the board of several food and agriculture organizations including: treasurer of the Virginia Farmers Market Association; board member of the Virginia Association for Biological Farming; and advisory board member for the Mid-Atlantic Food Resilience & Access Coalition (MAFRAC). He also serves on the planning team for the Food Justice Network in Central Virginia. Michael earned an undergraduate degree at Yale University and a graduate degree at Columbia University. He lives in Charlottesville with his family.

 

• Adam Ruder: Assistant Director, NYSERDA’s Clean Transportation Group

Adam Ruder is the Assistant Director for NYSERDA’s Clean Transportation Group.  The Clean Transportation group focuses on developing and demonstrating new technologies, policies, and business models that support three key focus areas: electric vehicles, public transportation, and mobility management. Adam has led the implementation of New York State’s Charge NY initiative to advance electric vehicle adoption in New York State and he closely collaborates with other states and the federal government to jointly advance EV policies and programs. Before joining NYSERDA in 2008, Adam received a Master in Public Policy degree from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.

* Due to recent community spread of COVID-19, ANCA’s 2021 Annual Meeting will be held virtually instead of at the Hotel Saranac in Saranac Lake, as originally planned. We are eager to see you again in person when it is safe for all to participate fully. Thank you for your understanding, and see you soon on Zoom!