SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – A class of 23 local leaders graduated recently from the Leadership Saratoga program.

 Directed by the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, this award-winning program is dedicated to the development of leaders who will serve their communities today and in the future.

The first Leadership Saratoga class graduated in 1986, and the program has since assisted in training and educating more than 700 leaders in the Saratoga community.

This year’s graduating class was honored at a recent event, where Leadership Saratoga alum Shelly Amato, Class of 2007, and Todd Shimkus, president of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, shared their guidance and insight with the graduates. 

The Class of 2026 includes Abbie Albright Peckham of Saratoga Rowing Association, Abigail Aldrich of Franklin Community Center, Stephen Bell of Stewart's Shops, Lanyel Brandon of Stewart's Shops, Melissa Briggs of the Town of Malta, Jamie Chabot of Saratoga Springs Public Library, Colleen Curran of Live Nation, Brooke Edwards of Amsure, Jenna Espey, Jason George of Real Property Management Capital Region, Anna Gómez Domenech of Saratoga PLAN, Diana Juracka of Smiles for Life Dental Care, Allie Mantica of the Saratoga Regional YMCA, Mariel L. Martin of Skidmore College, Amber Mathias of Bonacio, Paul Maxwell of RevOps HQ, Colleen McClintock of AIM Services, Megan Mumford of Megan Mumford Photography, Jolene Munger of Catholic Charities of Saratoga, Warren & Washington Counties, Joyce M. Rice of The Anderson Financial Group, Julie Tierney of Holiday Inn Saratoga Springs, Alison Wilcox of Double H Ranch and Grant Willsea of Willsea Consulting Services.

Each year, members of the Leadership Saratoga class work on projects intended to create impact in Saratoga County. The 2026 class helped four local organizations: Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York, Saratoga Joinery, Saratoga PLAN and the Veterans and Community Housing Coalition.

The purpose of the Leadership Saratoga program is to inform and educate members of the community who want to ensure Saratoga County’s success by giving of their time, talents, energy and expertise. This is often in a volunteer capacity such as serving on a board of an impact sector organization, a board of education, a land use board or becoming an elected official. Leadership Saratoga alumni will celebrate the program’s legacy at the upcoming Leadership Saratoga 40th Anniversary Reception on June 16.

“We’re incredibly proud of the Leadership Saratoga Class of 2026,” said Todd Shimkus, president of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce. “These graduates are prepared to emerge as impactful leaders who will help shape and strengthen the Saratoga County community for many years to come.” 

Anyone interested in learning more about Leadership Saratoga or considering applying to be a member of the next class can visit www.LeadershipSaratoga.org for additional information. 

About the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce: Since 1918, the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce has been opening doors and closing deals for businesses throughout the Saratoga County community. Guided by a strong and sustainable vision, the Chamber leads the way in maintaining and strengthening a healthy business climate, initiating constructive community action, and creating a community where all can thrive.

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