Saratoga Springs’ own Opera Saratoga has elected four new members to its Board in preparation for the 2024 summer season, and under the leadership of General and Artistic Director, Mary Birnbaum.
New board members include: Saratoga Springs Commissioner of Public Works Jason Golub; Supervising Judge of the Supreme Court in the Third Judicial District, Hon. Christina Ryba; local business owner and musician Derek Stannard; and, president and CEO of Empire Media Network, Abby Tegnalia.
“It is tremendously exciting to have these four new members joining our board,” says Board President Steve Rosenblum. “All community leaders in the Capital Region, each new member brings a valuable perspective and talent to our leadership team. I am looking forward to working with them as we continue to take Opera Saratoga forward.”
Those interested in learning more about Opera Saratoga’s 2024 season, its board, or wish to become involved, may visit www.operasaratoga.org or contact Managing Director Amanda Robie at arobie@operasaratoga.org.
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Since joining NBC affiliate WNYT News Channel 13 in 1990, Elaine Houston grew to be an impactful and influential member of the news media for more than three decades. Post-retirement, Houston’s next chapter will begin with the Business for Good team, which she joined April 1. An Emmy award-winning reporter, Houston’s aptitude for highlighting social justice issues and stories strongly aligns with Business for Good’s mission.
“Elaine’s renowned career speaks volumes about the robust and vibrant content she will develop for Business for Good,” said BFG co-Founder, Ed Mitzen. “Through the years, her writing and reporting have not only informed people, but educated people. We are honored and excited to have Elaine join our team.”
Houston earned a doctorate degree in executive leadership and social justice from St. John Fisher University, a Master of Arts degree in international women’s studies from State of New York, Empire State University, and a Bachelor of Science degree in journalism from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale.
Throughout her career, Houston was recognized with numerous community and journalism awards. According to Mitzen, her decades of impactful storytelling will be an asset, as she works to highlight Business of Good’s family of companies and the amazing entrepreneurs in the communities with which BFG has worked.
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WEXT Radio, the Capital Region’s listener-supported roots and rock radio station, has announced the addition of Laura Grant as its new midday host. With an eclectic background – from voiceover and audio production work to on-stage roles in classical ballet and theatre – Grant is an ideal fit for WEXT’s unique and diverse music and community-oriented programming.
A native of Delmar, Grant is a born storyteller with a love for varied musical genres. She spent the past six years as a producer and voiceover specialist at Creative Voice Development Group in Albany. A devoted cinephile, she has hosted the New York State Office of General Services’ Classic Film series since 2018.
Grant also enjoys being on stage as both a dancer and actress. Getting her start at the age of five, she has 15 years of dance experience, performing with the Albany Berkshire Ballet, Northeast Ballet, Boston Ballet and Manhattan Youth Ballet. She’s also starred in numerous productions with Curtain Call Theater in Latham, Schenectady Civic Players, and Home Made Theater in Saratoga Springs.