Troy - The Empire State Society of Association Executives’ Board of Directors is proud to announce the appointment of Vanessa LaClair, CMP, as Executive Director.

Vanessa, most recently with the Independent Power Producers of New York, has 15 years of experience in managing the internal operations of a trade association, including financial planning and budgeting, design, implementation and execution of events, marketing and communications with an emphasis on social media and technology, and vendor/sponsor management. In addition, she has six years of experience in volunteer leadership positions.

“The Board of Directors is very excited to bring to ESSAE a relationship builder who is able to work with divergent points of view and develop strategic partnerships,” said Board Chair Kathy Febraio, “Vanessa is a problem-solver. She has shown she can formulate ideas that will take ESSAE to the next level.”

“Vanessa’s ‘people first’ attitude coupled with her passion for outreach will enable ESSAE to engage with its stakeholders through a range of activities and channels. “The Board of Directors was impressed with her entrepreneurial spirit and her cross-generational vision,” said Debra Trulli-Cassale, ESSAE’s Vice Chair.

“I am honored to serve the membership of ESSAE and advance its mission to guide and empower association leadership. My goal is to help members be their best by building connections to knowledge, ideas, relationships, and marketplace opportunities,” said Vanessa LaClair.