Executive Director

Sagamore combines Emily’s background in nonprofit administration, business, and education. She directed operations and finance at Adirondack North Country Association and spent the first 12 years of her career in the insurance and mutual fund industries throughout the Pacific Northwest and in Boston, MA. Between her for- and non-profit years, Emily earned her doctorate in History at the University of Delaware, subsequently teaching at at Paul Smith’s College and Clarkson University. A life-long lover of the Adirondacks, Emily now enjoys helping others experience their rejuvenating powers.

Historian

Tangentially, Connor’s connections to Sagamore go back to its start; he is of distant relation to Sagamore’s architect and first owner William West Durant. Far more importantly, stewarding Sagamore by helping visitors find enduring human experiences within the complexity of its multilayered past represents all those aspects of history Connor finds most compelling. A formally trained historian with years of teaching and public history experience including service to the United States Congress, Connor is forever excited to share Sagamore’s evolving stories to an ever-expanding group of visitors, members, patrons, and friends.

Program Director

Like many "Woods Women" before her, Cari was first initially drawn to the Adirondacks through the life and writings of Anne LaBastille more than 20 years ago. She first came to Great Camp Sagamore to facilitate Sagamore’s annual fly fishing retreat. Coming from the lush green hill country of Southern Indiana, she felt an immediate sense of "home" in the Adirondack Forest. A bit of a renaissance woman, Cari brings a wealth of experience to her role as Program Director, including expertise as a creative marketing professional, successful entrepreneur, touring singer-songwriter, and professional fly fishing guide and internationally certified casting instructor. When she's not brainstorming, planning, or hosting one of our many program offerings, you might find her playing guitar, exploring the wilderness, paddling the lake, or fly fishing along one of the beautiful stretches of water that surround Sagamore.

Head Caretaker

Ted Riehle joined the Great Camp Sagamore staff in 2018, but has been living in the area for a long time. He manages the historic buildings and grounds to make sure they stay attractive and functional. Ted loves the Adirondack Park and local history, so Great Camp Sagamore is a perfect fit for him. 

Finance & Office Manager

Prior to joining Great Camp Sagamore, Kathy was the legal assistant and office manager for a local law office and, for the last 10 years, managed their bookkeeping and payroll. Kathy has been active in local and regional nonprofits for 30 years, serving as president, secretary, recording secretary, and treasurer. Kathy was born and raised in Paul Smiths, New York, graduated from Saranac Lake High School and SUNY Canton, and now resides in Old Forge.

Donor Relations Manager

Samantha worked at Great Camp Sagamore previously as a seasonal employee in 2017. She resides in Blue Mountain Lake, NY and has always had a deep appreciation for the beauty and community of the Adirondacks. Samantha received her Master’s Degree in Museum Studies and Nonprofit Administration from the Cooperstown Graduate Program, and has worked in different levels of development and fundraising in the nonprofit world for the past 8 years.

Marketing Project Manager

As a new resident of the Adirondacks and retired marketing executive, Leslie first joined Great Camp Sagamore as an Historical Interpreter, enjoying every aspect of educating and engaging visitors, building relationships with staff, and exploring opportunities to further communicate all that Sagamore has to offer.

Bringing her 35 years of experience in marketing, business development and general management to Sagamore was a natural next step. Leslie is driving an evolution of Sagamore’s marketing and communications ensuring Sagamore’s message and appeal reach an ever-expanding audience of visitors and guests.

When not at Sagamore, Leslie is on the board of a few other not-for-profits, enjoys kayaking, hiking, playing tennis, as well as inviting family and friends to experience, for the first time, or again, the beauty of the Adirondacks.

Executive Chef

Sydney is a young dynamic chef with a deep passion for the culinary arts. Known for her creativity and innovation in the kitchen, she excels at crafting unique and flavorful recipes that delight the senses. 

Outside the kitchen, Sydney enjoys kayaking and spending time outdoors, as well as finding inspiration in nature’s beauty. Her dedication to both her career and her personal interests make Sydney a well rounded and inspiring figure in the culinary world.