Pictured in first photo is Mayor Alexandra Jacobs Wilke, Village Clerk Georgine Scott, Trustee Allison Carney and spouse, Jeremy Carney. Pictured in second photo is Mayor Jacobs Wilke, Clerk Scott, Trustee Ryan Deuel and spouse, Kathryn Deuel.
The Village of Potsdam officially welcomed two new members to the Board of Trustees during a swearing-in ceremony on Monday, December 1, prior to the Board’s annual meeting. Allison Carney and Ryan Deuel were elected to the board in November, and will each serve four-year terms.
Allison Carney’s dedication to Potsdam is evident in everything she does. For 24 years, she has worked on Market Street and helped shape the heart of the downtown. As co-owner of Brick & Mortar Music, Allison has fostered a vibrant arts scene and supported musicians, school districts and organizations across the region and beyond. Her recent leadership as President of the Potsdam Chamber of Commerce, and her past service on the Village Planning Board show her commitment to thoughtful, inclusive growth. A knowledgeable and dedicated committee member, Allison has served on the Local Planning Committee for the Downtown Revitalization Initiative and on committees related to downtown parking and local small business grants. At the Chamber, she has worked to bring in more than 40 musical acts each year for the signature event, the Potsdam Summer Festival, assisting with details and planning on many other events to support local businesses and organizations throughout the year as well—highlighting her vision for a thriving, culturally rich community.
Ryan Deuel has called Potsdam home for 19 years, raising his family here and dedicating himself to public service. His professional background as a professor at Clarkson University, and his prior leadership roles at all three other local colleges reflect his deep ties to our educational and civic institutions. Ryan is currently the principal investigator on a NYSERDA grant aimed at building our North Country workforce by training young people to lead home energy audits and weatherization projects. Combined with his experience as the former President of the St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce, Ryan has demonstrated his ability to lead and collaborate across sectors. Since being appointed as Acting Trustee in March, he has been a thoughtful and engaged member of the board—actively contributing to the stormwater project advisory committee, the budget process, and community development efforts. Ryan’s passion for infrastructure resilience and downtown revitalization will help advance the village, as the community tackles goals big and small in the years ahead.
Mayor Alexandra Jacobs Wilke swore in the two new trustees, alongside Village Clerk Georgine Scott. The new board members were joined by their spouses, Jeremy Carney and Kathryn Deuel, during the ceremony.