Lake Champlain - Lake George Regional Planning Board
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Our Staff

Beth Gilles

Director

Beth is a Glens Falls native who began working for LCLGRPB in 2008 and was promoted to Director in 2018. In her time at the Regional Planning Board, she built a robust water quality program, branching out into new programs and funding streams for planning and implementation efforts within the Lake Champlain and Upper Hudson River Watersheds. As Director, Beth oversees the operations of the Regional Planning Board and its staff, and works with the Board of Directors to craft the direction of the RPB’s programming. She works to secure federal funding for both planning and implementation projects throughout the region, as well as for the Regional Planning Board. Beth attended Paul Smith’s College and the University of Vermont. She lives in Queensbury with her husband, two kids and two dogs.

ALLISON HARGRAVE-GADDY, AICP

Senior Planner

Allison joined LCLGRPB team in 2019 and works with municipalities throughout the region on community planning and water quality initiatives. Her focus includes watershed planning, community revitalization, and trails and recreation planning. Allison holds a BS in Business Administration from the University of Vermont and a Masters of Regional Planning from the University at Albany. Allison lives in Glens Falls with her husband and daughters and enjoys hiking, paddling, and swimming. She serves on the Glens Falls Zoning Board of Appeals and recently became an Adirondack 46er.

Jessica Leerkes

Economic Development Coordinator

Jessica joined LCLGRPB in 2023 to assist with the organization’s economic development initiatives. Previously, she was a project manager for an engineering firm that worked with the municipalities in the Adirondacks on various infrastructure projects. Jessica is a native of Hague and obtained a B.S in Civil Engineering and a Masters in Environmental Engineering from Clarkson University. She lives in Kingsbury with her husband and two sons.

Ian Danforth

Business Development Coordinator

Ian joined LCLGRPB in 2023 to lead the organization’s Small Business Loan & Revolving Loan Fund Programs. Previously serving as a Financial Analyst at New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation, he facilitated their State Revolving Fund & Water Infrastructure Improvement Act programs to fund municipal sewer and water infrastructure projects throughout the state. He obtained his BA in Economics and Anthropology at the University of Vermont and is currently pursuing his Master of Economics at George Mason University. Living in Malta, Ian splits any available time between skiing, snowmobiling, boating, and spending time at his family’s home in Chestertown.

Samuel Blake

Junior Planner

Sam joined LCLGRPB in 2022 to help continue the work being done in our water quality programs. Graduating from SUNY Plattsburgh with a BA in Environmental Science Planning and Management and obtaining a minor in Economic and Environmental Sustainability. Formally working in the industrial wastewater field, he is well acquainted with importance of clean water. A native of Ballston Spa, he enjoys spending time outdoors skiing or kayaking.

Lisa Bessette

Administrative Assistant

Lisa joined LCLGRPB team in March of 2022. Previously, Assistant Controller at Cranberry Productions, she did all aspects of accounting such as payroll, taxes and accounts payable. A native of Latham, obtained an AAS in Accounting at Russell Sage College-JCA. She lives in Latham and commutes to her part time residence in Lake George with her husband and two kids.

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