ADK Welcomes Three New Staff

February 22, 2023 — Lake Placid, NY — ADK is excited to announce the arrival of three new full-time staff this winter. 

Jason Clark, Hospitality Director  

Last January, Jason Clark began working as ADK’s new Hospitality Director. Jason brings decades of business and marketing experience, including leadership roles with Schering-Plough Corporation and Roche Labs. In his new role, Jason oversees lodging and food service operations at the Heart Lake Program Center and Johns Brook Properties. 

“With some 30,000 overnight guests every year, ADK’s overnight lodging and camping facilities play a key role in welcoming people to the Adirondack Park,” said Julia Goren, ADK Deputy Executive Director. “Jason brings a wealth of experience to the team that will help us magnify that impact.” 

Liam Ebner, Summit Steward Coordinator 

Earlier this month, ADK welcomed Liam Ebner back to the organization as its Summit Steward Coordinator. Liam previously worked in 2021 and 2022 as a summit steward and rejoins ADK after earning a B.S. in mechanical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. 

Liam will oversee the Adirondack High Peaks Summit Stewardship Program, including its outreach and research efforts. He made headlines last fall after re-discovering purple crowberry on Mt. Mansfield, an alpine species that had been declared extirpated from Vermont in 1908. 

Kayla White, who previously held the role, was promoted to a more senior position within ADK and will continue to support the Summit Stewardship Program.

Eliza Phillips, Outreach Coordinator 

In early March, ADK will expand its educational outreach efforts by welcoming Eliza Phillips to the team as Outreach Coordinator. Eliza joins the team from Ijams Nature Center with nearly four years of experience in environmental education, and a bachelor’s degree in environmental science and interpretation from SUNY ESF. In her role, she will lead school programs and other interpretive programming based at ADK’s Heart Lake Program Center, Cascade Welcome Center, and Johns Brook Lodge. 

“Through our numerous outreach programs, ADK works to inspire people to protect the Adirondack Park. Eliza brings a lot of great experience that will allow us to continue this important work,” said Seth Jones, ADK Education Director. 

Maggie Newell, who previously held the role, was promoted to Outreach Manager and will oversee all interpretive programming and staff.