Amanda Dana is the Tourism Director for Orange County, NY, and Executive Director of the Orange County Film Office. With over 25 years of experience in sales, marketing, and economic development, she has successfully positioned the county as a premier destination for both global travelers and film productions. Her leadership is defined by a collaborative approach that treats tourism as a vital economic engine and a quality-of-life enhancer for residents.

In addition to her county roles, Amanda serves as President of Hudson Valley Tourism, Inc., where she champions regional destination marketing across 10 counties. She holds a degree from Binghamton University and is currently pursuing her Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME) credential. A resident of Orange County and mother of four, Amanda is a dedicated advocate for sustainable, smart-growth initiatives that ensure a vibrant future for the Hudson Valley.

Dr. Jodi DeLucia is the District Superintendent of Dutchess BOCES, where she leads a team of 500 staff members serving over 1,200 students across the Hudson Valley. With over 25 years of experience, she is a dedicated educational leader focused on creating equitable opportunities and high-quality experiences for all learners.

Since her appointment in March 2025, Dr. DeLucia has spearheaded the “Blueprint for Excellence 2025-2028” strategic plan, emphasizing innovation, campus security, and regional collaboration. Her leadership is defined by deep systems thinking and a commitment to student-centered outcomes. Dr. DeLucia holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership from Walden University and a bachelor’s degree in Physics from SUNY Albany. A respected voice in the field, she is an active member of several professional organizations, including the New York Council of School Superintendents.

Robin D. Mack is a dynamic executive in economic development and public-private partnerships, currently serving as Executive Director of the Dutchess County Industrial Development Agency and formerly as the Director of Business Development for the City of Mount Vernon. With a career span of over two decades, Robin has led transformative initiatives that drive capital investment, job creation, and economic development through compliant, data-driven operations.

Robin is recognized for her expertise in incentive structuring, governance, and legislative relations, as well as business attraction and retention. Her leadership extends beyond municipal boundaries, with prior roles in campaign strategy, logistics consulting, and a decade-long tenure at Mastercard managing global fraud solutions and supply chain operations. Robin also serves on the Citizens Committee on Housing Affordability and sits on the advisory board on transportation electrification education with Soulful Synergy LLC.

Sabrina is the Commissioner for the Dutchess County Department of Community & Family Services, where she administers public assistance and protective services for children and adults. Originally from Haiti, where she earned her judicial degree, she also holds a Master’s in Public Health from Johns Hopkins University and a B.A. in Political Science from Trinity College.

With a career spanning international development in Haiti to executive leadership at the Catharine Street Community Center, Sabrina has spent decades advocating for the vulnerable. Her tenure at the County level is marked by a "person-centered" approach, strengthening the workforce to provide holistic case management and fostering deep community partnerships. A past president of the New York State Public Welfare Association and mother of three, Sabrina is fluent in four languages and remains a dedicated advocate for the underserved both locally and in Haiti.

Louise McLoughlin, a former small business owner, is currently the Executive Director of the Dutchess County Workforce Investment Board.  In her previous role, Dr. McLoughlin was the Senior Vice President of Workforce Development at the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce.  Dr. McLoughlin earned her Doctorate Degree in Public Administration from West Chester University.  Louise serves on several Boards in Dutchess County and adjuncts at Marist College and Adelphi University.

Himali Gandhi Pandya is the Executive Director of the Child Care Council of Dutchess and Putnam, Inc., where she leads the organization’s strategic vision to expand access to high-quality, affordable child care. With over 15 years of nonprofit leadership experience, Himali specializes in program development, grant writing, and organizational growth.

Before her current role, she served as Chief Strategy and Development Officer at People USA and Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives at Astor Services for Children and Families. Throughout her career, she has been a catalyst for systems change across the Hudson Valley’s child welfare and early childhood landscapes. A resident of the region with deep civic ties, Himali holds an MPA from Villanova University and is a dedicated advocate for equitable early childhood policy.

Karen Williams is the inaugural Director of Youth Services for the City of Poughkeepsie, where she manages funding for nonprofit extracurricular programs. A champion for innovation, she launched the city’s first youth-led communications series, Preparing Podcast People, and successfully led the Mayor’s first Youth Leadership in Government cohort.

Originally from Kingston, Jamaica, with Cuban heritage, Karen’s career is rooted in advocacy. Motivated by the loss of her brother to violence, she has dedicated her life to being a "voice for the voiceless." Her diverse professional background includes international career facilitation and case management. Karen holds an MPA from Marist College and degrees in Human Services and Education. As a proud immigrant and mother, she embodies the American dream, remaining focused on inspiring the next generation of leaders in Poughkeepsie.Throughout her career Karen has always introduced innovative ideas in whatever she did. During COVID in 2020 Ms. Williams facilitated a virtual international career Day, where people from around the world presented on their career journey (these were individuals from Hungary, Jamaica, and Slovenia). She worked as a case manager assisting clients in obtaining employment which was rewarding. Ms. Williams believes in being positive and having a sense of optimism which is immediately felt by everyone she encounters. Karen has visited many countries and even lived in Ireland. There she started to develop her love for helping people, which stems from her training as a guidance counselor in Jamaica where she earned