Peter Sinagra has assumed the role, effective July 10, bringing over 30 years of experience to the institutions.

Sinagra most recently served as the Executive Director of the Kaleida Health Foundation, the largest healthcare system in Western New York.

Prior to his involvement in the healthcare field, Sinagra worked in professional sports as a director of sales and marketing. He earned a World Series ring with the New York Mets and a Super Bowl ring with the New England Patriots, according to a press release.

Sinagra then made the switch to higher education, becoming the Director of Athletic Development and Major Gift Officer at Niagara University.

“I look forward to generating community support and contributing to the ‘North Country Strong’ movement,” Sinagra said in the release.

Claxton-Hepburn also announced the hiring of Kyle Westlake to serve as the organization’s Executive Director of Marketing and Public Relations, effective July 10.

Westlake is a graduate of Jefferson Community College and SUNY Potsdam with over eight years experience in marketing and public relations, with specializations in web development, advertising, graphic design, search engine optimization and project management.

He has worked in a number of industries, designing comprehensive marketing strategies.

“I’m excited to be back in the North Country and contributing to the community that gave me so much,” he said in a press release.