Meet the Board
Our CAA Board is made up of a dedicated group of volunteers who give their time, energy, and heart to help bring these events to life. Every event, fundraiser, and community effort is made possible through volunteer work by people who care deeply about this area and want to see it continue to thrive.
Many of our current board members have spent years giving back to this community and, even as some are hoping to retire, they continue showing up because they care so much about keeping these traditions and events going. Their commitment is a true reflection of how much they love this region and the people in it.
We are always looking for new board members who want to get involved, share fresh ideas, and help carry this work into the future. If you are interested in joining the board, please do not hesitate to reach out to any of our members. We would love to welcome you to the team.
Trae Skinner
President
Meet Trae Skinner, CAA’s 2026 President! As the youngest CAA president in... honestly, who even knows how long, Trae has willingly stepped into the role with some pretty big shoes to fill. And around here, that is no small thing. The CAA has been around a long time, so he may very well be one of the youngest presidents we have ever had.
Trae already wears a lot of hats in our community. Alongside his lovely wife, he owns two local businesses, Viking Village and Blue Spruce, giving him a strong connection to both Old Forge and the surrounding area. With ties to Inlet as well, Trae brings a great perspective to the CAA and will be a huge asset as we continue building a stronger connection with our sister community and creating even more opportunities and events across both areas. And if serving as president and handling all of his new “presidential duties” was not enough, you can also find Trae working at the ski shop at McCauley Mountain. Safe to say, he likes to stay busy.
We are excited to see where Trae’s leadership takes the CAA and are so happy to welcome him into this role. We know he is going to bring fresh energy, great ideas, and a strong love for this community to the position.
Laurie Barkauskas
Events Manager
Meet Laurie, our Town Office Events Manager and the one who helps keep us all in line.
Honestly, what would we do without Laurie? She is the person making sure everything gets done, everything stays on track, and somehow that we still have fun while doing it.
Laurie has been our Events Manager for many years, and anyone who knows event planning knows it can be a stressful job with a million moving parts. But Laurie is truly the perfect person for it. She brings experience, organization, patience, and a steady presence that helps keep every event moving from start to finish.
Having been involved in so many of the events herself, Laurie knows exactly what it takes to pull everything together. From helping line up volunteers to being there from setup to takedown, she is always all in. Her hard work behind the scenes plays such a huge role in making our events successful, and it is hard to imagine what they would look like without her.
And somehow, she does all of this while raising four kids, which is nothing short of extraordinary. Her ability to balance so much while continuing to show up for this community says so much about who she is.
We are so lucky to have Laurie and so grateful for everything she does for our events, our volunteers, and our community. She means so much to all of us, and we truly love her.
Dale Heroux
Vice President
Meet Dale Heroux, our Vice President and one of the true do-it-all people of the CAA.
Dale has been on the board for many years, and over that time he has stepped up to the plate in more ways than we can probably count. No matter what needs to get done, Dale is the kind of person you can count on to jump in and make it happen.
From being thrown into all kinds of roles, including a variety of parade characters for Christmas and St. Patrick’s Day, to running meetings, building Christmas sleds, hanging town lights, helping with setup and takedown, and taking on plenty of parking duty, Dale truly does it all. Wherever you put him, he shows up, figures it out, and gets the job done.
One of Dale’s biggest roles has been serving as chair for Snodeo and SnoFest, which is no small task. Those events take a lot of work behind the scenes, and Dale has been such an important part of making them happen year after year.
As our Vice President, Dale is someone this organization leans on constantly, and for good reason. He works hard, steps in wherever needed, and helps carry so much of what CAA does. We truly could not do many of the things this organization does without all of his time, effort, and dedication.
Quite simply, Dale is the best, and we are so lucky to have him.
Amelia Yoder
Assistant VP
We are so happy to have Amelia as part of our board. As one of the younger members of the CAA, she brings fresh energy, strong leadership, great ideas, and a level of organization that makes a real difference.
Amelia has already taken on so much during her time with us and has truly stepped up in her role. She has chaired events like Dad Fest and is now starting to dip her toes into even more, including Oktoberfest and this year’s 4th of July celebration. It has been so exciting to watch her grow, take charge, and become such an important part of the team.
She is also beginning to learn the ins and outs of our books so she can help with that in the future as well, which just shows how willing she is to jump in wherever she is needed. We are hopeful that Amelia’s involvement will also inspire more younger members of the community to get involved and help carry this organization forward.
Great job, Amelia, we are so happy to have you on the team.
Judy Lonergan
Judy Lonergan served as our President for many years, and while she has recently stepped down to focus more on her role on the Town Board and on family, she will always be such a special part of the CAA. We are so happy for her and all she is doing, and we wish her nothing but the best in this next chapter.
We truly hope Judy is still able to share her creativity with us, because we have always loved the way she and her family show up for so many of our events. Judy continues to chair many of them, and her dedication never goes unnoticed. Our biggest event of the year, Adirondack Christmas on Main Street, takes an incredible amount of work, and Judy always steps up to the plate. Without her and her big family, it simply would not be as magical as it is. She has such a special way of bringing ideas to life, and her touch has made that event into something truly unforgettable.
During her time as President, Judy helped bring back Oktoberfest and also created several new events along the way. That is one of the things we love most about the CAA. There is room for creativity, new ideas, and passion, and there is always a team behind you ready to help make it happen.
When she is not volunteering so much of her time to the CAA, Judy is also busy running her local business, Wagging It in the ADK, right on Main Street. Her passion for this community carries through everything she does, and it is clear how much she cares about making Old Forge such a special place.
We are so thankful for Judy. She has such a big heart for this community, and it shines through in everything she does. Judy, we love you so much, and we cannot wait to see all the other wonderful things you continue to bring to this community.
Gary Stabb
Gary is one of those people you can count on at every CAA event from beginning to end. From setup to close down, Gary is always there, jumping in wherever he is needed and helping make sure everything runs smoothly.
He does so much behind the scenes, from selling tickets, folding t-shirts, helping with parking, decorating, putting out chairs, putting chairs away, setting up stages, sound equipment, decorations, lighting, and everything in between. No matter the job, Gary is always willing to help.
Gary has also been the voice of many CAA events over the years, including the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Winter Carnival. He has been on the board for years and has been a huge help chairing and supporting events like SnoFest, Snodeo, and Winter Carnival.
Gary is also a mastermind behind many ideas and often serves as our voice of reason. With years of experience on the board, he has seen how these events come together, how they play out, and what it takes logistically to make them happen.
Gary is an amazing person who gives so much of his time, knowledge, and energy to this community. We are so grateful for everything he does and truly could not do a lot of what we do without him.
Chip Kiefer
When people think of volunteering in Old Forge, many think of Chip. As a past CAA president for many, many years, Chip has given so much of his time, heart, and energy to this community, and that dedication has carried on through his children as well.
Today, Chip continues to chair and help with events like the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Christmas on Main Street, and you can find him at nearly every setup and takedown. Whether he is selling tickets and t-shirts, putting up Christmas lights, parking cars, cleaning up after an event, or jumping in wherever help is needed, Chip is always there.
When he isn’t working with the CAA, you can find Chip at his family’s local souvenir shop, Souvenir Village, selling trinkets, penny candy, t-shirts, and all the classic Old Forge keepsakes visitors love. It is a traditional stop in town and a summer tradition for so many tourists who come back year after year.
So much of what the CAA does would not be possible without volunteers like Chip. We are so grateful for everything he has done and continues to do for Old Forge.
Chloe Down
Chloe is another one of our younger members on the CAA board, and we absolutely love having her involved. She has brought so much enthusiasm, fresh energy, and so many great ideas to the board, and it has been so fun to watch her grow into her role with the CAA.
Over the years, Chloe has chaired events such as the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and has been a huge help with many others, including Oktoberfest, Dad Fest, and Christmas on Main Street. No matter the event, Chloe always shows up ready to help and gives it her all.
She has also done a great job taking notes at many meetings and really learning the ropes of all things CAA, following in her mother’s presidential footsteps. It has been wonderful to see her step into the organization more and more and become such an important part of the team.
Chloe is also a huge help when it comes to volunteering at events, including taking part in many of the Christmas parades each year with her whole family. Her excitement and love for the events she is part of always shine through, and that kind of enthusiasm is such a special thing to have.
We love seeing all the energy Chloe brings to the CAA, and we can’t wait to see what ideas she comes up with for the future.
Dick Bird
When it comes to the Central Adirondack Association, Dick Bird is truly a legend.
As the longest-standing member of the CAA board, Dick has dedicated more years, more heart, and more volunteer hours to this organization than most of us could ever count. In fact, he has likely put in more hours than some of us combined. His commitment to the CAA and to this community has been nothing short of incredible.
Dick has poured his heart into this organization for years, and one event in particular has become especially connected to his name, the Labor Day Weekend Car Raffle and Fireworks. Year after year, Dick has helped make it happen, and he has always done a great job. His dedication, consistency, and care behind the scenes have played a huge part in keeping that tradition going strong.
But Dick’s support of the CAA does not stop there. He is always willing to show up and help however he can, whether that means selling tickets, selling shirts, lending a hand at events, or stepping in wherever needed. That kind of dedication is rare, and it does not go unnoticed.
We are so grateful for Dick and for the many years of service he has given to our organization. His hard work, loyalty, and heart have helped shape the CAA into what it is today.
Thank you, Dick, for your many years of service, dedication, and support of our organization. We truly appreciate all you have done and continue to do.
Sharron Kleps
For many years, Sharron Kleps has brought her fun, enthusiasm, and energy to the CAA.
Sharron is the one who keeps us grounded behind the scenes by handling all of our financials, and that alone is such a huge part of keeping everything running smoothly. Her dedication, organization, and steady support mean more to this team than words can say.
She has also stepped up in a major way with events like Hallowed Forge and the Knot Your Average Boat Parade, helping bring them to life with the same energy and commitment she brings to everything she does.
No matter the task, Sharron always gives her best. She is dependable, hardworking, and always willing to do what it takes to help pull off a successful event. Having someone like Sharron on the team brings not only peace of mind, but also so much heart.
We are incredibly thankful for everything Sharron does for the CAA and for the many ways she continues to support this organization. We are so happy to have her on the team.
Mike Ross
Mike has been a big part of the CAA for many years, chairing events like Dad Fest, Snodeo, and SnoFest and helping make them into the traditions so many people look forward to each year.
One of the things Mike is especially known for is running the Kitty Cat Kids Races at Snodeo. These races have become such a huge hit and have grown tremendously over the years. It is really incredible to see how much they have evolved, from the days when Mike’s own kids were racing to now seeing his grandkids taking part. It is one of those full circle moments that makes these community events feel so special.
The Kitty Cat races have become something people look forward to year after year, with racers and families coming from all over Upstate New York and even farther away to be part of them. So many people remember Mike and the role he has played in making that event what it is, and that says so much about the impact he has had over the years.
Mike also loves being part of the frog jumping competition, another tradition that has come full circle for his family. What started as something his kids enjoyed is now something their kids get to experience too, and that is such a neat thing to see.
We love having Mike as part of the CAA. His years of dedication, the traditions he has helped build, and the memories he has helped create for so many families mean so much to this organization and to the community.
Kurt Gardner
Kurt is such a helpful and valued member to have at CAA meetings. He is artistic, creative, full of ideas, and always brings a strong community-minded perspective to the table. Kurt truly cares about Old Forge and has a great understanding of what is best for the community.
Over the years, Kurt has been a huge help with events like Christmas on Main Street and Winter Carnival, along with setup, takedown, and behind-the-scenes work for many other CAA events. Whether he is sharing ideas, lending a hand, or jumping in wherever he is needed, Kurt is always a great person to have on the team.
He is one of those big-ideas people who helps keep events fresh, creative, and meaningful for the community. We are so lucky to have Kurt as part of the CAA and could not do a lot of what we do without him.
Ximena is such a great member of the CAA board, bringing both a strong personality and incredible artistic talent to the group.
With Ximena, almost anything feels possible. She has taken on many projects over the years, including helping lead one of Old Forge’s most memorable events in 2024, the Total Solar Eclipse celebration. What is usually a slower time of year for town turned into a huge success, with visitors pouring in, many of whom had never even heard of Old Forge before. The event was filled with vendors, telescopes, and space-themed fun, and of course the unforgettable experience of complete darkness in the middle of the day.
Ximena also now plays a big role in chairing Mama’s on Wheels, a brand-new event she created for Mother’s Day. It is a fun, nostalgic event where moms, kids, and dads can rent skates free of charge and enjoy an afternoon that feels like stepping back into the 70s. She has a real gift for bringing fresh ideas to life, attracting new members, and giving so much of her time to the organization.
We truly appreciate all of her volunteer hours and are so happy to have her as part of the CAA board.
Ximena Gardner
Mike Farmer
After volunteering with us for many years, Tracey officially became part of the board, and we couldn’t be happier to have her.
Tracey brings sparkle, shine, and fun to every event she is part of. She has such a warm, welcoming personality, and no matter where she is helping, she always adds something special. She is especially a big part of Christmas on Main Street, where her energy and creativity truly shine.
Having been a teacher at the Town of Webb School for many years, Tracey has a special way with kids that is truly magical. She connects with them so naturally, and that has made her such a perfect fit for many of our family-centered events. She has even stepped into the role of Mrs. Claus and taken on a variety of other characters in the Christmas parades, always bringing them to life with heart and personality.
Tracey is also incredibly artsy and talented when it comes to decorating, which is such a gift to have on our team. From festive touches to creative ideas, she helps make events feel even more special and memorable.
We are so appreciative of all the hours Tracey has dedicated to our events over the years to help keep them going. We love that she is always willing to step up to the plate and bring her personality, creativity, and fun wherever it is needed. Tracey is truly one of those people who makes our events brighter just by being part of them.
Tracey Down
Nolan Ferris
If you’ve been around CAA events for a while, chances are you already know Nolan Ferris, or at the very least, you’ve definitely heard him.
Nolan is one of those people who always shows up ready to help and ready to bring the energy. Around here, he’s known as our resident snowmobile connoisseur and definitely our Ski-Doo guy. When it comes to events like SnoFest and Snodeo, Nolan is a huge part of what helps everything come together. He’s been working with us for years, has built great relationships with manufacturers, and truly knows the ropes inside and out.
He’s the kind of person you want in your corner during event season. He knows the industry, knows the people, and knows how to help get things done. And on top of all that, Nolan also has a great voice for announcing, so honestly, Gary better watch out.
When he’s not helping with CAA events, Nolan and his wife Kim stay plenty busy with their own ventures, including boat rentals and running Stiefvater’s Lakeside Cottages in Inlet, NY. Between business, events, and all the moving parts that come with both, Nolan somehow still manages to show up with a smile and keep the momentum going.
We’re lucky to have people like Nolan who bring not only experience and connections, but also so much personality and enthusiasm to the events and community we all love.
If there’s one thing Zoe knows, it’s how to bring the fun.
After spending years and years at Enchanted Forest Water Safari, she definitely knows where the fun never stops, and she brings that same energy straight to our CAA team. Zoe has a way of making every event feel a little more exciting, a little more special, and a lot more memorable.
She has especially taken Winter Carnival under her wing, helping make it an even more magical experience for everyone who comes out to enjoy it. Her creativity, enthusiasm, and willingness to jump in wherever needed have made such a difference.
Zoe has also helped with events like Dad Fest and Christmas on Main Street, and no matter the event, she is always ready to lend a hand. Whether she’s selling tickets, helping with shirts, or stepping in wherever extra help is needed, Zoe is someone we know we can count on.
The many volunteer hours she has given to the CAA have certainly not gone unnoticed. We are so thankful for all the time, energy, and heart she pours into the events she helps with. Zoe’s enthusiasm is contagious, and her genuine love for being involved shines through in everything she does.
We are incredibly grateful for Zoe and all she brings to the CAA. Her positive spirit, strong work ethic, and heart for community events mean so much, and we truly appreciate every event she does with us.
Zoe Gosnell
Mike is a great person to have on our team.
As the town’s tourism person, he brings so much insight and knowledge to the table when it comes to local events, visitors, and what helps keep Old Forge moving.
He has been around these events for a long time, so he knows the ins and outs, the traditions, and how everything comes together.
He knows how things roll in Old Forge and helps keep those traditions going. He is also a great reporter of local events, always showing up, taking photos, sharing what is happening, and helping spread the word so more people come out and support the community. He has been a big help with events like Christmas on Main Street and Winter Carnival, along with many other town events throughout the year. Whether he is offering insight, helping with media, or capturing the moments that make these events special, Mike is such an important part of the team.
We are lucky to have Mike involved and appreciate everything he does to help promote Old Forge and support the events that bring our community together!