Andrew Foster (Provided photo)

SARANAC LAKE — The Adirondack North Country Association has announced that Andrew P. Foster, a retired attorney who specializes in environmental law, has joined its board of directors.

Foster’s extensive experience with environmental and energy-related issues will help advance the regional economic nonprofit group’s work developing and implementing programs in clean energy, local food, small business, and equity and inclusion across New York’s North Country region.

Foster resides in the St. Lawrence County town of Piercefield, where he and his wife relocated in 2020 after they both retired. Before retirement, Foster served as partner in the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, office of the national law firm Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP. He was elected by the ANCA board at its quarterly meeting in Wilmington on June 9.

“The Board is thrilled to welcome Andrew Foster as a new director during this unprecedented time of growth and opportunity for our region’s clean energy economy,” ANCA board President Kelly Chezum said in a news release. “In addition to his enthusiasm for advancing the region’s quality of life for residents and visitors alike, his insights and experience with environmental issues and their broader implications for our region’s businesses and communities will be invaluable to ANCA’s work in entrepreneurship and clean energy. We look forward to working together to advance ANCA’s efforts that address cross-sector issues like climate justice, workforce development, business resilience, and diversity, equity and inclusion.”

“ANCA has an amazing track record of success supporting North County sustainable economic development and building community opportunities,” Foster said in the release. “I’m both honored and excited to join ANCA’s board, and I look forward to supporting the organization’s great staff and programs.”

Foster earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut, and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of California, Berkeley’s School of Law, where he served as an executive editor of the Ecology Law Quarterly journal. At Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath, Foster practiced as a member of both the Environment & Energy and Litigation groups, representing clients in complex lawsuits, business disputes and a wide range of environmental matters.

Foster has also served as an adjunct professor of environmental law and policy at the University of Pennsylvania, co-chair of the Philadelphia Environmental Law Committee, and with other law and environmental organizations. He is active with North Country communities through engagement with AARP-VITA volunteer tax preparation services in Tupper Lake, The Wild Center, the Tupper Lake Community Garden and as a trained energy navigator supporting the North Country Clean Energy Hub. The Hub is a new New York State Energy Research and Development Authority program that provides energy-efficiency and clean energy resources to New York residents and businesses. ANCA oversees the regional Hub for the North Country.

“ANCA is excited to have Andy on our board, as he already has such a strong relationship with the organization through our clean energy initiatives,” ANCA Executive Director Elizabeth Cooper said in the release. “Our staff has turned to Andy over the last several years to plan and collaborate on projects that increase renewable energy opportunities in our region, including clean transportation infrastructure expansion and public outreach about residential energy programs. We look forward to working more closely with Andy to develop these and other initiatives in the years ahead.”