John Walker (Provided photo)

SARANAC LAKE — The Adirondack North Country Association Board of Directors has announced the addition of the newest member to the regional nonprofit’s leadership team. John Walker, owner of a New York City-based marketing firm, will bring extensive marketing and strategic leadership experience to ANCA, an economic development organization that serves 14 counties in northern New York.

Walker’s nomination was unanimously approved by the ANCA Board of Directors on Dec. 12 at its quarterly meeting, which was held virtually. He will begin his term at their next meeting on March 13.

“We are pleased to welcome John to the ANCA Board of Directors,” Board President Kelly Chezum said in a press release. “John brings an incredible marketing background and a deep appreciation for the people, small towns, and businesses that make the Adirondack North Country thrive. His experience and perspective will support the mission in ANCA’s new strategic plan, Building Shared Prosperity, helping to amplify our work, strengthen our partnerships, and extend the reach of our board and staff. We are excited to have him join us in advancing opportunity and resilience across the region.”

Walker serves as principal at his firm, J. Walker Marketing, where he helps clients build digital marketing skills and awareness and expand their businesses through strategic online communications. He has worked in advertising and marketing for over 30 years as an advertising agency owner, marketing director and consultant in Lancaster, Pennsylvania and New York City. He also served as board chair of Touchstone Foundation, a nonprofit that serves youth in Lancaster County, where he worked to rebrand the organization and improve strategic planning engagement.

Walker has strong ties to the Adirondack region, having lived in Long Lake as a child. He spends time every year in the Long Lake area, where he enjoys hiking and fly fishing.

“The Adirondacks mean so much to me, so I want to contribute in some small way to building prosperity there,” he said in the press release. “That’s the work that ANCA does, and I’m thrilled to be part of it.”

Walker holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Middlebury College and a graduate certificate in Strategic Management from Georgetown University. He lives in the Hudson Heights neighborhood of Manhattan with his wife Susan.

“We are thrilled to welcome John to our board. His deep understanding of marketing strategies comes at a pivotal time for ANCA as we focus on the goals we set for the organization in our new strategic plan,” ANCA Executive Director Elizabeth Cooper said in the release. “Among these, we aim to share more stories that demonstrate the impact of our work with local businesses and communities and attract more resources to the region. John’s insights will help accelerate our vision for an equitable economy and strengthen our relationships with new and existing audiences.”

Walker joins the board as ANCA tackles goals set out in its 2026-2028 strategic plan, which was launched in January. The three-year plan defines the nonprofit’s mission, vision, main pillars of programmatic focus and strategic goals. Each of these goals — providing resource navigation and empowerment; cultivating regional networks; generating economic and community solutions; building sustainable capacity; and shaping region-boosting narratives — are all aimed at building shared prosperity for North Country residents, businesses and communities. The strategic plan can be viewed at bit.ly/ANCA-2026-plan.