Long standing Saranac Lake Civic Center board member and leader Mike Ritchie celebrates at the opening ceremony for the World University Games in 2023. The civic Center was the exclusive host for the curling events at the games. (Photo provided)

SARANAC LAKE — The Saranac Lake Civic Center recently announced the election of its new officers and the addition of two new members to its board of directors. The board now comprises 11 dedicated individuals committed to guiding the future of the civic center.

Newly elected officers include Matt Raymond as treasurer and Ollie Burgess as secretary. Continuing in their leadership roles, Victoria Sturgeon has been re-elected as president and Josh Dann as vice president. All officers began their one-year terms effective Oct. 1.

Raymond, a board member since 2024 and owner of MJ Raymond Construction, steps into the treasurer role, succeeding Nancy Heath, who will remain an active board member.

“As a community business owner, I have been looking to help provide meaningful expertise to an organization that I have roots in,” Raymond said. “As treasurer, I can say that I am confident in the financial health of the Civic Center and will continue to focus on the financial sustainability of the organization.”

Burgess, former board president and owner of Specialty Wood Products, returns to an officer role as secretary after a one-year hiatus as an officer. He previously played a key role in the civic center’s major revitalization/capital campaign and renovation but has remained active throughout.

“I continue to be a dedicated board member to the civic center and want to help with the next phase of the organization,” Burgess said. “The board continues to actively discuss the future of the civic center to help capitalize on the opportunities it has in the community and beyond.”

In addition to officer elections, the civic center board welcomes two new members: Chris Knight — director of communications at North Country Community College, president of the Saranac Lake Youth Baseball and Softball Association, board member of the Saranac Lake Area Chamber of Commerce and project leader for the planned recreational complex project adjacent to the civic center — and Clifford “Cliff” Beairsto, Saranac Lake High School and Clarkson University alumn, retired engineer and former hockey player who played at the civic center under the outgoing board member Mark Gilligan.

The civic center also bids farewell to three long-serving board members: Gilligan and Brian Goetz, both of whom have contributed countless hours and expertise to the board, step down to pursue other endeavors, and Mike Ritchie, a central, beloved figure in the Civic Center’s history, retires after four decades of service.

“While he will no longer be with the civic center, Mike Ritchie’s influence and spirit will remain a lasting presence,” said Matt Wolter, manager of the civic center. “I’ve had the privilege of working with him for four decades, and his mentorship has been truly invaluable.”