PLATTSBURGH — Essex County Republican Chairman John Gereau has been elected as vice-chairman for the North Country region of the state Republican Party.

“I’m pleased to announce Essex County Republican Chairman John Gereau has been elected as the New York GOP’s North Country regional vice-chairman,” New York State Republican Party Chairman Nick Langworthy, said in a news release.

“The North Country is in John’s veins and there is no one more dedicated to seeing it thrive under strong Republican leadership. He understands the values and the needs of the people of this region and will be an important partner in ensuring that we elect the best Republican candidates up and down the ballot.”

Gereau said he was proud to serve Langworthy’s administration.

“I was raised in the North Country and raised my own children here; I know how special this region is and how important it is that our elected leaders represent our interests,” he said.

“From ensuring our great Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-Schuylerville) is re-elected to our important state and local elections, I look forward to working with our new Chairman Nick Langworthy to grow and strengthen the Republican Party here.”

Gereau is a native of the Adirondack region whose father was raised in the mining town of Tahawus in Essex County. He was a longtime award-winning newspaper journalist and managing editor covering regional and state government issues affecting the North Country for 25 years, and currently serves as the director of operations and marketing for Essex County’s largest employer, Mountain Lake Services.

Gereau also served as an infantryman with the 10th Mountain Division of the New York Army National Guard. He is an avid outdoorsman who has written an outdoor themed column for many years and served as an officer of the New York State Outdoor Writers Association.

He has also guided fishermen both on Lake Champlain as well as numerous backcountry ponds and holds a 100-ton captain’s license and a New York State Leashed Tracking Dog License.

He lives in Westport with his wife, Kathi, who serves in the Essex County Public Defender’s Office.