Staff & Leadership
Behind every strong chamber is a team of dedicated professionals, community leaders, and passionate volunteers working together to support local businesses and strengthen the region. Our Chamber's leadership is made up of staff members, a volunteer board of directors, engaged committees, and community volunteers who all share a common goal: fostering a thriving business environment and vibrant community.
Together, this network of leadership ensures that the Chamber remains responsive, forward-thinking, and deeply connected to the businesses and communities we serve.
Chamber Staff
Our Chamber staff manage day-to-day operations, develop programs, and serve as a direct resource for members. The Board of Directors provides strategic guidance and oversight, helping to shape the Chamber’s long-term vision and priorities. Through our committees, business leaders and community members collaborate on initiatives, events, and programs that benefit our membership and region.
JEFF SHIPLEY
President and CEO
jshipley@discoverseneca.com
SAMANTHA MASLYN
Director of Communications & Digital Media
smaslyn@discoverseneca.com
DEB ROBINSON
Executive Assistant/Health Insurance
drobinson@discoverseneca.com
PAT ABBOTT
Visitor Center Coordinator
pabbott@discoverseneca.com
CASEY BOUCH
Partner Engagement Manager
cbouch@discoverseneca.com
KATHY PETERS
Visitor Information Specialist
JEANETTE FRATTO
Visitor Center Coordinator
Chamber Board Members
The government of the Seneca County Chamber of Commerce is vested in a Board of Directors composed of up to fifteen (15) Directors. Duly elected officers of the corporation shall also be directors elected from the Board membership. These Directors shall hold office for terms of three (3) years, with minimum of a one-year absence after the second consecutive term.
Any individual(s) from an active member of the Chamber (in good standing) shall be considered eligible to serve on the Board of Directors. A nominating committee is formed each year to solicit interested candidates. Once nominated, an election is held within the Chamber membership and the highest vote totals (including write-ins) are confirmed.
On any given matter, the statement of policy approved by the Board of Directors shall become the official position of the Seneca County Chamber of Commerce until it is revised, amended, or supplemented.
MELISSA NESBIT
Board Chair
Director / Seneca Housing Inc.
MARK BENJAMIN
Vice Chair
Seneca Meadows
DIANE JANES
Treasurer
Branch Manager / Community Bank N.A.
JENNIFER PORTEN
LNB
SARAH DAVIS
Executive Director / Seneca County IDA
KAITLYN FRANZONE
Vice President / Ciccino's Pizzeria & Restaurant
KEVIN SESSLER
Sessler Companies
MATT INGOLD
del Lago Resort & Casino
BOB HAYSSEN
Supervisor / Town of Varick
MIKE D'ANGELO
CFCU
CARL CHENEY
Director of Non-Gaming Operations / Cayuga Nation Enterprises
DANIEL DENNIS
Owner / Just Breathe Finger Lakes
SARA GIACCHINO
Owner / Get Red-y Vacations
SHERYL PUYALRA
Owner / Temperance FLX & Elements on Van Cleef
Committees
Chamber committees provide a valuable service to the organization and offer membership partners with dynamic leadership opportunities.
Membership Committee
Staff Liaison: Casey Bouch, cbouch@discoverseneca.com
Committee Meeting Date: First Monday of Every Month at noon
The Membership Committee is focused on promoting Chamber membership, programs, benefits and services. Committee volunteers take an active role in mentoring new members as well as being a conduit for advancing policies and programs to better serve the local community.
Tourism Committee
Staff Liaison: Samantha Goodman, smaslyn@discoverseneca.com
Committee Meeting Date: Last Thursday of Every Month at noon
The Tourism Committee comprises of representatives from tourism businesses in the Chamber community. Committee volunteers have direct input on the Chamber’s Tourism marketing efforts to help promote the area as a world-class visitor destination.
Public Policy Committee
Staff Liaison: Jeff Shipley, jshipley@senecachamber.org
Committee Meeting Date: First Wednesday of Every Month at noon
This Public Policy Committee meets to identify and analyze issues impacting the Finger Lakes Gateway region and the local business community; take advocacy positions on those issues and communicate the committee’s viewpoint to the Board of Directors.
Volunteers
Finally, our volunteers play a vital role by lending their time, talents, and enthusiasm to support Chamber activities and events throughout the year. Volunteers are at the heart of everything we do. Their time, energy, and enthusiasm help bring our events, programs, and initiatives to life while strengthening connections across our business community.
From assisting at signature events like our Annual Dinner, Golf Tournament, and Membership BBQ, to supporting behind-the-scenes efforts throughout the year, volunteers play a key role in creating meaningful experiences for our members and guests. Whether you’re helping with event setup, greeting attendees, or contributing your skills in a hands-on way, there are opportunities for everyone to get involved.
In addition to events, we welcome individuals who are interested in making a deeper impact by joining one of our Chamber committees. Committees provide a chance to collaborate with fellow professionals, share ideas, and help shape programs and initiatives that benefit the entire community.
Volunteering with the Chamber is a great way to build relationships, give back, and be part of something bigger. Explore the opportunities below to learn how you can get involved.
