Linda Hillman

Linda Hillman is the President of the Rensselaer County Regional Chamber of Commerce, a position she has held since July 2001. She serves as the chief executive officer of the Chamber and is responsible for developing programs and working with the Board of Directors, Executive Committee and community businesses and organizations.

Under her leadership, in 2006 the Chamber was named as "One of the Top Three Chambers" of its size in the nation by the American Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE). The award, which is the highest achievement in the membership development profession, recognizes an organization's excellence in financial performance, member programs and internal operations and the organizational mission.

Linda oversees the Chamber membership, member benefits, finance, strategic planning, economic development initiatives and coordinates activities for a staff of seven. Under her leadership, the Chamber has increased its budget revenue by 137% (to $1 million) and increased its member retention rate by 7%, which is 3% above the national average. The Chamber has increased its total membership by 17% to more than 1,200 members.

Prior to joining the Rensselaer County Regional Chamber, Linda was Vice President of Public Relations/Marketing & Sales for Empire Corporate Federal Credit Union. In addition to her public relations and marketing responsibilities, she directed a four-state corporate sales force.

Previously, Linda served as the Vice President of Membership at the Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber of Commerce. Under her direction, Chamber membership grew 70%, totaling more than 2,800 members.

Linda's extensive community service includes serving on the Key Bank Advisory Board, a board member of the Arts Center of the Capital Region, Troy 2020, member of the Business Alliance for Tech Valley High School and Forum for Executive Women of the Capital Region. In addition she is a founding member of the Tech Valley Chamber Alliance and past Board member of the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York, March of Dimes, Chamber Alliance of New York State and the National Association of Membership Development. She has also volunteered with WMHT's Great TV Auction, the Albany Institute of History & Art, and the American Cancer Society.

Linda is a graduate of the University at Albany. She is also a 1996 graduate of the Capital Leadership program.

Doreen Ercolano

Doreen Ercolano, owner of Quill & Ink Publishing in Castleton, New York, is a consultant to the Chamber, assisting the organization in producing its membership publications. Doreen is editor of the Chamber's monthly newsletter, insight, and is a contributing editor and writer for the annual Membership Directory and Quality of Life Resource Guide. She is also editor of the Chamber's quarterly economic development and tourism newsletter.

A graduate of the State University at Plattsburgh, Doreen has more than 20 years' experience in newspaper journalism and professional writing. She has been a consultant to the Chamber since 1991.

Brenda Ladd

Brenda Ladd is President of Northeast Show Promoters, located in Latham, New York. A member of the Rensselaer County Regional Chamber of Commerce since 2001, Brenda has served as the Stroll Coordinator since 2003. Her main responsibilities include booking entertainment, securing participating businesses, soliciting food vendors, overseeing the Window Decorating Event, program, advertising, marketing, budget and liaison with sponsors and media.

Founded in 1990, Northeast Show Promoters is an event production company specializing in festivals, consumer shows, trade shows and conferences. Brenda has worked with a variety of groups and organizations, ranging from non-profit organizations to private business to local government.

Kate Ollier

Kate joined the Chamber team in 2009 and is responsible for managing all member programs and special events. In addition, she assists in various marketing and communications efforts including the Chamber's monthly newsletter, marketing collateral, website maintenance, and member communications.

Kate graduated from Siena College with a B.A in English and a concentration in writing and philosophy. She is a member of Women in Development of Northeastern New York. In her free time, Kate choreographs and instructs dance to children ages 3 to 18 at a studio in Delmar, New York.

Ryan Silva

Ryan Silva joined the Rensselaer County Regional Chamber of Commerce in February 2004 as Membership Manager and was promoted in 2007 to Membership Director. In August of 2008, he was promoted to the position of Director of Business Development for the Chamber's newly created Economic Development Partnership (EDP). In 2012, Ryan was promoted to his current position of Director of Economic Development and Government Affairs.

Through the EDP, Ryan's primary goal is to retain businesses in Rensselaer County by reaching out to provide professional direction and resources that answer their needs. Ryan assists companies with expansion planning, writing and evaluating business plans, directing them to financing options, and navigating government regulatory assistance. In addition, Ryan administers the Chamber's entrepreneurial training program SmartUp.

In his membership development role, Ryan was recognized with the Lifetime Achievement Bronze Level Award from the American Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE). In addition, he also had an instrumental role in the Rensselaer County Regional Chamber of Commerce qualifying as "One of the Top Three Chambers in the Nation" for Membership Development and Program Excellence for 2006-07.

Ryan also currently sits on the Board of Associates for The College of Saint Rose. He is actively involved with the Chamber's Economic Government and Affairs Committee, as well as the Education Committee. He also recently joined the Rensselaer County Business Services team as an active member. He graduated from St. Rose in 2003 with a BA in Public Communications, and concentration in History and Political Science.