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Meet the Staff

Our Chamber prides itself on excellent customer service for all its members. Our knowledgeable team is here to answer your questions and serve your business needs.

Meet The Staff

Norris Pearson, President / CEO

Norris joined the Chamber in March of 2023. He brings decades of experience as a community connector with expertise in convening a diverse set of stakeholders to advance a common goal. He worked at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute for 29 years. For 23 of those years at RPI, he managed The Houston Field House and oversaw event staffing, box office operations, public safety, and emergency services associated with events. He has a passion for our business community and region. Norris has been involved with the Chamber for many years and was a member of the inaugural class of the Leadership Institute in 2006. His high level of energy positions this organization well for growing our membership and expanding programming.

Norris received his bachelor’s from Susquehanna University and his master’s from Shippensburg University. Norris is extremely involved in the community, he is a member of the Capital Region YMCA Board of Directors, a founding member of the Frear Park Conservancy, an active parishioner at St. John’s Episcopal Church, and a past board member of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. He and his wife, Marguerite Pearson, who is the senior director of marketing and communications at the Mohawk-Hudson Humane Society, have lived in the Capital Region since 1990 and have four cats whom they refer to as the Troy Boys. Norris is an active runner and has completed 41 marathons.

 

Lucas Terwilliger, Vice President

Lucas joined the Chamber in June of 2023. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience from running his event promotions and celebrity/athlete services business. He conceptualizes, executes, and promotes programming and events that serve all Chamber members. In addition to this, he developed the Chamber’s 2025 budget, worked as part of the leadership team to finalize the strategic plan for the next 3 years, is responsible for overseeing marketing and communications efforts, serving as the primary fundraiser, and working with staff to improve efficiencies and implement cost-saving measures.

Lucas graduated from Scotia Glenville High School in 2017 and is pursuing a degree in business administration. Outside of his role at the Chamber, Lucas likes to spend time with his family, friends and dog Benji. He is active and enjoys outdoor activities, attending concerts, volunteering with various non-profits, and eating throughout the Capital Region.

Adam Traver, Membership Manager

Adam joined the Chamber in May of 2026. He brings more than 20 years of experience leading integrated marketing strategy and implementation across a variety of industries and organizations, including Disney on Ice, RPI, Fidelis Care, Mohawk Lifts, Excelsior University, and many others. Throughout his career, Adam has helped drive growth for large corporations, smaller family-owned businesses, and the clients he has served. He is also passionate about empowering those around him through mentorship, collaboration, idea sharing, and professional development. As Membership Manager, Adam focuses on new member recruitment and engaging the Chamber’s existing membership. His personable approach, marketing expertise, and professionalism make him a great fit for the role.

Adam is a 2000 graduate of Ithaca College and a lifelong Capital Region resident and RPI Hockey fan. Outside of the Chamber, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Michelle, their three daughters, Melody, Abby, and Maisey, and their two goldendoodles, Gord and Angie. He is a busy dad who wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.

Andrea Saucedo, Marketing, Communications, and Events Specialist

Andrea joined the Chamber in January of 2026. She started with the Chamber as a Programs and Marketing Intern in September 2025 before transitioning into her current role. Andrea completed two marketing internships prior to the Chamber. During her internship with the Chamber, she focused on marketing for the Troy Victorian Stroll and launched the Chamber’s TikTok page. She now supports marketing efforts, social media engagement, and event promotion.

Andrea graduated from Siena University in December 2025 with a bachelor's in marketing–communications. A fun fact about Andrea is that she is tri-lingual, speaking English, Spanish, and French. When she is not working, she enjoys traveling, running, and staying active at the gym.

Aleksandra Hitchcock, Member Relations & Strategic Initiatives Analyst

Aleksandra joined the Chamber in January of 2026. She brings valuable marketing experience from both a marketing agency and the health-tech segment of a global organization, gaining experience across both B2C and B2B marketing initiatives. Aleksandra supports the Chamber’s marketing and sales efforts and is enthusiastic about contributing her skills to advance the organization’s goals.

Aleksandra earned her bachelor's in business management with a concentration in economics from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and is currently pursuing her MBA with a concentration in marketing analytics at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. When Aleksandra is not working or attending classes, she enjoys staying active by walking, running, and swimming.

Emily Burdikoff, Administrative Professional

Emily joined the Chamber in June of 2025. She started with us after graduating from the Hudson Valley Community College Honor’s College with an associate’s degree in digital media. Emily’s creativity and innovation are what drive her positive attitude everyday at the Chamber. She is responsible for greeting our members, answering the phone, keeping up to date with collections, and providing support at events and any other tasks as necessary.

Emily is currently a full-time student pursuing a bachelor’s degree in communications on a digital marketing track at Siena University. When Emily is not at work or in class, she enjoys photography, cuddling with her kittens, hanging out with family and going to late night Rock N Bowl.

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