CORNING PLACE COMMUNICATIONS - Key Persons

Job Titles:

• Public Relations Strategist at CPC

Anthony Kownack joins Corning Place Communications (CPC) with a background in communications and public relations, and following more than three years managing communications efforts at an Albany-based government relations firm. In his previous role, Anthony tracked media activity across all platforms to keep clients informed in a constantly changing governmental, business, political, and social climate. He regularly attended press conferences of interest and assisted in media operations for an array of clients. Anthony also assisted in drafting public relations pieces such as press releases, press statements, media advisories, and regional media contact lists. In 2018-2019, Anthony interned for Baker Public Relations where he analyzed client media coverage, drafted media narratives for current clients, briefed account executives and provided strategic media advice for clients. He also volunteers with the Capital Region Sponsor-A-Scholar College Success program (518 ElevatED) and serves on the fundraising committee for the South End Children's Cafe in Albany. As Public Relations Strategist at CPC, Anthony will monitor and identify client issues and opportunities, and support the implementation of grassroots and public affairs campaigns. Anthony graduated from The College of Saint Rose with a BA in Communications with a concentration in Public Relations, and a minor in Marketing.

Job Titles:

• Digital Media Specialist

Bridgette Alesci joins Corning Place Communications (CPC) with a wealth of experience creating dynamic digital campaigns for companies, associations and coalitions, particularly in the areas of healthcare, education and advocacy. She's highly skilled in social media management, graphic design, web design, ad development, and more. She has a deep understanding of using creative visual design to convey complex ideas and concepts. Bridgette provides a unique perspective and has an understanding of various industries having worked and interned at non-profit organizations such as the NYS Community Action Association and the Northeast Charter Schools Network. Bridgette holds a Bachelor's degree in Communications and Fine Art from SUNY Albany where she graduated Summa Cum Laude.

Job Titles:

• Communications Specialist

Dan Hinckley joins the CPC team with a background in production and marketing strategy. For the last two years, Dan served as producer and on-air host for ‘The Drive' on 104.5 the Team, ESPN Radio. Dan produced station imaging, local advertising and promotional spots as well as co-hosted an afternoon talk-show and served as the station's traffic reporter. During his talk show, he interviewed several former athletes and major sports reporters including Doc Gooden, Buster Olney, and Tim Kurkjian. In 2019-2020, Dan served as Multimedia Strategist for the Albany Business Review where he developed client marketing strategies. Dan graduated from Ithaca College with a bachelor's degree in History and studied in New Zealand for a semester.

Job Titles:

• Managing Director

Joshua Poupore, APR serves as Managing Director at Corning Place Communications (CPC). At CPC Josh leads public affairs campaigns for clients in healthcare, tech, organized labor and higher education. Before joining CPC in 2015, Josh spent five years with the New York State Dental Association where he oversaw the communications and marketing efforts for the 13,000-member professional association. Prior to that, he spent eight years at Harvard University in the Public Affairs and Communications office where he managed communications for several different divisions including the Office for Sustainability, and the Office of Community and Government Affairs. Josh holds a bachelor's degree in English Literature from Elmira College, as well as a Master of Liberal Arts in Extension Studies degree with a concentration in Journalism from Harvard University. He is an active and involved PRSA member having held a variety of positions including President, Treasurer, APR Chair, and Ethics Chair. He currently serves on the PRSA National Board of Directors Josh is also active in the Empire State Society of Association Executives and is a frequent speaker on topics including media relations, public affairs and digital advocacy.

Job Titles:

• Senior Digital Media Producer

Nicole Stachnick brings 10 years of marketing and video production experience to Corning Place Communications. Prior to joining Corning Place, Nicole worked for Filmworks 109, where she served as Creative Director. In that role, she assisted clients in pre-production, production, and editing of video and photography to augment digital marketing efforts. Prior to that, she worked has worked at marketing and PR firms in the Capital Region, where she worked alongside clients to develop marketing campaigns. She specializes in video production, print and web design, online advertising, social media and digital marketing. Nicole holds a Bachelor's degree in Meteorology from SUNY Brockport, as well as a Master of Fine Arts in Film and Digital Technology from Chatham University. She has previously served on the Schenectady Film Commission.

Job Titles:

• Executive Vice President
• Managing Director

Paul Larrabee, APR has led Corning Place Communications since 2011 following a 22-year career in state government. During that time, Paul served three Governors, an Attorney General and the state Assembly leadership as a senior communications strategist and spokesman. His appointments included positions such as First Deputy Commissioner for the Office of General Services (OGS) and Deputy Press Secretary to the Governor. He holds a bachelor's degree in Economics from the State University of New York at Albany. In addition to his work at CPC, Larrabee is an adjunct faculty member of Albany Law School's graduate program, and remains active in various community, civic and professional groups. His service includes leadership roles as past-president of the Public Relations Consultants Group - and is a member of its board of directors; multiple terms as National Assembly Delegate to the Public Relations Society of America; and Trustee for the St. Vincent DePaul Parish. In 2020, 2021 and 2022, he was honored by City & State Magazine as one of New York State's the PR Power 50; and in 2015 named outstanding communications practitioner by the PRSA Capital Region. He heads Corning Place's team of communications professionals.

Job Titles:

• Senior Public Relations Strategist

Sam Torrey comes to Corning Place Communications with decade of experience in the areas of communications and state government. Prior to joining Corning Place, Sam held the position of Chief of Staff for a member of the New York State Assembly Minority, where she oversaw day-to-day communications, legislative and district needs. Earlier in her professional tenure, Sam served as a Senior Press Coordinator for the New York State Assembly Minority and a Public Affairs Coordinator for a Capital Region Public Relations firm. These various positions have helped her to obtain a better understanding of important statewide issues and the impact messaging can have from the perspective of both a legislator and a stakeholder. Sam holds a Bachelor's degree in Communications, with a minor in Public Relations, from SUNY Oneonta. She is a member of the board for Girls on the Run Capital Region, where she currently serves as Board Vice Chair.