WGY's CEOs You Should Know

By: News Radio 810 and 103.1 WGY (WGY-AM)
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  • Summary

  • Capital Region CEOs you should know.
    Copyright News Radio 810 and 103.1 WGY (WGY-AM)
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Economics
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Episodes
  • Chris Spraragen President and CEO of Schenectady Heating & Electric

    Chris Spraragen President and CEO of Schenectady Heating & Electric
    Dec 19 2023
    Born and raised in Schenectady, Chris Spraragen is the fourth generation President and CEO of Schenectady Hardware & Electric (SH&E), a company his great-grandfather started exactly 100 years ago as of this year. As one of the first electrical engineers in the area, his great-grandfather used his skills to modernize the Capital Region by changing all the gas lights to electrical lights in the 1920's.Chris looks back on his childhood fondly, remembering the times his father would tell him about the family business. He first began working at SH&E as a summer helper in his youth, then an assistant project manager in his sophomore year of college. He started in the finance department, but continued to grow and learn about the industry from his father and coworkers. Despite coming from a long line of CEO’s, his father never pressured him into taking over the company, and yet, he took on that responsibility when his father passed away in 2008. Chris explains that even though Schenectady Hardware & Electric has been around for quite some time, their principles remain the same, while their projects continue to grow and develop. With a large local presence, Chris states, “Our fingerprints are all over the Capital Region”. It’s no surprise that with approximately 100 hard working employees, top of the line projects, and competitive pricing, SH&E remains one of the most relevant businesses in the area.While the business typically works within the North Eastern part of New York State, Chris foresees a future where SH&E increases its footprint to help lend their expertise to even more Americans with hardware or electrical problems. Chris Spraragen is a CEO you should know.
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    11 mins
  • Sgt. Lenny Ricchiuti - Albany Police Athletic League's Executive Director

    Sgt. Lenny Ricchiuti - Albany Police Athletic League's Executive Director
    Nov 28 2023
    Having dedicated 27 years of service to the Albany Police Department, retired Sergeant Lenny Ricchiuti has made quite an impact on his community, most notably in the area he was raised-- Albany's South End. Since his retirement, Lenny has become the Albany Police Athletic League's (PAL) Executive Director. An affiliate of the National Association of Police Athletic Leagues, Albany saw this nonprofit's inception in 1988. Its mission now is the same as it was then: "The Albany Police Athletic League (PAL), Inc., builds partnerships among youth, police and community through collaborative programs designed to encourage and develop good citizenship, healthy lifestyles and improve the quality of life in Albany, New York". Lenny's involvement with the organization has lasted over 30 years, the majority of which in a leadership capacity.Below is an excerpt from Lenny's nomination for the FBI Directors Community Leadership Award, submitted by Director Wray. Lenny received the award this past May at the FBI National Headquarters:"Lenny’s leadership as a volunteer at those first few PAL events in 1988 were crucial to the early success and are as important today whether raising funds or awareness, managing the daily operations or working with a child during an after-school enrichment program. Currently Albany PAL serves more than 2000 youth annually with a wide range of recreational, educational, social and athletic programs and has approximately 500 youth participating in weekly after school enrichment programming. Enrollment is drawn from every socio-economic demographic and finances will never dictate a child being accepted... Each and every program participant finds a safe non-judgmental space and a program that nurtures and teaches. There is trust that is built between child and mentor. A tool kit is constantly replenished to allow each child to reach their fullest potential, understanding that the adults they interact with [are] totally committed to them."Building community relations and mutual respect between law enforcement and the community is one of Lenny's top goals as Executive Director. As one of the only people who's been with the organization since 1988, Lenny has seen many a mentee grow up to become a mentor. The nonprofit has come a long way since its first event at Bleeker stadium, an Olympic style field day that saw 400 kids and 90 officers. Now, PAL has 8 locations in Albany, and only continues to grow. To keep up with the ever-changing trends and interests of kids, PAL's programs center around various topics such as Robotics, Legos, STEM activities, crime scene analysis/other police work, chess club, STEP teams, cosmetology programs, etc. And if there is a program a child is interested in that they don't offer, they work hard to make it happen. Their library is currently full of 2000 books to help cultivate an enriching learning experience for the youth, and during their Christmas program PAL provides a book and a stocking stuffer to each child in the program. Lenny has a great appreciation for the financial support the organization receives from the community, which helps keep PAL's services accessible for kids in need.Lenny has pride watching his community continue to grow and flourish and wants to continue to foster a positive connection between law enforcement and local families. As an active member of his community since his youth, he stresses the importance of service not only to the community but also for the individual. "There is nothing more rewarding than that feeling you get from a full heart and a full mind knowing you were able to impact a life and/or community", he says.10 years from now, he sees PAL staying in "growth mode". Based on the organization's track record and all the new opportunities that continue to present themselves, he foresees even more community engagement not just from cops but also local parents and other volunteers. He is always planning for the future and is even working on a job description for an assistant director position. His goal is the same as it ever was: to positively impact new lives.For more info, visit AlbanyPAL.org. If you want to contact Lenny, you can email him at programs@albanypal.org or call (518)435-0392. As Lenny says, "Every kid needs a pal. Before kids can go places, they need places to go."Lenny Ricchiuti is a CEO you should know.
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    17 mins
  • David Brown CEO and President of Capital Region YMCA

    David Brown CEO and President of Capital Region YMCA
    Oct 18 2023
    In his youth, David Brown spent his time learning how to swim at his local YMCA. Then, as a teenager, David started working at the YMCA as a janitor and health club attendant, scrubbing down the showers, cleaning equipment, etc.Once he graduated from Roberts Wesleyan University in Rochester, he began looking for a job. Fortunately for him, his neighbor was the CEO of the YMCA where he grew up and helped refer him to a YMCA in Rochester that had an opening for a Youth Director, a position he immediately fell in love with.He enjoyed working at the YMCA, not only for the membership but also for the camaraderie he found working in after-school programs, summer camps, and other YMCA experiences. These activities were a blast, but he soon realized the fun wasn't the only purpose of the organization. In short, David explains that the Y is for "youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility". There are numerous programs they offer that aim to help strengthen the community from all perspectives, whether it be by offering childcare services, leadership development programs, or other helpful services for the Capital Region.David's work in the community makes it obvious that the YMCA is a necessary organization for the well-being of locals. Recently, they have helped set up housing for 165 men in Schenectady, and for 65 seniors. Some community issues the Capital Region YMCA assists with include food insecurity; diversity, equity, and inclusion; helping new immigrants assimilate, and not to mention giving them supplies and resources to help ease their transition. For David, it is extremely rewarding to see the difference they make, especially considering the YMCA is largely volunteer based.The pandemic really made it obvious how necessary the YMCA is to the community because that time of uncertainty created such a need for assistance. David delves into how his organization had to pivot quickly and respond "to the needs that are critical to people today"-- words he continues to live by. He explains how for-profit companies might cater to what their stakeholders prefer, but for the YMCA, the stakeholders are the community.Still a youth director at heart, David has been humbled to see what an impact the YMCA has had on upcoming generations. He foresees that in 10 years' time, the YMCA will continue to respond to the needs of the community, just on a larger scale, expanding the YMCA's footprint in the Capital Region.David Brown is a CEO You Should Know!
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    9 mins

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