Get to Know Us

-- Jeremy Evans was appointed CEO of the County of Franklin Industrial Development Agency in June 2017. Jeremy has over twenty years of experience in economic and community development. He is a certified planner (AICP) and is working towards certification in economic development (CEcD) from the International Economic Development Council. Jeremy lives in Saranac Lake with his family. He holds Masters Degrees in public administration and urban & regional planning.

-- Paul Ellis is the CFO for the Franklin County Economic Development Corporation. His past governmental experience includes serving as the School Business Official in Tupper Lake, Village Treasurer/CFO for Saranac Lake, and for the Village of Lake Placid. He is a former middle school math teacher and has taught various post-secondary business courses over the last three decades. Previously he has served as a Village Trustee in Tupper Lake, and as a School Board member for the Tupper Lake School District. His past community service includes Treasurer for the Tupper Lake Rotary Club, President for Adirondack Habitat for Humanity, and as a board member of the former Saranac Lake American Red Cross Chapter. At the state level, he has been a board member for the NYS Society of Municipal Finance Officers and for the NYS Government Finance Officers’ Association. Paul holds a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from SUNY Potsdam, a Bachelor’s Degree in Business from SUNY Plattsburgh, and an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration from North Country Community College.

-- Kelly Brunette is a wife, mom, dog lover, vegetarian, planner, and traveler of cool towns from Bar Harbor to Bend. Kelly has lived in each village of the Tri-Lakes, and decided to put roots down in Saranac Lake 15 years ago. She is passionate about the Adirondack Frontier, and has in-depth knowledge of its assets and dynamics; serving on the Downtown Advisory Board, Pendragon Theatre Board, Music on the Green Committee, and other local volunteer projects. She holds a Bachelor Degree in Environmental Studies: Environment, Communication & Society.

-- Rachel Child has been working as a Community Development Specialist with the FCEDC since January 2022. Rachel has worked in community development and project management for both domestic and international non-profits in North, Central and South America. She currently leads the Franklin County NY Main Street Program and is passionate about downtown revitalization. Rachel grew up on a farm outside Malone, where she lives today, and is now involved with local arts and revitalization organizations.

-- Rachel started with the FCEDC in 2024, she is currently the Operations Manager.