BOARD CHAIR

Scott Townsend (he/him) is a passionate soul, dad, partner, and animal lover who embraces challenges, chortles at witty wisdom, seeks out travel and loves board games. He is an architect and planner who sees community organizing and connections as the gateway to true, creative, and meaningful place-making. He was born and raised in Connecticut, educated in Mississippi, and has resided and practiced in New York’s Capital Region ever since.

BOARD CO-CHAIR

Jodi Smits Anderson is a mom, wife, kayaker, hiker, knitter, Albany resident, and curious soul. Jodi seeks the connections between systems where innovation and co-benefits can be found and nurtured. She has deep experience with Policy and Codes, serves on the Sustainability Advisory Council for the City of Albany, is a Board member for NESEA, serves on an AIA National Committee for design excellence, and is a Co-Founder of ARC.

BOARD MEMBER

Derek Baranski is an Albany area native who at a young age grew to love the city after visiting his mom at work downtown or spending time at the family restaurant, Pagliacci Ristorante on South Pearl. After studying at Arizona State University, he came back to Albany and has lived downtown since. His love for the city has driven much of his professional life; he currently is a Board Member with the Friends of Schuyler Mansion and is a volunteer tour guide with Historic Albany Foundation. He is also a Legislative Assistant to NYS Assemblywoman Helene Weinstein.

BOARD MEMBER

Carmen “Coach Carmen” Duncan is a social entrepreneur, career coach and dedicated Chief Coach and Founder of Mission Accomplished Transition Services. She has led the company to become one that is unapologetic about advocating for social, racial and economic justice within the workplace. She truly believes that mentors, coaches, and sponsors are irreplaceable partners in the lives of young employees and entrepreneurs as they navigate life's transitions.

BOARD MEMBER

Mike Franchini was born and raised in Albany and attended the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government. After the Coast Guard, he was the City of Albany Commissioner of Water, the Albany County Commissioner of Public Works and the Director of Operations, and the Executive Director of the Capital District Transportation Committee. He and his wife live in Albany and have 3 children and 6 grandchildren.

BOARD MEMBER

Joshua Marcil is a lifelong resident of the Capital Region and a graduate of Albany Law School currently living in Albany’s 3rd Ward. Josh is excited to bring his passion for public service, environmentalism, sustainability, and public transportation to the ARC Board to help reshape Albany’s riverfront into a place to live, work, shop, and be one with nature.

BOARD MEMBER

Mari Kate Mycek was born and raised in Amsterdam, NY and currently lives in Colonie with her partner, dog, and cat. Mari Kate is passionate about equitable economic and community development, social justice, and the mission of the Albany Riverfront Collaborative. You can often find Mari Kate in her garden, on a hiking trail, or reading a book.

BOARD MEMBER

Heather Newman comes to us as an Air Force veteran with a background in real estate development in the Capital Region. She now runs a consulting company working with both commercial developers and residential homeowners, fulfilling her passion to help people realize the maximum potential of their spaces. In her free time, she enjoys being with her wife and kids, doing jigsaw puzzles, and reading non-fiction books.

Starletta Renee Washington was appointed Executive Director with YWCA of the Greater Capital Region (YWCA-GCR) on January 2, 2020. Washington has professionally and personally lived by YWCA-GCR’s mission of being dedicated to elimination racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. In addition to economic empowerment, food security services and supportive programs, every day, YWCA-GCR houses 104 women and 50 children. Washingtons’ most noted success to date as a first time Executive Director consist of maintaining YWCA-GCR position as a well-known and reputable organization throughout the Greater Capital Region while increasing revenue by nearly 50%.