EO Albany

Strategic Minds. Bold Vision. One Incredible EO Albany Board.

This past week, our EO Albany Board came together for our annual Strategy Summit, a dedicated time to align, dream big, and set priorities for the year ahead. This is where we challenge ourselves, think expansively, and ask the most important question: How can we best support our members in unlocking their fullest potential as entrepreneurs?

After thoughtful discussion and powerful collaboration, we’re excited to share our top two strategic priorities for the upcoming year:
✨ Strengthen Forum & Leadership Pipeline

✨ Make Membership the Inbound Draw

These priorities reflect our commitment to building a thriving, connected, high‑value community where members feel supported, inspired, and empowered to grow.

We also took time to celebrate two extraordinary leaders who embody EO’s Core Values:
🏆 Gretchen Meyer: Think Big, Be Bold

🏆 Tom Tiberio: Thirst for Learning

Their leadership, curiosity, and courage set the tone for the year ahead and inspire all of us to elevate our impact.

We’re incredibly proud of this year’s board for showing up with curiosity, strategic thinking, and a shared passion for serving our members. While we’re missing a few faces in the photo, we want to extend a heartfelt thank‑you to all incoming board members for your dedication, energy, and commitment to making EO Albany stronger every year.

Here’s to another year of growth, leadership, and building a community where entrepreneurs truly thrive.

Member Monday Spotlight: Darrin Jahnel

Darrin began his EO journey in 2018 and has been an incredible contributor to the EO Albany community ever since. He is the Co‑Founder and CEO of Jahnel Group and CEO at LTI, leading with a deep commitment to culture, innovation, and building high‑performing teams.

Jahnel Group has grown into a 150+ person enterprise software development firm based in Schenectady, NY. Their team designs and builds cloud‑native web and mobile applications, partnering with companies to scale development teams or deliver full‑service software projects, always with a focus on adding value and creating an exceptional workplace.

Darrin was recently featured in the Albany Business Review for his newest venture, InfoLink Tax, created to help innovative companies capture the R&D tax credits they often miss. InfoLink combines tax experts (many with engineering backgrounds) and AI‑driven workflows to identify qualified research expenses and produce audit‑ready documentation turning innovation into capital for growth.

We’re proud to have Darrin as part of EO Albany and grateful for the leadership and energy he brings to our chapter.

Fun Fact Friday:

June is Renewal Month for EO Albany!

All EO Members, Accelerators, and Catalyst participants should have received their renewal invoices this week. If yours hasn’t arrived, Marissa is happy to help. If you renew by next Friday June 19th you can take $100 off your membership total.

Curious about joining EO, Accelerator, or the Catalyst Program? Learn more at www.eoalbany.org

What’s Coming Wednesday

We’re closing out the 2025–2026 EO Albany season in style and you’ll want to be there for every minute of it.

Join us on Friday, June 12th at Max 410 at The Waters Edge from 6–9 PM for our final celebration of the year.

- Open bar
- Delicious food

- Freedom Patio: rain or shine (we’ll be fully covered if the weather turns!)

This is our last chance to come together as a chapter, share memories, and celebrate everything that made this year special.

📅 Friday, June 12
🕕 6–9 PM
📍 Max 410 Waters Edge

🔗 Register here: https://zurl.co/cIqvy

We can’t wait to wrap up the year with you.

Member Monday: Celebrating Dave Evans

EO Member since 2022

President, Hopmeier Evans Gage Insurance

This week we’re excited to highlight Dave Evans, a leader who embodies service, accountability, and genuine connection.

Since 1968, Hopmeier Evans Gage Insurance has helped New Yorkers protect what matters most. Dave continues that legacy with a simple but powerful philosophy: real people, real answers, real accountability. In a world of automated menus and disappearing customer service, Dave’s team still answers every call with a live person and clients work with the same trusted advisor from start to finish.

Representing top national and regional carriers, Dave ensures individuals and small businesses receive the right coverage with the personal attention they deserve.

We’re grateful to have Dave in EO Albany and appreciate the values and leadership he brings to our community.

Fun Fact Friday: Did you know our 2026–2027 EO Albany calendar is already packed with world‑class learning, unforgettable experiences, and some seriously fun chapter events?

We’re planning an incredible year and you can get a first look right now.

🎥 Watch our 26–27 Save the Date Promotional Video:
👉 Insert your video link here: https://zurl.co/c0xD1

It’s going to be a year full of growth, connection, and moments you won’t want to miss.

What’s Coming Wednesday

Join us on June 12th for an EO Albany Watch Party at Palette Community, hosted by Catherine Hover, as we tune in to hear from the incredible Emma Grede.

Emma’s story of leadership, resilience, and bold entrepreneurship is one you won’t want to miss. Come connect, learn, and be inspired alongside your EO community.

📅 June 12
🕒 10:00 AM

📍 Palette Community
Register Here: https://zurl.co/Sj1dd

Introducing the 2026–2027 EO Albany Board of Directors

We’re excited to share the incredible leaders who will be guiding our chapter in the year ahead. This team is committed to delivering meaningful learning, deeper connections, and unforgettable experiences for our members.

As we finalize our leadership slate, we still have a few Co‑Chair opportunities available. If you’ve been considering stepping into leadership, this is a wonderful moment to get involved, grow your impact, and help shape the future of EO Albany.

If you’re interested in learning more, please connect with:

Chapter President Matt Wagoner or Executive Director Marissa Madding.

Here’s to a powerful year of leadership, collaboration, and growth ahead.

President: Matthew Wagoner
President Elect: Tami Cole
Accelerator Chair: Joe Anderson
Accelerator Co-Chair: Tony Yang
Membership Chair: Kishor Bagul
Finance Chair: Jon Briccetti
Finance Co-Chair: Domenic DiNatale
Member Engagement Chair: Lauren Groff
Member Engagement Co-Chair: Labbie Rabui
Marketing and Communication Chair: Catherine Hover
Learning Chair: Gretchen Meyer
Governance Chair: Jamie Thompson
Forum Chair: Rich Ruzzo
Strategic Alliance Partner Chair: Tom Tiberio
Strategic Alliance Partner Co-Chair: Kevin Clancy