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Meet a Board Member: Max DelSignore

Meet Max DelSignore, a dedicated community leader with nearly 20 years of professional experience in the North Country and a passion for making a difference. As Vice President of the Northern New York Community Foundation, Max has spent over a decade fostering positive change through the stewardship of charitable gifts that support residents across Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties. Beyond his professional role, Max is deeply inspired by the spirit of the North Country—its people, its programs, and its potential—which fuels his commitment to serving on the GWNC Chamber Board and contributing to the region's growth and prosperity.

 

1. Can you share a bit about your background and what inspired you to get involved with the GWNC Chamber?

I’ve had the great fortune of working professionally in the North Country for close to 20 years. This includes more than a decade with the Northern New York Community Foundation. It has been a great privilege and joy to serve our region through responsible stewardship of charitable gifts that support citizens of all ages and communities in Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties.

My curiosity of the Chamber’s mission and understanding the breadth of its connection to the community motivated me to serve on the GWNC Chamber Board of Directors. It’s been a positive learning experience of discovery and appreciation for the organization.

 

Max DelSignore
DelSignore - family

2. Outside of your role on the board, what personal or professional passions keep you energized?

The North Country is a special place to live, work, raise a family, and make a difference. It is inspiring to see how many families, friends, peers, neighbors, businesses and others genuinely care about the community’s present and future. Each day, there are examples of an uplifting program, event, project or individual act that is authentic and centered with the community’s prosperity in mind. You can’t ask for a better motivator or reason to contribute.

3. What motivated you to join the board, and what drives your dedication to supporting our community’s growth?

There is deep respect for the Chamber’s history and presence in the region. The organization’s role in the growth of the North Country remains important. As a board member, service to the organization and making time to help is necessary. Together, how can we make the organization stronger, and over time, the region as a whole? Focus and celebration of progress and small victories is pivotal, too.

 

4. Is there a favorite memory or accomplishment from your time on the board that stands out?

The Chamber’s role in conducting important virtual community meetings during the pandemic was critical. Those conversations were not only informative, but helped connect members and the community during an unprecedented time.

The organization’s networking events continue to be exceptional. The relationships made or built at “Business After Hours,” Economic Forum events, ribbon-cuttings for new businesses are great opportunities to celebrate. The Chamber staff does a terrific job featuring members and community highlights.

 

5. What advice would you give to someone thinking about joining the board or getting more involved in serving our community?

Choose wisely. Evaluate your time. Find the proper alignment between the organization’s mission and your values that makes you motivated to help them.

 

 

6. What’s your favorite local spot or hidden gem in our community?

Tough to keep this list short, but some favorites include:

  • Arts Jug, Watertown (tremendous pizza!)
  • The Crystal Restaurant, Watertown (a downtown staple for many reasons)
  • Main Street in Sackets Harbor (for the local history and my hometown)
  • Tibbetts Point Lighthouse, Cape Vincent (a terrific, scenic location for all seasons)
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7. If you could describe the GWNC Chamber in one word, what would it be and why?

Evolving. I admire the Chamber staff’s determination to refresh, experiment and make changes with the organization’s mission and future in mind.

 

 

8. What’s the best networking tip you’ve ever received, and how has it helped you?

Be an attentive listener. You learn so much more by being present and asking thoughtful questions.

 

 

9. Is there a book, podcast, or resource that’s been valuable for your professional growth?

A recent favorite is “Just the Good Stuff” by Jim VandeHei.

 

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