Lake George Association Welcomes Candice White and Tom Berkman to Board of Directors

Lake George, NY (August 26, 2026) – The Lake George Association (LGA) has welcomed Candice White and Thomas S. “Tom” Berkman to its Board of Directors, adding significant expertise in environmental policy, public service, communications and community engagement to help advance the organization’s mission to protect Lake George’s world-renowned water quality and clarity.  

White, a Vermont State Representative and longtime communications and marketing leader, brings decades of experience across the private, nonprofit and public sectors. She previously held leadership roles with nationally recognized publications including The Atlantic Monthly, Fast Company and The American Prospect, before joining the executive team at Sugarbush Resort, where she led marketing, communications and guest services for a decade. Since 2018, she has operated a strategic communications consulting practice.  

White also brings extensive civic and nonprofit leadership experience. She is a former co-chair of the Vermont Women’s Fund Council and former chair of the Central Vermont Economic Development Corporation Board. A resident of Waitsfield, Vermont, White has deep family ties to Lake George as a longtime summer resident in Dark Bay. Her family has also owned and operated The Log Jam Restaurant for decades, reflecting a longstanding commitment to the Lake George community.  

Berkman joins the Board with nearly 20 years of environmental law and public policy experience in New York State. He is a Partner in Hodgson Russ’ Environment, Energy and Land Use & Economic Development Practices and previously served for nearly a decade as Deputy Commissioner and General Counsel of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).  

During his tenure at the DEC, Berkman helped draft and implement some of New York’s most significant environmental policies, including the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, Environmental Justice Siting Law and State Environmental Quality Review Act regulations. His work has spanned water quality, natural resource protection, wetlands, renewable energy, climate policy, and complex state and federal environmental regulations.  

“Candice and Tom bring tremendous experience, perspective and leadership to the LGA at an important moment for our organization,” said LGA President & CEO Dr. Brendan Wiltse. “Candice’s background in communications, public service and community engagement as well as Tom’s deep expertise in environmental law and policy directly strengthen our ability to advance science-informed solutions and advocacy for Lake George. We’re fortunate to have them joining an already exceptional Board.”  

The appointments come as the LGA advances implementation of its 2026-2030 Strategic Plan, which centers its work around five interconnected pillars of Lake protection – Science, Solutions, Community, Partnerships and Advocacy – and reinforces the LGA’s role as the Voice of the Lake. The additions of White and Berkman further strengthen the Board’s capacity to guide that work and help advance the long-term, watershed-wide protection of Lake George. 

Board members share their perspectives on joining the LGA Board: 

Candice White, LGA Board of Directors:  
“Lake George has been an important part of my family’s life for over fifty years, so joining the LGA Board is especially meaningful. This organization has an incredible opportunity to bring people together around something we all share – a love for the Lake and a responsibility to protect it. I’m excited to contribute my experience in communications, public service and community engagement to help strengthen that connection and inspire even more people to become advocates for Lake George.”  

Tom Berkman, LGA Board of Directors: 
"Protecting a resource as extraordinary as Lake George requires strong science, effective policy and the ability to turn knowledge into meaningful action. I’ve spent much of my career working at the intersection of environmental law, policy and natural resource protection, and I’m excited to bring this experience to the LGA Board. The organization has an important role to play in advancing science-informed solutions that will protect the Lake’s water quality for generations to come.”  

Bill Creighton, LGA Board Chair:  
“Candice and Tom each bring an impressive depth of experience to our Board, but in very different and complementary ways. Candice understands how to engage communities, communicate effectively and build support around important issues, while Tom brings exceptional knowledge of environmental policy, law and government. Their perspectives will make an already strong Board even stronger as we work with Brendan and the LGA team to deliver on our new Strategic Plan and ensure the long-term protection of Lake George’s water quality and clarity.”  

About the Lake George Association (LGA) 
Founded in 1885 as the nation’s first lake conservation organization, the LGA represents thousands of constituents as one unified voice speaking for the protection of the Queen of American Lakes. Through science, solutions, community mobilization, strategic partnerships and advocacy, the LGA leads a Continuous Cycle of Lake Protection that safeguards Lake George’s water quality and clarity, forever. Together as a community, we are the Voice of Lake George. Learn more: https://lakegeorgeassociation.org.