July 2, 2026
Board transition strengthens organization's continued science-based freshwater protection leadership
Lake George, NY (July 2, 2026) – The Lake George Association (LGA) has elected longtime Board member William (Bill) Creighton as Chair of its Board of Directors. Bill Creighton is succeeding Dr. John E. Kelly, III, whose leadership guided the organization through a period of transformational growth and culminated in a new strategic vision for the LGA’s future. Dr. Kelly will continue to serve on the Board of Directors.
Creighton assumes the role as the LGA continues to build upon significant momentum, including the implementation of its 2026-2030 Strategic Plan, expanded organizational capacity and an increased focus on science-based advocacy and watershed-wide solutions to protect Lake George’s world-renowned water quality and clarity.
A multi-generation Lake George family member, Creighton’s connection to the Lake spans more than a century. His great-grandfather built the family’s Pilot Knob home in 1898 – just 13 years after the LGA was founded – and his family has remained deeply connected to the Lake ever since.
Creighton joined the Board of Directors in 2015 following a distinguished 35-year career in finance at IBM. Throughout his LGA tenure, he has helped advance practical, community-driven solutions that protect water quality, including establishing partnerships with Arrow Bank and Adirondack Trust Company that created no-interest loan programs to help Lake George watershed property owners replace aging septic systems. He also serves as Board Chair of the Adirondack Community Foundation.
“As someone whose family has a deep connection to Lake George, I’m honored to serve as Board Chair during such an exciting time for the Lake George Association,” said Creighton. “The LGA has never been stronger, and our strategic direction has never been clearer. I’m grateful for the opportunity to work alongside our exceptional Board, staff, partners and supporters to ensure Lake George remains one of the cleanest, clearest and most protected lakes in the world, for generations to come.”
Dr. John E Kelly, III joined the organization’s Board of Directors in 2012 and became Board Chair in 2024. A retired IBM Executive Vice President and co-founder of the Jefferson Project, Dr. Kelly helped strengthen the scientific foundation that guides the LGA’s work today. During his tenure as the Lake George Association Board Chair, he led the recruitment of LGA President & CEO Dr. Brendan Wiltse and guided development and adoption of the LGA’s 2026-2030 Strategic Plan, positioning the LGA for its next chapter of science-driven freshwater protection and advocacy. A lifelong Lake George resident, Dr. Kelly and his wife, Honey-Jo, call Assembly Point home.
“Establishing the Jefferson Project reinforced my belief that lasting freshwater protection begins with science. Today, that same philosophy is embedded throughout the Lake George Association. Science informs every solution we pursue, every partnership we build and every decision we make to protect this extraordinary lake,” said Dr. Kelly. “I’m proud of how far the organization has come, and I have complete confidence that Bill, Brendan and the entire team will continue advancing the LGA’s storied and impactful 141-year legacy.”
This leadership transition reflects years of thoughtful succession planning and reinforces the LGA’s continued commitment to effective governance, scientific leadership and long-term protection of Lake George’s water quality and clarity.
“Strong organizations prepare just as much for tomorrow’s opportunities as they do for today’s challenges,” said LGA President & CEO Dr. Brendan Wiltse. “John’s leadership helped transform the Lake George Association into an even stronger, more strategic organization grounded in science and long-term impact. We’re deeply grateful for everything he has done to strengthen our mission. Bill is an exceptional leader who understands how science, partnerships and community engagement come together to create lasting protection for Lake George. The LGA has never been better positioned to lead freshwater protection across the Lake George watershed, and beyond.”
For more information about the LGA’s Board of Directors and staff leadership, visit https://lakegeorgeassociation.org/about/staff-board. For any media inquiries, please contact LGA VP, Communications Tim Behuniak: [email protected].
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.
