The Explorer team

Tracy Ormsbee has been with the Adirondack Explorer as publisher, overseeing all operation of the magazine, its websites and book publishing, since March of 2017.

Prior to her role at the Explorer, she was a Senior Editor at the Times Union, Albany, NY (2002-2017), overseeing Features, Sports, the Sunday report and the newspaper’s magazine division. 

She and husband Jim have two grown daughters and, as empty-nesters, spend more time hiking, paddling and skiing and have become those people who bring their dog with them wherever they go. 

Contact: [email protected], 518-891-9352, Ext. 1021.
Text: 518-542-3385

Michael has worked for the Explorer since February of 2014, responsible for managing the daily finances, human resources, and office systems that support the Explorer’s operations.  

As a long time resident of the Adirondacks, Michael enjoys getting outside with his dog and exploring!  He also enjoys playing ukulele.  

Contact:
[email protected]. Call 518-891-9352, Ext. 1024.

In a journalism career rooted in watchdog reporting, James M. Odato has been cited as one of New York’s top news hounds covering state government, gambling, and abuse and waste of public money.

As a staff reporter for five daily newspapers, including the Albany Times Union and Buffalo News, Odato has received more than 30 awards from the Associated Press, New York Publishers Association, New York Legislative Correspondents Association and other media organizations.

In October 2021, the University of Massachusetts Press released his book, “This Brain Had a Mouth, Lucy Gwin and the Voice of Disability Nation.”

Contact: [email protected], 518-891-9352, Ext. 1022

Chris Radey joined the Adirondack Explorer team in September of 2021. As the customer relations manager, Chris oversees the subscription/donor database with an eye toward retaining and growing circulation and revenue.

Prior to joining the Explorer, Chris worked as an Integration Data Lead for Vacasa, an Oregon-based short term vacation rental operation. Chris has lived and worked in a variety of locations both domestically and internationally and is now permanently based in Keene, New York with his wife, Lisa. 

In his free time, Chris enjoys traveling, hiking, live music, trail running, and reading. He often finds himself lost in obscure Wikipedia articles.

Contact: [email protected], 518-891-9352, Ext. 1020

As the Explorer’s digital editor, Melissa Hart oversees all the Explorer’s digital offerings. She serves as the editor of Adirondackalmanack.com, and helps manage the Explorer’s website, newsletters, social media and community engagement. 

An upstate New York native with Adirondack roots, Melissa worked for newspapers in Ithaca (NY), Fairbanks (AK) and Burlington (VT) before settling in the Champlain Valley.  In addition to time spent as a reporter and editor, Melissa has worked in nonprofit communications.

She enjoys gardening, hiking, camping, and kayaking with her husband and their twin daughters.

Contact: [email protected], 518-891-9352, Ext. 1026

Mike Lynch has been a multimedia reporter for the Explorer since 2014 and can often be found hiking mountains, paddling rivers, or skiing down slopes. His photos complement many of the stories throughout the magazine and website, and he regularly writes wildlife, land acquisition and recreation stories. 

Mike’s work has appeared in dozens of publications. He has been a reporter in the Adirondack Park since 2006. 

Mike has also worked as a licensed outdoor guide and thru-paddled the 740-mile Northern Forest Canoe Trail. He is the author of 12 Short Hikes on Preserves near Lake George. 

Contact: [email protected], 518-891-9352, Ext. 1025

Gwendolyn Craig covers environmental policy impacting the Adirondacks made by the state Legislature and Adirondack Park Agency. She not only covers the decision makers, but also the people and places their policy affects. She also takes photos and videos for the Explorer. 

Previously, Gwen worked for several years as a newspaper reporter in Glens Falls and in the Finger Lakes covering local governments and the environment. She also worked as a videographer and web editor for a communications firm representing nonprofits in the D.C. Metro area.

During her free time, Gwen can be found teaching ice skating or hiking. 

Contact: [email protected], 518-524-2902 (cell) or 518-891-9352, Ext. 1027. On Twitter: @gwendolynnn1.

Chloe Bennett is a climate reporter based in Lake Placid, New York. Originally from North Texas, Chloe has always been drawn to the natural world.

In 2022, she graduated from the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY where she focused on environmental reporting and audio production. She grew a deep appreciation for the Adirondack Park while interning for the Explorer last summer.

As of Jan. 23, 2023, Chloe lives in the park full-time and is reporting on its changing environment.

Contact: [email protected], 518-891-9352 x 1029 On Twitter: @chloelizbennett

David is a Report for America Corps Member who covers diverse communities in the Adirondacks for both the Adirondack Explorer & North Country Public Radio. He previously served as the news editor for WFUV 90.7 FM in the Bronx. Along with mentoring student reporters, he produced, directed, and hosted the station’s daily news podcast “What’s What.” Escobar has also worked as an associate producer for the podcast and radio show “Our Body Politic” and as an intern for WNYC’s “The Takeaway.”

Prior to working in journalism, Escobar researched the history of Chinese migrant labor at the John Muir National Historic Site as an intern for the National Park Service. He has a master’s degree in public media from Fordham University, where he also earned bachelor’s degrees in journalism and digital technology & emerging media.

Email: [email protected], Phone: 518-891-9352 ext. 1031