Unshackle Upstate Announces New Executive Director
September 10th, 2018
BUFFALO, NY – Unshackle Upstate’s executive board announced today that Michael Kracker (last name pronounced like Crocker) has been chosen to serve as the organization’s new executive director.
In this role, Kracker will lead the organization’s advocacy efforts in Albany and across the State, strengthen its partnerships with allied organizations and raise awareness about the extraordinary challenges facing Upstate businesses and taxpayers.
“As a lifelong Upstate New Yorker, I’m all too aware of the struggles that our hardworking residents must face every day. Sky-high taxes and energy costs, burdensome red tape and costly state mandates are just some of the factors that hurt the Upstate economy,” said Kracker. “I’m excited to lead Unshackle Upstate’s efforts to improve our economy and fight for a brighter future for my fellow Upstate New Yorkers.”
“Unshackle Upstate plays a critical role in effectively advocating for Upstate employers and taxpayers, and this responsibility requires a strong, experienced leader. I am very pleased we have found such a person in Michael Kracker,” said Dottie Gallagher, president and CEO of Buffalo Niagara Partnership. “Michael has an acute understanding of politics at all levels of government and an appreciation for how policy impacts employers and hardworking taxpayers across Upstate for better or worse. I am excited for the next chapter of Unshackle Upstate’s success with Michael as our new executive director.”
Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce president and CEO Bob Duffy said, “Rochester Chamber is pleased to welcome Michael Kracker as Unshackle Upstate executive director. Michael has a long history of work in the public sector that positions him well in representing the interests of Upstate business. I have every bit of confidence that his candor, his experience, and his energy are a formula for success.”
“These are incredibly challenging times for businesses and taxpayers in New York. Unshackle Upstate needed a dynamic leader who understands those challenges. We’re excited to have Michael join the team,” said Brian Sampson, president of the Empire State Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors. “He brings with him a great understanding of the politics of New York from the local, state and federal level. We look forward to using that experience to make upstate New York a better place to live, work and raise a family.”
Jennifer Conway, president and CEO of the Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce stated,“Michael has a proven record of fighting for pro-business, pro-growth initiatives in Upstate New York. His experience along with his strong desire to see our region of New York flourish will help take Unshackle Upstate to the next level. We look forward to seeing the positive impact his determination will create for our area.”
“Over the last several years, Unshackle Upstate has become a respected voice for upstate taxpayers and job creators, thanks in part to strong leadership,” said Garry Douglas, president and CEO of the North Country Chamber of Commerce. “Michael can be counted upon to continue this legacy as we face an especially challenging period of determined efforts to hamstring business and, in so doing, to undermine the greatest social benefit there can be which is a sustainable job. We look forward to working with him for the benefit of upstate and the North Country.”
Prior to joining Unshackle Upstate, Kracker previously worked in several senior positions in the United States House of Representatives, In 2017, he was selected as ’30 Under 30′ honoree by Buffalo Business First. Kracker is a 2010 graduate of SUNY Geneseo with a degree in Political Science. He resides in Buffalo, New York.