New York Farm Bureau Names New Staff

ALBANY, NY — New York Farm Bureau (NYFB) announces the addition of three staff members to its Albany, New York office. 

Amanda Powers joins NYFB as director of communications. She brings decades of experience in communications, public relations and marketing, with expertise in media relations, story creation and pitching, writing and editing, speechwriting and crisis communications. Most recently, she was director of communications and marketing at the Retail Council of New York State. Previously, she was director of communications at Hancock Shaker Village and editorial communications manager at the Clark Art Institute, and she has also held positions at public relations and advertising firms. She holds a bachelor’s degree in communications/journalism from James Madison University. Amanda and her husband Will, parents of three grown children, reside in Canaan, New York with their rescue dogs, cats and free-range chickens. 

At NYFB, Powers liases with the media, public and stakeholders in the agriculture sector to promote legislative initiatives, membership and farm storytelling throughout New York State. 

Erik Flora joins NYFB as assistant director of communications for content creation and digital services. He is a creative professional with a strong background in multimedia content production, marketing and communications, as well as a passion for storytelling. Flora earned a bachelor’s degree in music industry with a minor in audio production from SUNY Oneonta. His career began with his post-grad years in a band, allowing him to refine his ability to connect with audiences through compelling narratives. Most recently, he was the multimedia content producer at the Capital District YMCA, where he was responsible for creating engaging content. He has freelanced in event videography, commercial shoots, weddings, music videos and comedy specials. Flora resides in Clifton Park, New York with his wife and son. In his free time, he enjoys playing music and disc golf. 

At NYFB, Flora uses his expertise in videography and film to capture the stories of farmers and the land they steward, creating engaging digital content with state-of-the-art technology.  

Paula Rohl joins NYFB as events administrative assistant. Previously, she was office manager for the New York State Conference of Local Mental Hygiene Directors, Inc. (CLMHD), where she worked for five years with senior staff to service the organization’s membership and to promote CLMHD as the voice of counties for mental hygiene issues. Rohl also worked for several years at career centers in higher education. Born on Long Island, she grew up in northwest Connecticut. She earned an associate degree in travel/tourism and a bachelor’s degree in business from Champlain College, as well as a master’s degree in higher education administration from Barry University. Rohl came to the Capital Region about 14 years ago to be near family. She resides with her husband in Rensselaer, New York.

At NYFB, Rohl assists the director of events and public policy staff in the planning, logistics and promotion of major conferences and other events.

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New York Farm Bureau is the state’s largest agricultural lobbying/trade organization. Its members and the public know the organization as “The Voice of New York Agriculture.” New York Farm Bureau’s mission is “Supporting today’s agricultural needs and creating member opportunities for tomorrow through advocacy and education.”