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.

As the Explorer’s editor, Melissa Hart oversees all the Explorer’s news offerings. She serves as the editor of our magazine 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 hiking, camping, and kayaking with her husband and their twin daughters.

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

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

Isabella Susino joined the Explorer in January 2025 as the audience development editor, focusing on growing our digital engagement both within the park and outside of it. She has a Bachelor’s from Niagara University in both Communications studies and Spanish, and is currently pursuing her Masters of Science at Quinnipiac University for interactive media. 

Bella enjoys hiking, kayaking, skiing, foraging, yoga, rock climbing, live music, and snowshoeing, but you can also find her cozied up reading a book, writing poetry, or baking dutch oven bread. Moving to the Adirondacks has been a dream come true for her, as her family has been coming to the park for the last 70 years to camp at Raquette Lake. 

Contact her at [email protected] and follow her journey on Instagram! @isabella.susino

Geoff joined the Adirondack Explorer’s advertising sales department in 2024 and is responsible for the Explorer’s digital advertising offerings.He is known for his versatile creativity and for his dynamic approach to digital media and advertising. Geoff has worked across various platforms from traditional print to cutting-edge digital content creation and is always seeking new ways to connect with audiences and make a positive impact through his work.

Previously he spent 25 years as a professional multi-media marketer, salesperson and team leader for Hearst Newspapers. Geoff is a registered New York State Fishing Guide specializing in fly fishing and fly tying. Outside of work, Geoff enjoys exploring the rivers and lakes of the Adirondacks and spending time with his family.
Contact: [email protected], 518-891-9352    ext. 1030

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.

Mike Lynch has been the Explorer’s climate reporter since January 2025 and has worked for the publication since 2014. In addition to writing about climate change, he covers issues related to wildlife.

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

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