Joshua Poupore, APR serves as Managing Director at Corning Place Communications (CPC). At CPC, Josh leads community relations and public affairs campaigns for clients in healthcare, tech, organized labor and higher education.

Before joining CPC in 2015, Josh spent five years with the New York State Dental Association where he oversaw the communications and marketing efforts for the 13,000-member professional association. Prior to that, he spent eight years at Harvard University in the Public Affairs and Communications office where he managed communications for several different divisions including the Office for Sustainability, and the Office of Community and Government Affairs.

Josh holds a bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Elmira College, as well as a Master of Liberal Arts in Extension Studies degree with a concentration in Journalism from Harvard University. He is an active and involved PRSA member having held a variety of positions including President, Treasurer, APR Chair, and Ethics Chair. He currently serves on the PRSA National Board of Directors Josh is also active in the Empire State Society of Association Executives and is a frequent speaker on topics including media relations, public affairs and digital advocacy.

Chyresse Wells, APR joined the Corning Place Communications (CPC) team in 2018. She works with a diverse portfolio of clients in agriculture, healthcare, public safety, and education, delivering comprehensive advocacy campaigns, and providing strategic communications, public affairs, and media relations services.

Previously, she served as Deputy Press Secretary for the New York State Executive Chamber, and before that as Deputy Press Secretary for Empire State Development – the state’s chief economic development agency. Prior to working in state government, Chyresse served as Communications and Web Strategies Manager for the Rensselaer County Regional Chamber of Commerce in Troy, NY.

Chyresse was recognized in 2021 by City & State as part of their Albany 40 Under 40, which recognizes the next generation of rising stars in state politics. In 2020, she was recognized by the American Marketing Association New York Capital Region Chapter and the Public Relations Society of America–Capital Region Chapter with a Capital Region MARCOM Award for excellence and achievement in statewide media relations. And in 2018, Chyresse received an Alumni Award from the State University of New York at Plattsburgh, which is presented to an alumnus or alumna within the first 10 years after graduation who demonstrates a sense of responsibility within his or her community and continues to have a relationship with the university. In 2017, Chyresse earned her Accreditation in Public Relations (APR), which certifies professionalism, ethics, and principles in the field of public relations. Currently, she serves on the SUNY Plattsburgh Alumni Association Board of Directors, 518 ElevatED Board of Directors, and is President of the Public Relations Society of America–Capital Region NY Chapter.

Melissa Kees joins the CPC team with a strong background in public and media relations. Prior to CPC, she served as VP of Accounts and Media Strategy for Relentless Awareness, where she managed account services and orchestrated media and public strategies for the agency’s clients. Before that, Melissa spent a decade working for WAMC Northeast Public Radio, a top-rated NPR affiliate, where she led sales and marketing efforts. She has also worked for the New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC), Eric Mower Associates, and WNYT News Channel 13.

Melissa currently serves as President-Elect of the Capital Region Chapter of the American Marketing Association (AMA) and is a board member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Capital Region, as well as a board member for In Our Own Voices.

Melissa was named to City & State’s PR Power 50 list in 2023, the PR Power 75 list in 2024, and the Power 100 Political Consultants list in 2023. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Public Communication from the College of Saint Rose.

Nicole Stachnick brings 10 years of marketing and video production experience to Corning Place Communications. Prior to joining Corning Place, Nicole worked for Filmworks 109, where she served as Creative Director. In that role, she assisted clients in pre-production, production, and editing of video and photography to augment digital marketing efforts. Prior to that, she worked has worked at marketing and PR firms in the Capital Region, where she worked alongside clients to develop marketing campaigns. She specializes in video production, print and web design, online advertising, social media and digital marketing.

Nicole holds a Bachelor’s degree in Meteorology from SUNY Brockport, as well as a Master of Fine Arts in Film and Digital Technology from Chatham University. She has previously served on the Schenectady Film Commission.

Sam Torrey comes to Corning Place Communications with decade of experience in the areas of communications and state government. Prior to joining Corning Place, Sam held the position of Chief of Staff for a member of the New York State Assembly Minority, where she oversaw day-to-day communications, legislative and district needs. Earlier in her professional tenure, Sam served as a Senior Press Coordinator for the New York State Assembly Minority and a Public Affairs Coordinator for a Capital Region Public Relations firm. These various positions have helped her to obtain a better understanding of important statewide issues and the impact messaging can have from the perspective of both a legislator and a stakeholder.

Sam holds a bachelor’s degree in communications, with a minor in Public Relations, from SUNY Oneonta. She previously served as a board member for Girls on the Run Capital Region as Board Vice Chair and is a current member of the Public Relations Society of America Capital Region Chapter. Sam has been recognized by City & State as part of their 2024 Albany 40 Under 40 list.

Anthony Kownack joins Corning Place Communications (CPC) with a background in communications and public relations, and following more than three years managing communications efforts at an Albany-based government relations firm. In his previous role, Anthony tracked media activity across all platforms to keep clients informed in a constantly changing governmental, business, political, and social climate. He regularly attended press conferences of interest and assisted in media operations for an array of clients. Anthony also assisted in drafting public relations pieces such as press releases, press statements, media advisories, and regional media contact lists.

In 2018-2019, Anthony interned for Baker Public Relations where he analyzed client media coverage, drafted media narratives for current clients, briefed account executives and provided strategic media advice for clients. He also volunteers with the Capital Region Sponsor-A-Scholar College Success program (518 ElevatED) and serves on the fundraising committee for the South End Children’s Cafe in Albany.

As Public Relations Strategist at CPC, Anthony will monitor and identify client issues and opportunities, and support the implementation of grassroots and public affairs campaigns. Anthony graduated from The College of Saint Rose with a BA in Communications with a concentration in Public Relations, and a minor in Marketing.

Bridgette Alesci joins Corning Place Communications (CPC) with a wealth of experience creating dynamic digital campaigns for companies, associations and coalitions, particularly in the areas of healthcare, education and advocacy. She's highly skilled in social media management, graphic design, web design, ad development, and more. She has a deep understanding of using creative visual design to convey complex ideas and concepts.

Bridgette provides a unique perspective and has an understanding of various industries having worked and interned at non-profit organizations such as the NYS Community Action Association and the Northeast Charter Schools Network.

Bridgette holds a Bachelor's degree in Communications and Fine Art from SUNY Albany where she graduated Summa Cum Laude.