Erin Pangborn

Dedicated. Community-focused. Positive.

Current Employer & Job Title:

Town of Plattsburgh, Youth Services & Recreation Director

Age: 41

Hometown: Redford, NY

Education: SUNY Plattsburgh

With degrees in both math and nutrition along with a love for the great outdoors, Erin is the perfect fit for her position. She’s here to make sure the community has the opportunities to take advantage of all the natural beauty and attractions the North Country has to offer, from putting in new parks to programs that engage seniors. Her mathematical side loves the analytics of it all — finding what works best and how best to provide enrichment on a budget.

These traits show up every day in my commitment to continuously improve parks and programs for people of all ages and abilities. I bring energy and optimism to every project, whether we are upgrading playgrounds or launching new initiatives, because I believe recreation should positively impact our entire community.

What aspect of your organization’s culture do you protect or promote most fiercely and how have you influenced it?

I protect and promote community wellness as the foundation for everything we do. I have influenced this by advocating for inclusive park upgrades and expanding programs that serve all ages and abilities. By constantly adding new opportunities and making our spaces more accessible, we are helping improve the physical and mental health of the community.

Where do you invest your time outside of work, and what motivates your commitment to those efforts?

Outside of work, I spend time with my family — including my dogs and cats —and being outdoors through gardening, hiking, disc golf, exercising, and exploring trails. These activities keep me grounded and energized. They remind me why green spaces and community recreation matter — because the best leaders try and live the lifestyle they are building for others.

Where are you making your greatest impact right now and how do you measure it?

The greatest impact is modernizing our parks with inclusive, durable playgrounds and spaces while also expanding high-quality programs for all ages -- youth to senior citizens – providing something for everyone!

The North Country’s “Gen IQ” reflects how well we market across generations. Where are we getting it right and where do we need to evolve?

We’re getting it right with intergenerational programs — families enjoying the same parks, adults and kids sharing spaces, and nature outings that appeal across all ages.

What is one idea you hope to see shape the future of leadership in our region?

I hope to see leaders across the region treat parks and recreation as essential public infrastructure — not as optional extras, but as critical investments in public health, mental wellness, and community resilience.

My belief is that great Parks & Recreation leadership means creating inclusive spaces and programs where people of all ages and abilities can be active, connected, and happy. It requires blending smart, data-driven decisions with empathy and authenticity — leading by example through the same outdoor, active lifestyle we are encouraging in our communities.