Tricia Preston (Provided photo)

SARANAC LAKE — North Country Community College has announced that Tricia Preston of Lake Placid has been appointed to its Board of Trustees by Gov. Kathy Hochul.

As a newly appointed member of the Board, Preston brings a wealth of experience in education, community engagement, and a deep-rooted connection to the North Country.

“The College is delighted to welcome Tricia Preston to the Board of Trustees, and we are grateful to Governor Hochul and her team in appointing her,” said college President Joe Keegan. “As a long-time educator in the region and an alumna of NCCC, she brings a great perspective and will complement the board nicely. Preston understands personally and experientially the value of a community college education for students and families, and the value of community colleges to their communities.”

Preston is a 1983 graduate of NCCC, and her personal and professional journey has been intertwined with the community. After earning her Associate’s Degree in Science from North Country, she continued her studies with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from SUNY Cortland and a Master’s Degree in Liberal Studies from SUNY Plattsburgh.

A retired teacher with a passion for education, Preston spent three decades in the Saranac Lake Central School District, teaching health and physical education while also coaching students in various sports. She later worked as the Aquatic Manager at Adirondack Health’s Medical Fitness Center from 2019 to 2022, and as a community relations professional for the Adirondack Sports Council, contributing to high-profile events such as the 2024 IIHF Women’s World Championship and the 2023 FISU Winter World University Games.

Her volunteer history reflects a deep commitment to the region, having co-chaired the Lake Placid Hall of Fame Committee, volunteered for the International Children’s Games, and served on the boards of organizations like the Lake Placid Youth Athletic Association and the Saranac Lake Red Cross.

A longtime resident of Lake Placid, Preston and her husband Bobby Preston met while she was attending North Country. She and her partner Keith Clark have raised their two children, Chelsea (Preston) Erickson and Connor Preston, and recently welcomed their first grandchild, Ryder Erickson. She cherishes her deep connections to both Lake Placid and Saranac Lake, and she enjoys seeing former students and their children, whom she also taught.

“I am honored to be appointed to the NCCC Board of Trustees and look forward to working alongside such a dedicated group of individuals,” Preston said. “As someone who worked and raised my family here, I feel a strong responsibility to contribute to the growth and success of this important institution that has meant so much to our communities over the years.”

Preston is now enjoying retirement and spending more time with her family. She is excited to bring her perspective, experience and passion for education to the college Board of Trustees.

“We look forward to Tricia joining what is a dedicated and talented Board of Trustees that are committed to the institution and our students,” Keegan said.