Immersion Tour #1: Let’s Power Up – Sustainability, Ecotourism, and Responsible Travel
Sites: Trenton Falls Hydro Facility, NY Energy Zone
Explore how New York State’s power generation is evolving toward a more sustainable future and how the tourism industry is adapting alongside it.
Participants will begin with a look at the historic Trenton Falls hydropower site, learning about its role in the region’s energy history and development.
The tour will then continue to the New York Energy Zone, where attendees will experience an interactive look at the past, present, and future of electricity generation in New York State.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to view electric vehicles up close and explore how they may fit into their own travel and transportation needs. Through expert insights and discussion, this session will highlight how energy infrastructure, sustainability, and environmental stewardship intersect with tourism, shaping the way communities and destinations grow responsibly.
About the Presenters:
Presenters listed alphabetically by last name:
Andria Heath
Executive Director, Utica Zoo
Andria Heath serves as Executive Director of the Utica Zoo, where she leads initiatives focused on conservation, education, and community engagement. Under her leadership, the Zoo continues to grow as both a regional attraction and an advocate for environmental stewardship. She brings a strong perspective on how sustainability and tourism intersect to create meaningful visitor experiences.
Mark Luciano
Stakeholder Relations Manager, Brookfield Renewable U.S.
Mark Luciano is the Stakeholder Relations Manager at Brookfield Renewable, where he works closely with communities, partners, and organizations across New York State. His role focuses on building relationships and supporting initiatives tied to hydropower and renewable energy projects. He brings a strong perspective on how energy infrastructure, environmental stewardship, and tourism intersect at both the local and regional level.
Jessica Kirby
Director of Community and Government Relations, New York Power Authority
Jessica Kirby serves as Director of Community and Government Relations for the Central Region at the New York Power Authority, the nation’s largest state public power organization. She leads stakeholder and elected official outreach, visitor center operations, and community engagement. Jessica is passionate about New York’s clean energy transition and currently manages stakeholder relations for NYPA’s 7-gigawatt renewable project. She also oversees two visitor centers, coordinating community events and STEM education programming. Based in the Capital Region, Jessica is pursuing an MBA at SUNY Albany. She lives in Schoharie County with her husband, Ian, and their two children, and enjoys gardening, live music, and travel.
Kali Zigrino
Manager of Community Relations, New York Power Authority
Kali Zigrino is the Manager of Community Relations at the New York Power Authority where she oversees operations at the New York Energy Zone in Utica, which is an interactive science museum centered around electricity and energy. She and her team also conduct community outreach across the Mohawk Valley and host regular events at the Energy Zone to promote NYPA’s mission to provide clean, affordable and reliable electricity.