Aug 17, 2026
Elissa Fornasiero is the President of Schenectady Discover, Schenectady County’s designated Tourism Promotion Agency and a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting travel, tourism, conferences, conventions, sports, and media production throughout the county. Their mission is to inspire visitors and locals to experience all Schenectady has to offer- it's arts and culture, history, dining, entertainment, shopping and outdoor recreation—while supporting local tourism and hospitality economy.
Elissa spent 15 years in hotels, starting as a sales coordinator and gradually working her way up. She worked group sales at the Saratoga Hilton before moving on to a Director of Sales and Marketing position at the Whiteface Lodge in Lake Placid. For the past 5 years she's been the Director of Sales for Discover Schenectady but she is currently the interim President of the organization.
Elissa has two small children who keep her busy: a 4 year old daughter and a 2 year old son. On the weekends, you'll catch her at a park or doing something fun with her kids and husband.