About Keena Staffing

Michael Niles, Vice President

Prior to his retirement, D. Michael Niles was our Vice President of Operations. He brought with him nearly 27 years of service at Glens Falls Hospital as Chief Financial Officer and Sr. Vice President of Finance. Michael holds a B.S. in Accounting and Business Law from Clarkson University. He has formally served the Tri-County United Way, Glens Falls Foundation, Greater Adirondack Home Health Aides amongst others. His business experience coupled with his extensive community involvement contributed greatly to KEENA's internal operations. He now spends his winters in Florida with his wife Connie.

Connie Gerarde Niles, Co-Founder and President of Keena Staffing

Connie is a native of the Glens Falls area. She graduated from Syracuse University with degrees in Nutrition and Business Management. After living in Syracuse, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and New York City, Connie and her late husband Paul (1953-2002) returned home to the Glens Falls area to raise their family and begin the operation of KEENA Staffing.

In 1999, Connie and Paul decided to enhance their employment agency by adding a new division- KEENA HR Management. KEENA HR Management also known as a Professional Employer Organization (PEO) provides outsourced human resources, payroll, benefits administration and improved risk management. KEENA HR Management takes pride in delivering comprehensive solutions to the complex challenges that face business owners today.

As co-founder of KEENA Staffing, Connie is now retired from her leadership role in the day-to-day operations and management. She spends winters with her husband Michael in Florida, and still checks in with the successful company she helped develop.

Christina Gerarde, PHR, SHRM-CP, President

Christina is a graduate of Syracuse University, with degrees in both Business and Psychology. After Connie's retirement, Christina has taken on the responsibility of overseeing all of KEENA's operations. Christina is an active member of the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce and NAPEO. She is well-versed in the PEO business model and is an exceptional leader. She is a positive influence on our team and always inspires us to do our best.

Email Christina: christinag@keena.com

Sam Rathbun, General Manager

Sam Rathbun joined KEENA in 2017 as the Staffing Coordinator and is now KEENA's General Manager. Sam graduated from SUNY Plattsburgh with a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration.He brings with him experience in customer service, sales, small business development, as well as restaurant and hospitality management. In his free time he enjoys coaching sports and spending time with his family. 

Email Sam: samr@keena.com

Josh Lyons, Finance

Josh Lyons joined KEENA in October of 2016. He graduated from SUNY Brockport with a B.S. in Sport Management but quickly became interested in payroll and accounting while working in the finance department of a local professional hockey team. He is native to the area and brings a hard working, positive presence to our team.

Email Josh Lyons: joshl@keena.com

Shawn Weinberger, Client Services Manager

Shawn Weinberger joined KEENA as the Staffing Coordinator in 2020 and has since transitioned into the Client Services Manager. Shawn attended SUNY Adirondack where he studied Business Administration while working in retail management. His experience in customer service, sales and managing people play a huge role in his success with KEENA, our clients and employees. Recently settled into the Queensbury area, Shawn enjoys spending time doing home renovation projects, playing golf, tennis, brewing beer and spending time with his family & 2 dogs.

E-mail Shawn: shawnw@keena.com

Jodi Forth, Client Services Specialist

Jodi joined KEENA in 2020 as the Client Services Representative. In 2023, she joined our Client Services Specialist team. She now works along side Ethan in Human Resource Department, and continues to administer our clients Workers' Compensation and Disability Insurances. She brings to KEENA over 30 years experience in Medical Office Management and Administration. When Jodi's not at work, you can find her outside walking in any weather.

E-mail: jodif@keena.com

Hannah Flanagan, Payroll

Hannah joined KEENA as an intern in 2020 and quickly became a member of the team. She is now one of our Payroll Specialists. Hannah graduated from SUNY Oneonta with a Music Industry bachelor’s degree. While interning at KEENA, she realized she enjoyed working with our clients and decided to work here full time.

E-mail: hannahf@keena.com

Ethan Weinberger, Client Services Specialist

Ethan joined KEENA in 2023 as a Client Services Specialist in our Staffing and Human Resources Department. A 2022 graduate of Suny Adirondack, he brings 6+ years of experience in Customer Service & Hospitality to our growing company. In his free time, he enjoys making fish tanks and terrariums, soccer, and spending time with his family.

Email: ethanw@keena.com

Shi Ladd, Client Services Representative

Shi recently joined Keena as our new Client Services Representative. She brings with her several years of customer service experience.  When Shi is not answering our phones or greeting Client's, she loves spending time with her son and family at the lake. Don't let her name fool you! Shi is super outgoing and helpful! 

Email: sladd@keena.com