About Keena Staffing
Since 1986, KEENA has been a key resource for people seeking new career opportunities and companies seeking talented personnel. But we didn't stop with Permanent and Temporary Employment Services. We also offer HR Management Services, Payroll Services, Benefits, etc.
KEENA is your HR solution designed to attract, retain and develop the best employees, manage risk, reduce liability and maximize the biggest investment your company makes...your employees.
History
The late Paul S. Gerarde (1953-2002) and Connie Gerarde started KEENA Staffing in 1986. Initially, KEENA Staffing concentrated on temporary staffing services for local businesses. Over the next ten years, Paul & Connie grew the business to include permanent placements, professional recruitment, and employment consulting services. Right before the turn of the century, Paul & Connie used their education and experiences learned in the staffing business to launch a PEO.
In November of 2002, heartbreak spread through KEENA Staffing & the community when they learned of Paul Gerarde's passing. Paul's life touched a great many people. It goes without saying he will be greatly missed. Paul's business continues to thrive under the direction of the Gerarde family, continuing in the traditions that brought KEENA into the 21st Century.
Our Staff
Michael Niles, Vice President
D. Michael Niles joins KEENA as Vice President of Operations. Michael retired last year as Chief Financial Officer and Sr. Vice President of Finance at Glens Falls Hospital after nearly 27 years of service. Before joining Glens Falls Hospital, he was a Senior Auditor at Ernst and Whinney in Albany. Michael's business experience coupled with his extensive community involvement contribute greatly to the internal operations at KEENA. He is able to provide guidance on many matters both internally and to KEENA's clients.
Mr. Niles holds a B. S. in Accounting and Business Law from Clarkson University. He is President-Elect of the Adirondack Community College Foundation, Vice Chair for Greater Adirondack Home Aides, and Chairman of the Supervisory Committee of Hudson River Community Credit Union. He formerly served as Director of the Empire Zone of Warren County and Director of Tri-County United Way.
Email Michael Niles: michaeln@keena.com
Michael Niles, CFO
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, N.Y., Pittsburgh, PA, Philadelphia, PA 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 the newest 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 president of KEENA Staffing, Connie continues her leadership role in the day-to-day operations and management. Today, KEENA is regarded as one of the top employment agencies in the region.
E-mail Connie Gerarde: connie@keena.com
Connie Gerarde Niles, Co-Founder
Christina Gerarde, PHR, SHRM-CP, President
Coming soon...
Email Christina: christinag@keena.com
Christina Gerarde, PHR, SHRM-CP, President
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
Sam Rathbun, General Manager
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
Josh Lyons, Finance
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
Shawn Weinberger, Client Services Manager
Jodi Forth, Client Services Representative
Jodi joined KEENA in 2020 as the Client Services Representative. She now continues to manage the front desk, while also administering our clients Workers' Compensation and Disability Insurances. She brings to KEENA over 30 years experience in Medical Office Management and Administration. It was a natural fit for her to start handling our client's insurance claims, audits and billing.
E-mail Jodi Forth: jodif@keena.com
Jodi Forth, Client Services Representatiive
Keeley Zack, Payroll
Keeley Zack joined KEENA in 2001 as an Administrative Assistant. She has over 15 years experience in customer relations and accounting including both receivables and payables. Since 2002, Keeley has been processing weekly payrolls for many of KEENA’s clients while addressing client and employee concerns.
Keeley is an active member of The American Payroll Association.
E-mail Keeley Zack: keeleyz@keena.com
Keeley Zack, Payroll Specialist
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 Hannah: hannahf@keena.com
Hannah Flanagan, Payroll Specialist
Eric Jones, Payroll Support Specialist
Eric joined KEENA recently in September 2022 as support in our Payroll Department. Eric attended college in NYC and Westchester County studying accounting before returning home to Queensbury with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from Skidmore College. He has over 10 years experience in kitchen staff management and an asset to our team! He enjoys spending time with his family, his girlfriend Sarah and their dog Indi in his free time along with listening to the world's greatest vacuum soloist, Jon Fishman.
Email Eric: ericj@keena.com
Eric Jones, Payroll Support Specialist
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 Ethan: ethanw@keena.com
Ethan Weinberger, Client Services Specialist
Emily Pennington, Client Services Specialist
Emily joined KEENA in the Spring of 2023 as a Client Services Specialist in our Staffing & Human Resources Department. After working 11+ years at the Health Department in her home town of Indianapolis, she brings valuable experience in connecting both business owners and the public with necessary resources. She looks forward to being part of the team that continues to make KEENA a thriving part of the community.
Having recently moved to New York, she and her husband enjoy gardening, tackling home renovations and designing their new home in the Southern Adirondacks.
Email Emily: emilyp@keena.com
Emily Pennington, Client Services Specialist
