Meet the Team
A small but mighty group, the team at GAB works to be of service to the Gardiner Association of Businesses. We work to promote our community’s businesses through digital marketing, in-person events, and collaborations, bring together local chambers, non-profit organizations, and local business services, and find ways to give back to the community and local causes.
Jaclyn DeJesus
President
Hudson Valley native, an entrepreneur, and passionate about all things marketing. With a professional background in client experience and web design, she brings a unique understanding of the digital landscape to our team. From creative to technical roles, she’s spent the last 10 years supporting local business owners. Most days, you can find Jaclyn in her home office or in town wherever the WiFi is strong.
She plans to foster an organization where ideas flourish, partnerships thrive, and collective innovation propels us forward.
Brian Amthor
Vice President
Town Councilman in Shawangunk and owner of Amthor Welding, a fourth generation family owned business (Brian is generation #4) that started back in 1928 in Ellenville, NY. Brian is also the Executive Vice President at Amthor International, Amthor Welding's sister company in Gretna, VA. Both businesses serve as the nations largest and most diverse manufacturer and builder of truck mounted tanks for the refined fuel, propane, waste water and all related industries. Brian's great-grandfather almost a hundred years ago started out as a Blacksmith and they have since evolved.
Brian resides in the Town of Shawangunk where he is a Town Councilman and has been since 2007. He brings a unique perspective as both a Shawangunk and Gardiner native in his leadership role, with a focus on community and team work.
John Valk Jr.
Treasurer
Previously the long-time Town Supervisor of Shawangunk for 25 years, Valk served on the Town Board for a total of 32 years. He was a board member for seven years, serving the last 25 as Supervisor. Valk, a dedicated public servant for more than three decades, said during his tenure that the Town of Shawangunk and its residents were able to see many infrastructure and quality of life improvements while keeping taxes affordable for all of its residents.
Valk looks forward to staying involved by continuing to serve the local community in a role at the Association, bringing a unique perspective of Shawangunk as the town of Gardiner and Shawangunk submerge into one organization.
Cathy Bruce
Board Member
Pastor at the Reformed Church of Shawangunk, has a heart to serve our surrounding community through love and service. The Reformed Church of Shawangunk is a multigenerational church seeking to support, resource and partner with those in physical and spiritual need through love, friendship and relationships in our area. We love others through relationship and service because of the great love we have received from God. Our church hopes to be a blessing to all through the worship, programs, outreach and service opportunities we provide which can all be found at refgunkchurch.org.
Cathy is a business owner and resident in the Town of Shawangunk. She has a heart of service and loves working in and collaborating with the local community.
Matthew Silverman
Writer
Matthew 'Met' Silverman serves as a professional writer and editor with over twenty years experience, most recently known for 'Out of A Dog's Mouth' outofadogsmouth.com. He has authored, co-authored and edited numerous publications pertaining to Baseball, Football and sports. He has been a lifelong fan of Major League Baseball and the New York Mets in particular, which allows him to convey a genuine perspective of an avid fan while maintaining author objectivity. He resides in the beautiful Hudson Valley.