Ben Breckenridge joins Adirondack Roots

ELIZABETHTOWN — Adirondack Roots, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping individuals and families put down roots and stay in the North Country, has hired Essex native Ben Breckenridge as its new community development director.

Breckenridge, whose career has included work in project management, real estate and zoning administration, will manage Adirondack Roots’ housing rehabilitation programs. He joined the organization in November.

“I’m humbled to have the opportunity to work with an organization that’s making a real difference in solving our region’s housing shortage,” Breckenridge said. “It’s important to create new, accessible housing. And we also need to ensure that we preserve our existing housing stock for the next generation by giving individuals the tools to stay in the homes they already have.”

Since 1984, Adirondack Roots has helped homeowners tap over $24 million in state and federal grants to repair and rehabilitate their properties. The organization administers programs that replace aging mobile homes, complete essential home repairs, and install ramps and other modifications to make homes accessible for individuals with disabilities.

Breckenridge, who earned a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies and sociology from St. Lawrence University, moved to California after graduation and completed an MBA at Cal Poly Humboldt. He spent several years on the West Coast before returning to Essex in 2022. Among his professional designations, he is a chartered financial counselor for sustainable, responsible and impact (SRI) investments and is a US Green Building Council-LEED Green Associate.

“Ben’s knowledge of real estate and finance and deep connections to our region will be a great asset to Adirondack Roots and our clients,” said Megan Murphy, executive director of Adirondack Roots. “He’s already jumped into our community, looking for ways to connect our community’s needs with available resources.”