Brian Cousins serves as President of the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce, bringing more than 25 years of diverse experience at Darien Lake, where he held leadership roles spanning marketing, operations, entertainment, and accommodations. His career there provided a broad perspective on business and hospitality while creating a lasting connection to the community, it’s also where he met his wife, Cherie. As passionate travelers, Brian and Cherie have explored a wide-range of destinations, which reinforces his belief that there is something truly special about the place they call home. Brian is proud to live, work, and serve in Genesee County and is committed to helping make it a place where people and businesses can thrive. He believes strongly in the Chamber’s mission to bring together those who work, live, and play here, while creating opportunities for people with the vision and determination to turn their ideas and dreams into reality.
Kaeli Kleinback-LaFrance is the Partnerships & Membership Manager at the Chamber, she is responsible for building and growing collaborative relationships with the current & prospective members of Genesee County. With several years of experience in roles such as, Assistant Restaurant & Banquet Manager at Terry Hills and Brand Manager & Event Coordinator at Eli Fish Brewing Company, she brings experience in event planning, brand management, content creation, and creative design. Providing new insight when assisting Chamber members, connecting local businesses, and aligning mutual interests to reach shared goals throughout the community. Kaeli attended graphic design school, moving to Buffalo from Akwesasne, a Mohawk reservation in Northern New York, where she met her husband, Ron. Upon switching her major to Fashion Business Management, she moved back to his hometown of Batavia, NY to attend GCC where she graduated with a concentration in Event Planning. Her involvement in the Fashion program, GCC student organizations, and her husband's new job at the City of Batavia Fire Department made it easy to appreciate the history & community. She believes that there is no substitute for human connection and works every day to create & foster meaningful experiences to be shared throughout Genesee County.
Kelly Rapone serves as Tourism Director for the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce and has led Genesee County’s tourism program for more than 25 years. She provides strategic leadership for the county’s destination marketing and tourism development efforts and remains excited and committed to an industry she discovered a passion for early in her career.
Kelly has built and led award-winning tourism, marketing, and community initiatives at the local, regional, and statewide levels. She enjoys uncovering niche opportunities and turning ideas into collaborative programs that build awareness, increase visitation, strengthen the visitor economy, and benefit Genesee County and its partners.
Paige O’Brien is the Marketing & Content Coordinator at the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce, where she creates engaging content, promotes Chamber events, highlights local businesses, and connects the community through social media and marketing. With a background in event planning, hospitality, agriculture, and communications, she brings a fresh perspective and creative approach to her work. Paige graduated from Early College High School with her high school diploma and an associate degree in Hospitality, Tourism, & Event Management from Genesee Community College. During her time at ECHS and GCC, she was heavily involved in student leadership, serving as Student Council President for two years. She also served as Vice President of the Byron-Bergen FFA Chapter, where she strengthened her leadership, public speaking, event planning, and agricultural knowledge while connecting with people throughout the community. These experiences have shaped Paige’s passion for bringing people together and creating meaningful experiences. She hopes to continue growing her career in marketing and events while contributing to the businesses, organizations, and people that make Genesee County a great place to live, work, and grow.
Josh Dumbleton is the Events & Operations Coordinator for the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce, where he coordinates events, supports daily operations, and works closely with local businesses and community partners. Previously, Josh served as Pro Shop Manager at Timber Ridge Golf Club and as Athletic Facilities and Operations Coordinator at Drury University, bringing a strong background in event management, facility operations, customer service, and relationship building to his role. He is dedicated to creating meaningful connections, promoting local businesses, and supporting the continued growth of the Genesee County business community.
