Meet Your Associate - Melissa Kwasniewski

Join us in celebrating Melissa's inaugural year as a valued member of AOGF coming up February 1st! She has navigated a dynamic career trajectory to attain her current position. Commencing her journey at Glens Falls National Bank, she progressed through various roles, evolving from Home Equity Coordinator to Assistant Controller for Upstate Agency, showcasing her versatility. Brief stints with Fort Miller and Hughes Agency preceded her impactful tenure with AOGF. Melissa unexpectedly discovered her passion for Accounting upon returning to the workforce post-motherhood. Her aptitude for math led her to join GFNB's Accounting team, and since then, she has embraced evolving roles with enthusiasm, enriching her professional journey.

Melissa greatly values the camaraderie within our workplace. The authentic efforts to nurture connections and foster pleasant interactions have significantly enhanced the quality of daily work life. In contrast to the prevalent trend of hybrid work models, Melissa places importance on maintaining a clear boundary between work and personal life. For her, leaving work at the office creates a work-free sanctuary at home, promoting a healthy balance.

Among her noteworthy achievements, Melissa takes pride in earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting in 2015 while juggling a full-time job and raising two kids, a testament to her dedication and perseverance. Outside of work, Melissa is an adventurer at heart. She achieved Adk 46’r status in 2021 and is unintentionally working on her second round, accompanying her son on his 46’r journey. With a passion for trail running, traveling, and reading, she embodies a life beyond the ordinary. Professionally, Melissa is committed to mastering our operating system, while on a personal front, she aims to complete the Vermont 4000 footers hiking challenge and commence the NH 4000 footers in 2024. Another fun fact about Melissa, her and her husband are gearing up to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary in 2024, marking a quarter-century of shared adventures.

Her advice to newcomers in the field is to actively embrace change. In the ever-changing landscape of insurance, stagnation only results from a lack of interest in personal and professional growth.

We extend an invitation to celebrate Melissa's accomplishment of completing one year as a dedicated full-time team member at AOGF.