Becky Robbins introduced the day's guest speaker, Joni Blackman. Joni Blackman has been the Director of the Fenton History Center since October 2024. However, she was the former Director from 2004-2017. In between, she managed the Chautauqua Blind Association, served as Operations Manager at the Roger Tory Peterson Institute, and for a short time worked with Harrington Architect. Although her education and background are in natural sciences, finances, and computers, she has had over 40 years working and serving in the non-profit world. 

Becky Robbins introduced the week's guest speaker, Jamestown Mayor Kimberly Ecklund. Mayor Ecklund is a lifelong resident of Jamestown and brings decades of experience and dedication to her role as the city’s chief executive. A graduate of Jamestown Public Schools, she earned her associate degree from Jamestown Community College in 1987 and a bachelor’s degree from SUNY Fredonia in 1989. Mayor Ecklund served as a City Council Member At-Large from 2004 to 2023. During her time on the Council, she was a member of the Finance Committee; the Jamestown Local Development Corporation (JLDC); the Parks, Recreation & Conservation Commission; and the Riverfront Management Council. She also contributed to the Mayor’s Task Force on Efficiency and Cost Reduction and participated in numerous ad-hoc committees. In addition, she led the City’s Neighborhood Watch Coalition and served on the board of the Jamestown Boys & Girls Club.