Jay Matteson will begin serving as President of the Watertown Rotary Club on July 1, 2026, for the 2026–2027 Rotary year. Katie Malinowski will serve as President-Elect. Lisa Ruggiero has served as club president for the 2025 – 2026 Rotary year. Matteson has been a member of the Watertown Rotary Club since September 2004 and first joined Rotary in 2001.
Jay Matteson will begin serving as President of the Watertown Rotary Club on July 1, 2026, for the 2026–2027 Rotary year. Katie Malinowski will serve as President-Elect. Lisa Ruggiero has served as club president for the 2025 – 2026 Rotary year.
Matteson has been a member of the Watertown Rotary Club since September 2004 and first joined Rotary in 2001. A lifelong advocate for agriculture, economic development, and community service, he has served as Jefferson County Agricultural Coordinator since 2000, working to strengthen the region's agricultural economy and support rural communities throughout Northern New York. Mr. Matteson recently began serving as Deputy Chief Executive Officer for Jefferson County Economic Development in addition to serving as Agricultural Coordinator.
A graduate of Unity College with a degree in Wildlife Biology, Matteson discovered early in his career that his greatest passion was bringing people together and helping communities thrive. Through his company, Mangy Moose Productions, he serves as a master of ceremonies, event host, charity auctioneer, keynote speaker, and marketing consultant. Known throughout the North Country as "The Hype Guy," he also brings energy and enthusiasm to fans as an in-game host for the Watertown Wolves and the Watertown Rapids.
Jay and his wife, Kristin, have been married for 34 years and are proud to call Jefferson County home. An active member of the Watertown Rotary Club, Matteson is committed to advancing Rotary's motto, "Service Above Self," while fostering fellowship, growing membership, and expanding the club's impact throughout the North Country.
"Being a Rotarian brings the phrase, 'Think globally, act locally,' to life," said Matteson. "Rotarians work hard to improve lives in our local communities while also helping people in faraway places."
"I've watched local Rotarians contribute to the Thompson Park splash pad, host the Concerts in the Park series and fireworks, provide scholarships to children and adults, and plant trees throughout the Watertown community," he said.
"At the same time, our club may be touching lives in Africa by supporting clean water projects, advancing literacy programs, or providing ShelterBox disaster relief to families affected by natural disasters in places such as Indonesia. The reach of an individual Rotarian is truly global."
As president, Matteson looks forward to leading the club in creating lasting change and continuing Rotary's proud tradition of service to the Watertown community.
In addition to Matteson and Malinowski, the following members will serve on the Watertown Rotary Club Board of Directors:
- Second Vice President: Joanna Loomis
- Treasurer: Mike Crowley
- Deputy Treasurer: Pam Halloran
- Secretary: Suzanna Renzi-Falge
- Immediate Past President: Lisa Ruggiero
Board Members
- Jill Renshaw ('27)
- Brian Ashley ('27)*
- Tim Sweeney ('27)*
- Joel Lalone ('28)
- Maureen Cean ('28)
- Judy Christley ('28)
- Shawna Cutuli ('28)
- Nate Matteson ('29)
- Beth Linderman ('29)
*Nominated
About the Watertown Rotary Club
The Watertown Rotary Club is part of Rotary International, a worldwide service organization whose members provide service to others, promoting integrity, and advancing goodwill, peace, and understanding throughout the world. Guided by the motto "Service Above Self," members of the Watertown Rotary Club support numerous local and international projects that improve lives and strengthen communities. For more information about Rotary visit Watertownnyrotary.org