Executives Peer Leadership Group Offers Strategic Support for Hudson Valley Business Leaders

What do business leaders across industries—from dental practices to design firms—have in common? For this group of accomplished CEOs, the answer is a commitment to growth, accountability, and peer-driven support. They are members of the CEO Peer Leadership Group, hosted by the Hudson Valley Venture Hub at SUNY New Paltz.

Founded in January 2024, this dynamic group brings together leaders from diverse industries including manufacturing, real estate, marketing, healthcare, retail, and franchising. Members include William Schaefer of Rhinebeck Kitchen and Bath, Katy Dwyer of Dwyer Design, Jacob Reckess of Paz Management, Brett Fliegler of Brookbeam Dental, Aaron Phipps of MPI Inc., Erik Sims of a multi-location podiatry practice, Rob Durr of the Institute for Holistic Health and Hands & Stone Spas, Garrett Noach of Lamothermic Inc., and Dahlia Graham of Fruition Chocolate.

The group meets every other month under the guidance of a skilled executive facilitator, Tim Dean. Tim Dean, Chairman of the Board of Marshall & Sterling Enterprises—a 100% employee-owned, $120 million risk management and insurance company with over 700 employees and 25 offices nationwide. 

Meetings are focused, confidential, and designed for strategic sharing—members discuss business performance metrics, operational challenges, and leadership goals. Between sessions, each CEO meets one-on-one with the facilitator for deeper accountability and coaching. Members also have access to Hudson Valley Venture Hub staff for additional support, including exercises like mock firings to build confidence and skills.

Ideal members are CEOs of closely held or family-owned companies with at least $10 million in annual revenue and 25 employees. The group is intentionally cross-industry, creating a rich environment for broad perspective, deep insight, and meaningful connections. Whether you're in manufacturing (like MPI or Lamothermic), marketing, healthcare, or franchising, this group is for leaders who are serious about growing revenue, increasing profitability, and becoming better at what they do.

If you’re a CEO who sometimes feels isolated at the top, struggles to get honest feedback, or needs help holding yourself accountable, this group could be a game-changer. It’s a confidential, high-impact space for learning, growing, and being challenged by peers who get it. As Garrett Noach of Lamothermic Inc. shares, “Being part of the CEO peer group has been incredibly valuable to me. The accountability and support have pushed me to take action on things I often put off. I’ve seen enormous ROI—in business performance and personal growth. It’s not just networking—it’s strategic, results-driven support from people who genuinely want to see each other succeed.”