United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region welcomes two new members to its Board of Directors.

James P. Laurito, President and CEO, Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation. Prior to joining Central Hudson in 2009, as President, Laurito served as President and Chief Executive Officer of New York State Electric & Gas Corporation and Rochester Gas & Electric. With more than 35 years experience in the utilities sector, he serves as a board and safety committee member for the American Gas Association, is an upstate New York advisory board member for the Federal Reserve Bank, and an executive board member for Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress. Laurito earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from West Virginia University and completed an executive management program in finance and manufacturing management at Columbia University.

Allan J. Ross, Chairman and CEO, A.J. Ross Creative Media, a full-service marketing and advertising agency offering clients comprehensive, customized, and creative marketing solutions that continually get results. Ross has over 35 years experience in the advertising field and has worked with clients such as Gallo Wine, NBC Sports, CNN, Crystal Light, Freihofer’s, and Turner Classic Movies. Ross is on the Orange County Chamber of Commerce Marketing Committee and Retention Board, serves as a member of the Marketing Committee for the Westchester County Association, Inc., and the International Trade Board and past Ambassador of the Orange County Chamber of Commerce. Ross is also a long time member of the Screen Actors Guild, Local 802 New York City Musicians Union and AFTRA.

“As United Way continues to serve the region in the areas of education, income and health, we welcome the leadership, dedication, and expertise that Jim Laurito and Allan Ross bring to the Board of Directors,” said Steven E. Howell, CPA, Chairman of United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region and partner at Vanacore, DeBenedictus, DiGovanni and Weddell, LLP.