Damian Finio, The Lodge on the Rocks

Sullivan County’s proximity to large metropolitan areas such as NYC and Philadelphia, coupled with its frontage on the majestic Delaware River, many quaint and distinct hamlets, miles of trails for hiking and biking, and of course its historic significance having hosted Woodstock provide many differentiated opportunities to draw visitors to the area.  These are some of the attractions that lured me to the area as a visitor, culminating in a personal investment in property in Pond Eddy, NY.  Promoting tourism further will only serve to boost the local economy and provide well-paying and fulfilling jobs to our residents – this is certainly a cause that I fully support.

In terms of my background, I have a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the Pennsylvania State University and a Master’s in Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing from the University of Delaware.  Although inactive now, I was also a practicing certified public accountant and certified treasury professional earlier in my career.  I have more than 30 years of experience working in Finance, and have been leading Finance Departments since 2009, almost entirely in the pharmaceuticals industry.  In October 2020, I transitioned from the pharmaceutical industry to animal health and am currently the Chief Financial Officer of Phibro Animal Health Corporation (Nasdaq: PAHC).  I also act as the Chairman of Phibro’s Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) Council.  Phibro Animal Health Corporation is a diversified global animal health and mineral nutrition company and trusted partner of livestock producers, farmers, veterinarians, and consumers who raise or care for farm and companion animals.  I have also served on the Board of Directors for Teligent Inc. (formerly Nasdaq: TLGT), a manufacturer of vaccines and dermatology products, as a member of the Mayor’s Investment Advisory Council and on the Board of the local Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), both in Westfield, NJ.

My wife and I have been visiting Sullivan County for years.  In fact, some of our best memories took place here – concerts at Bethel Woods, watching the sunset from a rowboat during a stay at the Inn at Lake Joseph, getting snowed in at the Darby House in Pond Eddy, late night campfires alongside the Delaware River in Narrowsburg, several spring wine and charcuterie board lunches at the Wine Merchant in Callicoon – the list goes on and on.

In December 2021, we made the decision to buy a place for ourselves and we are now the proud owners of LodgeOnTheRocks53, a 5-star short-term rental property located in Pond Eddy.  We continue to look for a second property and have interest in exploring other business opportunities in the area as well.

I would be honored to serve on the Board of Directors for the Sullivan County Visitors Association, a team who is just as passionate about sharing Sullivan Country with others as me. I am confident that my business acumen, experience in financial leadership roles, education in marketing, and somewhat unique perspective as recent convert from visitor to property owner will add value to the team.