CONNECTION
Kari F. Puleo, IOM
Executive Director, Greater Utica Chamber of Commerce
Finding Her Place. Helping Others Find Theirs.
When Kari Puleo moved to the Mohawk Valley from Washington, D.C., more than 20 years ago with her young son, Ryan, she had family nearby but was still trying to find her own place. Getting involved helped her meet people and begin building a life here. “Volunteering and getting involved helped turn a place I lived into a place I belonged.” Today, it’s where she’s raised her son, made lasting friendships and, since 2021, led the Greater Utica Chamber of Commerce.
Her career has included organizing programs at the Smithsonian and supporting local education at Notre Dame Schools. Throughout each role, she’s enjoyed getting to know people, connecting them with opportunities and helping their ideas take shape. Outside of work, Kari enjoys time with family, getting outdoors, reading and doing something creative. The close relationships and places to explore are part of what she loves about living here, along with the chance to contribute to the community she calls home.
That interest in helping started long before she arrived in the Mohawk Valley. Through 4-H, working as a summer counselor at Camp Overlook and participating in Key Club in high school, Kari learned to recognize what she could offer. At camp, Jim and Linda Tuggey showed her what it meant to lead with care, while Jim Reagan encouraged her and her fellow Key Club members to look beyond themselves. The 4-H motto, “To Make the Best Better,” still guides her. “I still think about it as an invitation to build on what’s good and leave things a little better than I found them.”
For Kari, saying yes to volunteering with Catalyst Young Professionals was an especially important step. One evening led to friendships, opportunities to help create events and a place for other young professionals, and eventually her role at the Chamber. Now, she helps others make those same connections, offering advice as they navigate work, encouraging nonprofit board service and volunteering, and helping them build friendships. “I know what it feels like to need a sense of belonging, and how much it matters when you find it.”
Her involvement also includes serving as Vice President of Utica Dollars for Scholars, supporting scholarships for local students. She serves on the Mohawk Valley Regional Economic Development Council, Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor Commission and Workforce Investment Board, and as Co-Chair of the New York Forward Utica Uptown District. Those roles give her opportunities to support education, businesses, neighborhoods, regional history and careers. A U.S. Chamber of Commerce fellowship has brought additional ideas and relationships home, while Chamber initiatives such as the National Civics Bee connect students, educators, employers and community organizations.
Some of her most meaningful reminders of why this work matters come from women who have attended Experience LeadHERship, which she launched through the Chamber with Morgan Mielnicki two years ago. They’ve shared stories about friendships and professional connections, ideas for their businesses, and how an invitation to speak helped them recognize the value of their own voices. “The gratitude is appreciated, but hearing what women have done with those opportunities is what matters most.” Those conversations continue well beyond the event and give Kari a chance to see what grew from it.
She values the quieter opportunities to help, too: listening when someone is having a difficult time, introducing a business owner to the right resource or encouraging someone to take a next step. Being involved has given her purpose and pride in where Greater Utica is headed, and she wants others to see the possibilities here. For anyone wondering where to begin, her advice is straightforward. “Start with something you care about, and give yourself permission to start small.” She suggests exploring nonprofits through Mohawk Valley Gives or reaching out to her at kpuleo@greateruticachamber.orgfor help finding a connection.
This Thanksgiving, Kari is especially grateful for the family who supports her busy schedule and big ideas, sometimes pitching in to build a parade float or work an event. She’s also thankful for the people who helped her feel at home here and hopes readers see a place for themselves in her story. “You don’t need a particular title, a large donation, or an abundance of free time to make a difference. You have something to offer, and there’s an organization or a neighbor who could use it.” For Kari, it comes back to the people who showed up for her when she was finding her way. “I’m grateful for everyone who has done that for me, and I hope to keep passing it on.”
