Meet Our Team
Elizabeth "Liz" Joy
Chairwoman
Elizabeth "Liz" Joy is a prominent New York political leader, conservative strategist, and commentator who serves as the Chairwoman of the Schenectady County Republican Committee. Elected to lead the party through the 2025–2027 term, she is focused on unifying local committees, expanding grassroots organizing, and building a robust financial foundation to champion good governance across Schenectady County.
A recognized voice in Capital Region politics, Liz achieved widespread prominence as the Republican and Conservative Party nominee for New York’s 20th Congressional District in both 2020 and 2022. During her highly competitive congressional bids against a long-term incumbent, she established a formidable, high-performing fundraising operation and won multiple counties across the district, solidifying her reputation as a resilient and effective campaigner.
Prior to her leadership roles in public policy and party leadership, Liz built a diverse professional background, including experience as a political writer and conservative activist. She has also dedicated her time to local leadership as the former Chair of the Republican Women of Schenectady County. Born in Glens Falls and a graduate of Simmons University, Liz is a proud military spouse whose family navigated multiple relocations during her husband’s active-duty service in the Medical Corps—an experience that deeply shaped her lifelong commitment to constitutional freedoms and veterans' advocacy. Liz and her husband reside in Glenville and are the proud parents of four adult children.
Ryan Debrino
First Vice Chairman
Ryan Debrino is a dedicated public servant and a lifelong resident of Schenectady County, New York, where his family has deep roots. He currently serves as a professional staff member at the New York State Board of Elections (NYSBOE), contributing to the vital mission of ensuring transparent, secure, and accessible elections for voters across the Empire State. Deeply committed to civic duty, Ryan leverages his expertise in state election guidelines and regional operations to support fair democratic processes. Outside of his professional responsibilities in Albany, Ryan is a dedicated family man who cherishes spending time with his loved ones and participating in community events. In his personal life, he is an enthusiastic supporter of local history, enjoys exploring the outdoor trails of upstate New York, and remains actively engaged in the growth, heritage, and civic vitality of Schenectady County.
Darlene Harris
Second Vice Chairwoman
Darlene Harris is the Republican Election Commissioner for Schenectady County and a former County GOP Committee Chairwoman. With over a decade of administrative experience, she ensures secure, transparent, and efficient voting operations for local residents. She is a veteran of many political campaigns, a Glenville resident, and a proud mother of two who is deeply committed to public service and constitutional liberties in the Capital Region.
Eric Hess
Third Vice Chairman
Eric Hess is the sole Republican Member of the Schenectady County Legislature, proudly serving the communities of District 4. A dedicated advocate for New York taxpayers, Eric’s legislative priorities include pushing for lower sales taxes, ensuring fair infrastructure funding for rural towns, and promoting community public safety. He is an active community volunteer, local sports enthusiast, and long-time resident of Rotterdam, where he continues to serve on the Town Republican Committee.
Josh Obercon
Fourth Vice Chairman
As a lifelong New York State resident, Josh is committed to reversing the economic stagnation and political dysfunction caused by decades of one-party rule. Rather than leaving the state, he is stepping up to fight for a more prosperous, transparent, and accountable New York for all residents.
A political science graduate of SUNY Plattsburgh with a strong focus on constitutional law, Josh is a passionate advocate for social justice, good governance, and individual liberty. In addition to his Vice Chair role, he currently serves as Secretary of the Duanesburg Republican Committee, where he continues to champion practical solutions that put New Yorkers first.
Loretta Rigney
Committee Treasurer
Loretta Rigney got involved with politics after praying to God to “raise up good people to run for office” and He answered with “I want you to run.” In 2017 she was endorsed by the Schenectady County Republicans to run for County Legislator in District #3. After losing that election, she ran again in 2018 for Mayor of Scotia, the first female to do so, and unfortunately lost that election as well. Even after two disappointing losses, Loretta had built such strong relationship with the wonderful people in the Scotia-Glenville and Schenectady County Republican Committee that she remained involved and working to help other candidates get elected. In 2021 she accepted the role of Treasurer for the Scotia-Glenville Committee and in 2025 stepped up as Treasurer of the County Committee.
She is employed as the Deputy Republican Commissioner at the Schenectady County Board of Elections where she recruits, trains, and supports Republican Election Day Workers. As part of her job, she also works in a bi-partisan team to conduct voting presentations to High School Seniors across the county in an effort to educate and engage young people in their civic duty of voting.
She serves as President of the Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake Housing Development Fund, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing safe and beautiful housing to low-income seniors and those with disabilities and the Leadership Team Secretary of Living Hope Christian Church.
She resides in Duanesburg with her husband Tom. They have two grown children and one granddaughter.
Matt Nelligan
Executive Director
Matt Nelligan-A deeply experienced operative in New York State politics, Matt has managed dozens of regional campaigns and built an extensive track record in legislative leadership. He spent nearly a decade serving as a Chief of Staff in the New York State Senate, advising three separate state senators, including Senators Rich Funke, Mike Martucci and George Maziarz. He has previously served as the Chair of the City of Schenectady Republican Committee and the Guilderland Republican Committee. He has been married to his wife Jackie for 7 years and has three children and five step children.