• 11.2.22
• Member News

Citizen Advocates Board of Directors welcomes two new members

The addition of Nance Arquiett and Jeffrey Spriggs, both St. Lawrence County residents, are a reflection of Citizen Advocates recent growth in the county and a commitment to having broad community representation on its board.

Ms. Arquiett is a lifelong resident of St. Lawrence County, and lives in Winthrop with her husband Randy, and their four children: Audrey, Ava, Avery and Andrew. A SUNY Canton Alumni, she led a medical office for more than a decade, specializing in patient care and day-to-day office operations.

She is an award-winning entrepreneur, co-owning and operating two Mama Birds for over eight years, and working with other small business owners on branding and marketing strategies.

A former St. Lawrence County Legislator and St. Lawrence Central School Board of Education member, Ms. Arquiett has remained a strong proponent of initiatives and programs that assist and uplift underserved residents of the region.  She also serves on the SUNY Jefferson Center for Community Studies Advisory Board. 

“As a parent, it’s a priority that we work towards a better tomorrow for our children and for future generations,” said Ms. Arquiett. “Citizen Advocates is helping attain that goal through their relentless commitment to the North Country, and I am honored to have the opportunity to support their mission.” 

Mr. Spriggs recently returned to the North Country after living in Texas for 12 years.  He was raised in Ogdensburg and went on to earn his MBA from Clarkson University. 

He has over 10 years’ experience in the Health Insurance industry with a focus on clinical programming, process improvement and vendor management.  His current employer is Healthfirst, which is the largest not-for-profit health insurer in New York. 

In addition to Citizen Advocates, Mr. Spriggs also serves on the board of the Ogdensburg Boys & Girls Club. 

“There is a tremendous opportunity in this area to bring quality care and programming that addresses a persons’ whole health needs,” said Mr. Spriggs. “Citizen Advocates continues to make significant advances in bridging the access to care gaps for our populations.  I have been observing their trajectory from the sidelines over the last couple of years and now look forward to actively contributing to their ongoing success.”

Both he and his husband Paul reside just outside of Ogdensburg.

The newest board members join current board members Deanna Smith, Chair; Loretta Fowler, Secretary; Dallas Sutton, Treasurer; and Brock Arnold.