SUNY Potsdam Alumni Association Honors Kris McCarthy ’14 of Martintown, Ontario, with 2024 Rising Star Award
Kris McCarthy ’14 (left) of Martintown, Ontario, is a recipient of the 2024 Rising Star Award from the SUNY Potsdam Alumni Association. He is seen here with SUNY Potsdam President Dr. Suzanne Smith (right), who presented him with the honor at Reunion 2024.
The SUNY Potsdam Alumni Association recently honored Kris McCarthy ’14 of Martintown, Ontario, with the College’s Rising Star Award, during Reunion 2024.
The Rising Star Award is presented to alumni who have demonstrated outstanding professional achievement in the first decade following graduation. McCarthy was recognized for all he has achieved as an entrepreneur and business visionary.
About the recipient:
In the ten years since his graduation, Kris McCarthy ’14 has not wasted a minute of time and has moved from playing professional hockey to being a visionary entrepreneur. A natural networker and business strategist, his willingness to always put others before himself is a testament to his character and energy.
For seven years, McCarthy played pro hockey for four teams in two different leagues, winning two championships as a player, before moving into a head office role for another title. He knows a thing or two about being part of a winning team and how to promote a game, brand and product. His ability to play professional hockey while being a full-time business administration student at SUNY Potsdam is a tribute to his work ethic.
McCarthy and his partner, Shannon Ferguson, parlayed their experience in hockey front offices into a novel platform known as FanSaves, a mobile app that allows sports fans to save money at businesses that sponsor their favorite teams. The app also collects data for the sponsors on consumer preferences of the fan base, so they can better target their advertising efforts.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, FanSaves was credited with being a fast, free and uncomplicated way for businesses to generate revenue, replacing the traditional in-person sale of gift certificates for businesses that rely on them to generate traffic.
In addition to his busy schedule as COO of FanSaves, Kris has found time to serve as secretary and as an executive member of the Board of the United Way of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry, based in Cornwall, Ontario.
For more information about SUNY Potsdam’s Alumni Association, visit www.potsdam.edu/alumni.
About SUNY Potsdam:
Founded in 1816, The State University of New York at Potsdam is one of America’s first 50 colleges—and the oldest institution within SUNY. Now in its third century, SUNY Potsdam is distinguished by a legacy of pioneering programs and educational excellence. The College currently enrolls approximately 2,500 undergraduate and graduate students. Home to the world-renowned Crane School of Music, SUNY Potsdam is known for its challenging liberal arts and sciences core, distinction in teacher training and culture of creativity. To learn more, visit www.potsdam.edu.