Sept. 16 Keynote Speaker: Walter Thorne

Walter Thorne is the market president and publisher of the Albany Business Review. Thorne joined the Business Review in 2019 as advertising director and was promoted in July 2021. He brings over 30 years of sales and leadership experience to the Albany Business Review where he leads a talented team that is responsible for implementing strategies that help customers grow their business, advance their career, and simplify their professional life. 

 
Prior to joining ABR, Thorne held sales-focused positions with JDOG Junk Removal, Advance Media, and Albany Broadcasting Co. and was self-employed for 28 years working for Rex Air Inc., selling Rainbow Vacuum cleaners door to door.  

 

Thorne's passion is to give back to the community by coaching and mentoring professionals in today's unrest. He combines a unique perspective of empathy, accountability, awareness, and structural changes to guide organizations to new levels in an uncertain time. 

 

Thorne grew up in Wappingers Falls and studied music and business at Wagner College. He is a classically trained opera singer - trained in six languages - and an avid bowler. Thorne serves on the board of the The Community Foundation of the Greater Capital Region, Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, and the Capital Region Chamber. He frequently volunteers his time as a mentor through several nonprofit organizations including Capital Region P-TECH and the SEAT Center.