CNY Leadership Symposium 2025

Description

More speakers to be announced shortly.

Breakfast and Lunch will be provided by local restaurants.
Door prizes will be announced...

We will have over 50 local leaders attending the symposium. This will be a great networking event! 

Jeff Knauss – Entrepreneur, AI Strategist & Visionary Leader

Jeff Knauss is a serial entrepreneur, AI strategist, and investor with a proven track record of building, scaling, and exiting high-growth businesses.

As the CEO & Co-Founder of Arcovo AI, he is redefining business automation by building AI agents that act as digital employees, helping organizations streamline operations, increase efficiency, and drive growth.

Previously, Jeff was the CEO & Co-Founder of Digital Hyve, a full-service digital marketing agency that grew into an 8-figure powerhouse, ranking 52nd on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies in the U.S. Under his leadership, Digital Hyve became one of the most successful independent agencies in the country.

In 2021, Jeff orchestrated a highly successful financial exit, selling the company to an independent agency and securing a lucrative return after 7 years of scaling the business. Equally important, he structured the deal to ensure all 56 employees became employee-owners in the acquiring company through an ESOP, creating lasting financial benefits for his team.

Jeff is also the CEO & Founder of Opin, an education-focused platform providing real-world entrepreneurial insights to high school and college students.

He has been recognized and featured in Entrepreneur Magazine, Adweek, Inc. Magazine, Fortune Magazine, Facebook Success Stories, and more.

Beyond his ventures, Jeff is an investor and advisor to multiple companies across AI, fintech, commercial real estate, and hospitality—including ownership of XO Taco, Hidden Fish, and Clover’s. 

He currently serves on the Board of Directors for Community Financial System, Inc. (NYSE: CBU) and the SUNY Oswego Foundation, with past board roles at Byrne Dairy, United Way, Food Bank of CNY, and other major organizations.

Jeff’s achievements have earned him widespread recognition. He was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters from SUNY Oswego and was the youngest honoree of the prestigious Crystal Ball Award, recognizing exceptional business leadership and community impact.

In 2021, Jeff and his wife launched the Knauss Family Foundation, dedicated to breaking cycles of generational poverty through education, children’s health, and career development.

A sought-after speaker on entrepreneurship, leadership, AI, and business strategy, Jeff captivates audiences with his insights on scaling companies, leveraging AI, and navigating the future of work.

He lives in Skaneateles, NY, with his wife, Heta, and their two children, Max and Lila.


Steve Axtell has been the head coach of the Cortland men’s soccer team since 2012. In 13 years and 12 seasons at the helm, Axtell has guided the Red Dragons to a record of 170-57-24(.725), including eight appearances in the NCAA Division III tournament and six trips to the national “Sweet 16.”

Axtell is the owner and director of NYid Camps, the largest youth soccer camp series in New York State. He is also the owner of OnePlus Performance Coaching, a leadership and coaching business. As a member of United Soccer Coaches, Axtell also travels throughout the country teaching courses as the Leadership Curriculum Coordinator. He is also the National College Advisory Director for Rush Soccer, where he helps guide over 3,000 students and their families through the college process.

Axtell has a long history of athletic coaching. Outside of soccer, Axtell has worked in cardiac rehabilitation and owned an outdoor adventure company. He is also certified as a Strength & Conditioning Specialist. Axtell earned his master's degree in Kinesiology from Cortland State in 2014, where he was also an all-conference goalkeeper for the Red Dragons.


More speakers to be announced...