Top Business leaders 2023_04_14

STEVEN BLANK

Over 3 years ago, we were all faced with the uncertainty of the effects of Covid-19, and how we would be impacted, both personally and professionally.

Making sense of anything was hard to do, as we all made decisions based on the constantly changing situations we were faced with.

We reevaluated our business strategies, standards, and practices.

We learned how to oversee staff from home, use new technology, and manage our own expectations of the success of our business.

Now, in 2023, it’s quite possible that we have turned a corner.

We are focused on the future and taking risks to rebuild and adjust to the economic disruptions from Covid.

We are more willing to prioritize projects and partnerships.

We understand now, more than ever, to fundamentally rethink how we plan, invest, and operate.

The 46 individuals we are recognizing as

this year’s top business leaders of Nassau have reshaped their business model out of necessity, and today they are taking advantage of the opportunities that are presented to them.

Leading by example in a positive and impactful way while fully embracing their role as a leader and mentor, the men and women you will read about have carved out their own path and have made significant contributions in their respective fields.

They understand the evolving landscape of their businesses and are determined to solve issues, build on one another’s ideas, and encourage their staff to also be forward thinkers.

And, their desire to be an advocate for others is truly inspirational. Each honoree has felt the reward of helping those less fortunate.

It’s for these and other reasons that Blank Slate Media has chosen to honor these leaders. We are proud to celebrate with them what they have each accomplished and know that there is much more ahead of them.

Rosemarie Palacios

Lorens Morris

Debbie Flynn

Renee Giordani

Barbara Kaplan

Wendy Kates

Stacy Shaughenessy

Melissa Spitalnick

Jim McCann is a successful entrepreneur, business leader, author, media personality, and philanthropist whose passion is helping people deliver smiles.

Jim’s belief in the universal need for social connections and interaction led to his founding of

1-800-FLOWERS.COM Inc., which he has grown into one of the world’s leading floral and gourmet gifting companies.

Jim’s willingness to embrace new technologies that enhance customer engagement, such as 800 phone numbers and e-commerce,

JIM MCCANN

FOUNDER AND EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN | 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, INC.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

often long before other retailers, has consistently kept 1-800-FLOWERS. COM Inc. ahead of the curve and positioned it as a leading innovator in the marketplace.

These innovations have played a vital role in strengthening customer engagement, something that has always been a key element of Jim’s business philosophy.

Jim’s strategy for growth has included an effective combination of birthing and acquiring new businesses and brands that resonate with customers for their gifting and celebratory occasions.

The company’s gift offerings include iconic brands such as Harry & David®, PersonalizationMall.com®, Wolferman’s Bakery®, Cheryl’s® Cookies, Shari’s Berries®, and The Popcorn Factory®, as well as Simply Chocolate® and 1-800-Baskets. com®, among others.

Jim is also deeply involved in philanthropy and is especially devoted to helping individuals with developmental disabilities. This includes his continued work as founder and chairman of Smile Farms, a 501(c)3

organization established in 2015.

Smile Farms provides meaningful jobs in agricultural settings to young adults and adults with developmental disabilities, allowing them to master new skills, experience teamwork, contribute to their community, and importantly, take home a paycheck.

ny that expands market opportunities for clients by providing capital along with an extensive network of high-tier support partners.

Antoinette Biordi is a 4x Emmy Award-winning Reporter and Anchor for News 12 Long Island. She has been a TV Reporter since 1997.

Antoinette began her career as a “one-man band reporter” producing, shooting, writing, and editing daily stories for News Center 7 in Ithaca, N,Y.

Then in 1998, she moved on to work as reporter/anchor for WETM (NBC) in Elmira, N.Y. In 1999 Antoinette worked at WNYT (NBC) in Albany, NY, and FOX 23 News in Albany.

After 5 years in upstate New York, she jumped at the chance to be closer to home and began working as a

freelance News Reporter at News 12 Long Island before working full time at News 12 Westchester in 2003.

In 2007 she earned her first New York Emmy Award in the category of Sports Coverage for a series called “More than Just a Game.”

It was an inspiring story about physically challenged children who despite their limitations were able to beat the odds and excel in the Special Olympics. She also received two Emmy Nominations, one in the category of “Writing Composite” and the other for a piece about adults who were physically challenged but overcame their deepest fear of the water

Jim’s willingness to embrace new technologies that enhance customer engagement, such as 800 phone numbers and e-commerce, often long before other retailers, has consistently kept 1-800-FLOWERS.COM Inc. ahead of the curve.

As a result, Jim was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Long Island Business News 2019 Corporate Citizenship Awards.

In 2018, Jim established Clarim Holdings, a private holding compa-

Within Clarim Holdings he leads as chairman for Worth Media, a global media platform connecting a community of successful and influential individuals to be their best selves and make an impact on the world.

Jim also serves as a director for Amyris and International Game Technology PLC, as well as a variety of private and not-for-profit boards.

ANTOINETTE BIORDI

in order to steer and control a sailboat on the Hudson River.

During her time at News 12 Westchester, she also worked on a series called “Wasted Youth” where she went undercover with police as they busted an underage drinking party.

As the story progressed, undercover surveillance video discovered that several convenience stores were selling beer to underage kids. A year later she did a series called “Westchester Teens: Life in the Fast Lane” where she exposed parents who were hosting underage drinking parties for their own kids and their friends.

The drinking epidemic continued the next year in a series called “When Mommy Drives Drunk” as she found dozens of mothers were driving drunk with their own kids in the car. Those series combined with her daily stories won her several distinguished awards including Edward R. Murrow Awards, Deadline Club Awards, New York Press Club, AP awards, AEGIS award, Gold Aurora Awards, New York Festivals, Telly Award and a Videographer Award.

In 2010 Antoinette transitioned to News 12 Long Island where she is now a weekday Reporter and weekend Anchor.

During Superstorm Sandy in 2012 she not only reported on the devastation of many south shore com-

munities that had been ravaged by the storm surge, but she also had the difficult task of telling countless heartwrenching stories of survival and how many communities started to rebuild.

Since then Antoinette has reported on everything from court cases, crime, community issues, societal

Antoinette has been a positive force in business by also representing News 12 at countless community events that have enhanced our connections with Long Islanders.

concerns, health and wellness, to heartwarming profile stories about the resiliency and tenacity of Long Islanders. In 2017, Antoinette won her second NY Emmy after she did a twopart series about “Wiccan” a growing religion in New York that featured

practicing witchcraft on Long Island.

In 2020 during the pandemic, Antoinette continued to go out into the field and report on Coronavirus cases, and how Covid changed all of our lives. Two months into the pandemic, she started a series called “We’re Open” that highlighted businesses on Long Island that were forced to pivot to our new normal.

Seeing the need to put a spotlight on these businesses earned her another NY Emmy Award.

Antoinette has been a positive force in business by also representing News 12 at countless community events that have enhanced our connections with Long Islanders.

In 2022, Antoinette earned her 4th Emmy in the category of Business and Consumer News for a series called “Road Trip Close to Home” that features fun and entertaining places to go and things to do in the tri-state area.

Antoinette was born in Brooklyn, moved to Corona, Queens and then moved to Nassau County. She continues to live there with her husband, son, and her dog Pepper.

In her spare time, she teaches Spin and Bootcamp classes, loves to read, travel, workout, cook, make her home-made wine, take pictures and play several musical instruments including the accordion..

As president and CEO, Terri Alessi-Miceli leads the activities and initiatives for HIA-LI, one of the recognized voices for Long Island business and a powerful force and economic engine for regional development.

Its member companies represent tens of thousands of business professionals. For nearly 45 years, the organization has provided a forum for business leaders to problem-solve, collaborate, and obtain advice on critical issues facing their businesses.

The organization is headquartered in, and advocates for, one of the largest industrial parks in the northeast, with over 55,000 em-

ployees and 1,300 companies giving back over 13 billion in economic output.

Through a sustainability study performed by the Suffolk IDA and the RPA, the Long Island Innovation Park at Hauppauge represents 58% of tradeable sectors on Long Island, infusing dollars into the local economy, deeming it a major economic hub.

Under Alessi-Miceli’s leadership, HIA-LI is playing a vital role in combatting Long Island issues with transportation, workforce development, and affordable living in the Innovation Park.

HIA-LI initiatives promote strate-

PRESIDENT AND CEO | HIA-LI

gic partnerships, information sharing, and business advocacy. It has active committees that provide business programs and services to help its members thrive.

HIA-LI also hosts the Annual Business Trade Show and Conference, which sets records for business participation and is a major economic engine on Long Island.

Alessi-Miceli had previously served as managing director of Dale Carnegie Training for more than 18 years where she was responsible for the profitability and productivity of the instructional and sales teams for Long Island and New York at this premiere corporate education organization.

Alessi-Miceli is a current board member of Discover LI, the region’s official organization representing tourism, and is also a former board member of the Long Island Regional Planning Council, the New York League of Conservation Voters, and the Suffolk County Girl Scout Council.

In 2006, she was honored with the Harry Chapin Humanitarian award for HIA-LI’s work with Long Island Cares as the second largest contributor to their annual food drive as well as her personal work with the Dress for Success program, training women in interviewing skills and boosting their self-confi-

dence.

She was twice honored as one of Long Island Business News’ (LIBN) Top 50 Women Professionals on Long Island, earning her a spot in the Hall of Fame. Alessi-Miceli has been a recipient of LIBN’s Top CEO Award. Schneps Media – publishers of the Long Island Press – named her one of Long Island’s “Top Power Women” as well as to its “Long Island Power List.”

Alessi-Miceli’s community involvement has included a commitment as a religion schoolteacher and working with the Big Brother/Big Sister organization.

How do you see your business evolving due to changing times?

Virtual communication tools have increased significantly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The trend towards remote work and virtual meetings has been gaining momentum in recent years, and the pandemic has only accelerated this shift.

I believe we will continue to explore and adopt new technologies that facilitate virtual communication and collaboration, such as video conferencing, collaboration platforms, and project management tools.

They can increase productivity, save time and money, and allow

for greater flexibility in how work is done. Overall, businesses that are able to adapt quickly to these changing times and leverage new technologies to their advantage will be the ones that thrive in the post-COVID world.

What advice would you give other business owners?

In today’s rapidly changing business environment, collaboration has become more important than ever before.

With virtual work becoming increasingly common, it’s crucial for businesses to find ways to work together effectively and efficiently. Companies and organizations that prioritize collaboration will be better equipped to adapt to changing market conditions and seize new opportunities.

Collaborative efforts can lead to increased creativity, improved problem-solving, and better decisionmaking.

By working together, teams can leverage each other’s strengths, share knowledge and expertise, and drive innovation. Moreover, having a five-year plan can provide a roadmap for future collaboration efforts and guide the organization toward achieving its long-term goals.

Eric Alexander is the Director of Vision Long Island, the areas downtown planning organization. Eric has over thirty years of experience in housing, transportation, community development and coordinating community projects. Specifically, Eric has advanced downtown planning, infrastructure investment and mixed use development through lobbying the Federal, State, County levels while working with municipalities to develop and implement smart growth policies, regulations, and projects. His work at Vision Long Island has resulted in over 150 downtown and infrastructure projects supporting over 16,000 units of Transit Oriented Development across LI.

In 2019 Eric founded the LI Main Street Alliance which represents 45 downtowns across Long Island and has been an advocate for local businesses assisting them with accessing public grant dollars through the Coronavirus recovery as well as planning and lobbying for

downtown grants.

In 2021 Eric became the host of LI Main Street News and internet based TV show that has interviewed over 500 local community, business and government leaders. The show now hits the road to promote downtowns and events around Long Island that strengthen our communities.

In 2020 Eric partnered with the Pink Tie Foundation to form the Pink Tie Delivers program to bring food and financial assistance to local food pantries across Long Island. To date over 175 deliveries have been made to 55 pantries from Greenport to Valley Stream.

In 2002 Eric organized Long Island’s first Smart Growth Awards event and led its first Smart Growth Summit. The Summit, now held annually, had over 1,300 attendees before Coronavirus and develops a policy agenda for downtown redevelopment and infrastructure. Over the last twenty five years Eric has made over 3,500 individual and

ERIC ALEXANDER

DIRECTOR | VISION LONG ISLAND

group presentations in nearly seventy five Long Island communities but most importantly listened to communities at over 10,000 meetings.

In 2012 Eric organized the LI Complete Streets Summit and the LI Complete Streets Coalition to help create safer streets for pedestrians and bicyclists. To date 6 Towns, 2 Counties and NYS have passed legislation for safer roadways with 40 traffic calming projects under construction or completed.

In 2009 Eric Co-Chaired the LI Lobby Coalition that brought community voices to Albany and Washington from over 100 environment, labor, small business, civic and human service organizations. Over 50 pieces of legislation were and budget items were passed and have come to Long Island as a result of this annual coalition effort.

Since joining Vision Long Island Eric has been working to support proactive land use planning decisions through the use of community visionings, and other progressive planning techniques. Eric has led visioning processes and technical support in over 30 communities including: Farmingdale, Huntington, Valley Stream, Bay Shore, Baldwin, Westbury, Hicksville, Manorhaven, W.Babylon, Mastic/Shirley, Coram/ Middle Island, Rocky Point, Shoreham, Mt. Sinai, Gordon Heights, Central Islip, Oyster Bay, Kings Park, Mastic Beach, Deer Park, Southampton and Lake Ronkonkoma. Each of these projects resulted in a community plan and are all in varying stages of planning and construction. In addition Eric has working on regional planning projects surrounding NYSERDA’s Cleaner Greener

Grants program, NYS CRP planning and grants program, Nassau HUB, Long Island 2035, Brookhaven 2030 and the Federal Partnership for Sustainable Communities.

Past and present affiliations include founder of the LI Main Street Alliance representing 45 downtowns, Co-Chair of the 100 member LI Lobby Coalition, LI Complete Streets Coalition, Friends of Long Island, Board of the Suffolk Alliance of Chambers of Commerce, Salvation Army of Nassau County, Child Care Council of Nassau County, LI Coalition for the Homeless and the Pink Tie Foundation. On the Federal & State level he has served on Governor Spitzer’s Transition Team for Smart Growth and served on Congresswoman McCarthy’s Economic Advisory Committee, the NY Congress for the New Urbanism Executive Committee, the Steering Committee of Empire State Future and the Board of the Tri-State Transportation Campaign. Locally Eric has served on the 2017 Town of Hempstead Transition Team, 2009 Nassau County Transition Team, Town of Huntington Smart Growth Steering Committee, Suffolk County Smart Growth Committee, the Suffolk County Commission for Workforce Housing, the Nassau County Next Generation Housing Committee and Co-Chaired the Hicksville Downtown Revitalization Committee.

Eric has been listed as one of Long Island’s 60 most influential leaders in 2022 and 100 most influential leaders by the Long Island Business News for three years running and was featured on the cover of Corridor magazine. In 2019 he was listed on the Power List for the

LINDA ARMYN

LI Press. He has received a number of awards including: In 2022 honored by the LI African American Chamber of Commerce, Hempstead Community Land Trust and the Riverhead Chamber of Commerce; Corporate Citizenship Award by the LI Business News in 2021; .LI Business News Hall of Fame designation in 2017; Hollywood Baptist Church Martin Luther King Jr. “Leadership” Award 2016, EHS of LI for a “Social Justice Leaders” Award in 2016, “Gotham Green” Award in 2016; LISTnet small business award in 2015; 100 Black Men of Long Island in 2015; “Founders Day” Award by the Ethical Humanist Society of Long Island 2014; LI Real Estate “Leadership” Award by the LI Business News, 2013, “Long Island Achievement Award” by Public Relations Professionals of Long Island in 2013; Voted “Person of the Year”, Northport Patch in 2012; “Leader who makes a Difference” by the Hauppauge Industrial Association in 2011, “Business of the Year” by the Hicksville Chamber of Commerce in 2010, a “Graduate of Distinction” by Leadership Huntington in 2010, Sustainable Development Award by the LIPC in 2008, community planning Award by the American Planning Association NY Chapter in 2008, Businessperson of the Year by the Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce in 2005, the LI Business News 40 under 40 in 2003 and the LI Alliance Kairos Award in 1990.

CHIEF STRATEGY AND MARKETING OFFICER | BETHPAGE FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

Linda Armyn is chief strategy and marketing officer at Bethpage Federal Credit Union, where she began her tenure in 2001.

In her current role, she leads Corporate Strategy, Marketing, Corporate Communications, Public Relations, Crisis Planning, Business & Community Development and Government Relations.

Bethpage is focused on enriching the lives of our teammates, members and the communities we serve. Since 2001, Bethpage has grown from $1.1 billion to $11.6 billion in assets. Linda played an integral role in two mergers that led to Bethpage’s open charter in 2016.

Linda was appointed by Gov. Hochul to co-chair the Long Island Regional Economic Development Council, as a member of the New York State Parks Commission on Long Island, and to the Stony Brook University Presidents Council.

She serves as a board member for YMCA LI, Cradle of Aviation, Mentor

NY and the Child Care Council of Suffolk. She is active within her industry serving on the CULAC Trustees Executive Committee and as a member of several state and national legislative advisory committees.

Linda was honored by Hofstra’s Center for Suburban Diversity, YMCA of LI, American Heart Association, EAC Network, City and State LI 50 most influential 2018-2022, LIBN: Business Hall of Fame 2020, 40/40 &Top 50 Women Hall of Fame, Long Island Press: 2017 Business Entrepreneur and 2016-2021- Most Influential Long Islanders, Credit Union Times 2015 trailblazer award and a 2020 Athena Leadership Finalist.

With a focus on collaboration and innovation, Linda spearheads Bethpage’s Community Engagement efforts, known as Bethpage Cares.

This successful philanthropic effort invests more than $2 million annually to communities of modest means.

In 2019, Linda and the Beth-

page team collaborated with Suffolk County to bring a Bike Share program, known as Bethpage Ride, to Suffolk County for the first time, which now serves 9 communities in last mile mobility efforts. In 2020, Armyn introduced the Bethpage Difference Makers Program to foster and fund youth volunteerism in the community.

Of the significant branding initiatives led by Linda, the most visible is the annual Bethpage Federal Credit Union Air Show at Jones Beach. By partnering with the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation & Historical Preservation, Linda branded Bethpage as the Title sponsor of Long Island’s largest public event.

The Air Show attracts nearly 400,000 attendees annually each Memorial Day weekend since 2004, with the exception of 2020. She earned her BA from the University of Maryland and MS from Northeastern University.

Robert Beer, founder of Built By Beer, has been building houses for over 35 years.

Robert first started working in construction for his family-founded Birchwood Development company, which had been building homes for over half a century. The company was founded in 1946 and went on to build tens of thousands of homes on Long Island including a 2,200-house community in Jericho.

The company built all different style homes including capes, splits, and ranches and built them throughout Long Island.

In 2007, Birchwood was sold to Kimco, a publicly-traded company. After fulfilling the requirements of the sale, Robert Beer was able to go off on his own and form Built By Beer, LLC.

Since its inception, Built By Beer has built dozens of new homes along with a number of commercial renovations. Built By Beer is truly today’s “Master Builder.”

We have been building the most elegant and well-built residences on Long Island’s East End and Gold Coast. Our professional team is known for working intimately with our clients to provide them with the uniquely conceived and beautifully built home of their dreams.

We have perfected a technique

ROBERT BEER FOUNDER | BUILT BY BEER

that tastefully merges 19th century craftsmanship and style with interior living spaces for the 21st Century.

We strive to maintain an ongoing relationship with our clients extending far beyond the building process. We are steadfast in our commitment to quality and dependable performance. We provide our customers with straight answers, solid thinking, and follow-through on ideas.

We offer kitchen and bathroom design services and custom cabinetmakers guarantee a perfect finished product. Landscape design and installation are also one of our many specialties.

Whether you are working with your own broker or not, we will be happy to advise you on the merits of your prospective purchase, giving

We have been building the most elegant and wellbuilt residences on Long Island’s East End and Gold Coast. Our professional team is known for working intimately with our clients to provide them with the uniquely conceived and beautifully built home of their dreams.

We dedicate time, talent, and financial support to our community. Our design/build model effortlessly integrates process and materials. The client’s time is efficiently spent making real design decisions that will ultimately realize their custom-built dream home. Our inhouse consultants can assist with all the details, such as plumbing fixtures, decorative hardware and lighting.

you invaluable insight and an appraisal from a builder’s perspective. Your new home will be the result of a concentrated effort to create a successful and pleasing design, intensive research into the latest building techniques, the specification of the finest materials to be found, and the meticulous craftsmanship and pride that has always been a benchmark of Built By Beer homes.

Manage your home’s energy use anytime and anywhere.

Put your power in the palm of your hand. The PSEG Long Island mobile app can help you stay informed, connected, and on top of your energy use wherever you go.

With just a few taps, you’ll be able to access your account, track your energy consumption, get outage information and power restoration updates, enjoy the convenience of online bill payment, and more.

We applaud Ed for his leadership and mentorship within Webster as well as his dedication to helping Nassau County businesses thrive.

Sid Jacobson JCC’s Executive Director David Black has served in this role since 2011.

Prior, David served as the associate vice president of Yeshiva University, chief executive officer of the French Institute Alliance Française, and the executive director of JCC Manhattan.

He founded the popular New York celebration of the Quatorze Juillet on 60th Street and was awarded the title of Chevalier, Order National Du Merite, by the French

Government in 1998.

David is also the founding president of the American Friends of Yahad In Unum. This national nonprofit, associated with the work of Father Patrick Desbois, locates the killing fields of eastern Europe related to the Holocaust, videotapes witnesses to the crimes committed against the Jews, and exposes modern-day genocide wherever it occurs.

In his professional tenure at SJJCC, David founded Long Island’s

DAVID BLACK EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | SID JACOBSON JCC

only Center for Israel, now serving 38 institutions, responsible for the largest celebration of Israel on Long Island, attracting over 5,000 people.

In addition, he vastly expanded the Nancy Marx Cancer Wellness Center, now open five days a week, serving as the only non-hospital hub of caring for people diagnosed with cancer for free.

And lastly, David merged several departments to create the Center for Community Engagement, a multipurpose center designed as a connection point for volunteerism and social justice issues serving as a food distribution center for area food banks in coordination with Island Harvest.

David deeply believes that community centers exist to enable life to flourish, the mantra of Sid Jacobson JCC, the North Shore’s only fullservice JCC operating out of Jewish values for the benefit of all cultures and all peoples.

Our role is to evolve as needs evolve. Since the pandemic and the tensions manifested in these tumultuous times, SJJCC’s next venture is establishing a center for psychological resilience.

The center will teach individuals of all ages and stages the tools we all need to reduce stress and live

resilient lives. We will start with our extraordinary staff, who put their lives on the line during the pandemic and continue to give, serve, and connect daily. We are also seeking to break down barriers between all people we serve through the art of storytelling.

Through shared stories, we build empathy and connect us to the com-

compassion, humanity, and a connection that guides us to accomplish greatness while dreaming of visions that make us even greater. David leads with his heart, with an openness to hear our ideas and challenges; he pushes us to see beyond our own individual confines that may hold us back while teaching us how to run a thriving agency. All of this

David deeply believes that community centers exist to enable life to flourish, the mantra of Sid Jacobson JCC, the North Shore’s only full-service JCC operating out of Jewish values for the benefit of all cultures and all peoples.

mon humanity and everyday struggles that can best be faced together.

How do we see our agency evolving due to changing times?

It is to double down on human connection and belief in the humanity of our fellow travelers.

Posing the question of what makes David a top leader, Jaime Teich, vice president of brand strategy and communications, responded, “David gives with his whole being. He leads his team with passion,

ED BLASKEY

has created an organizational foundation that has propelled us into being all we can be – the heart of our community.”

When asked what advice he would give to people in positions of power, David shared, “Be accessible, simplify wherever and whenever possible, get out of the nonsense of the left vs. the right and get back to right vs. wrong; care deeply about your employees and their patrons –and remember to wear sunscreen!”

EXECUTIVE MANAGING DIRECTOR | WEBSTER BANK

teams throughout the mid-Atlantic footprint.

Prior to joining Webster Bank (formerly Sterling National Bank) in May 2017, Ed was TD Bank’s market president for suburban New York and Long Island.

In this capacity, Ed was responsible for commercial lending activities and commercial deposit growth on Long Island, Westchester and the Lower Hudson Valley.

most recent as group vice president of the Long Island community lending group.

Prior to that, he spent 10 years at Chase (legacy Chemical Bank) in numerous lending roles on Long Island and in New York City.

comfort zone.

“My career path was driven by hard work, building strong relationships, and focusing both on the success of my teams and clients,” Ed says.

A big key to Ed Blaskey’s success has been the ability to adapt to changing conditions and effectively collaborate with stakeholders.

As executive managing director

of

Middle Market Banking for Metro

New York/Long Island/New England and Pennsylvania for Webster Bank, Ed is responsible for building and managing commercial banking

Ed has more than 40 years of banking experience and joined TD Bank (formerly Commerce Bank) in 2001 as regional vice president to help launch the Long Island market for the bank. He was instrumental in expanding TD Bank Long Island’s retail franchise and commercial lending business lines.

Prior to joining TD in 2001, he spent 10 years at EAB in numerous commercial lending capacities, the

Ed received a B.S. from Adelphi University in banking and finance. He is a past president of Advancement for Commerce, Industry & Technology as well as a past member of the board of trustees for the DNA Dolan Learning Center, an operating unit of Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory.

He is a current member of the board of directors for the Long Island Association and the United Veterans Beacon House.

For others looking to lead in this field, Ed says it is important to diversify your skill set across different bank channels and push out of your

In changing times, Ed notes that it’s important to be proactive in communications with clients and colleagues alike.

“Building deep and trusting relationships allows for consistent results while dealing with challenges,” he says. “With the merger of Webster and Sterling I was asked to take on responsibilities in New England and Pennsylvania, two new markets for me. We have been able to successfully integrate ‘best practices’ of each organization, which has enabled strong and sustainable results in year one.”

— COLIN POWELL

LEADING WITH VISION AND INSPIRATION

Congratulations Steven for your well-deserved recognition as a 2023 Blank Slate Media Top Business Leader of Nassau County.

The Nassau County Industrial Development Agency (NCIDA) is proud to honor Steven Krieger, President & CEO of B2K Development, for his leadership and dedication to the growth and sustainability of Nassau County’s economy and the support of developments, programs and services that improve the quality of life for all of us on Long Island. Throughout his impressive career of over three decades, Steven has been a leader in identifying innovative real estate opportunities that create value and benefit for the region.

Steven is also committed to giving back to community. He lends his time, knowledge and resources to numerous organizations on Long Island, including the Long Island Housing Partnership, Long Island Builders Institute, Vision Long Island and the Long Island Real Estate Group.

We applaud Steven’s leadership in the development of Isla Blue and Ocean Breeze, bringing hundreds of condominiums and apartments to the City of Long Beach with NCIDA support.

The Nassau County IDA Board Members and executive team would like to congratulate all the honorees of Blank Slate Media’s 2023 Top Business Leaders of Nassau County. Together we are creating a robust and sustainable future for Nassau County and the entire Long Island region.

Steve Krieger

Anne N. Brigis is the president and chief executive officer for the YMCA of Long Island since 2012.

She passionately supports the Y’s areas of focus – youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. As a result of her commitment to excellence, she established the Great South Bay YMCA facility in Bay Shore, in the 1990s as

KEN BRESLIN PRESIDENT | BRESLIN REALTY DEVELOPMENT CORP.

Kenneth Breslin has been president of Breslin Realty Development Corp. located in Garden City for over 10 years.

During that time the firm has focused on retail growth across the tri-state area and has represented well over 100 national and regional retail clients, including amongst others The Home Depot, Stop n Shop, Lowe’s Home Improvement, Walmart, T.J.Maxx, Trader Joe’s, Orange Theory, PM Pediatrics and Starbucks Coffee.

Ken is an attorney and is admitted to the bar in the states of New

The firm has focused on retail growth across the tristate area and has represented well over 100 national and regional retail clients.

York and New Jersey. Kenneth Breslin founded Breslin Realty Inc., the brokerage division for Breslin Realty Development Corp, and in 2011 launched and co-founded Sa-

bre Real Estate Group. Ken’s professional affiliations include serving as a director of the Long Island Real Estate Group and the Association for a Better Long Island.

ANNE N. BRIGIS

AND

exercise, recreational sports and enrichment programs. She is also leading the vision for a state-of-theart, $50 million health and wellness facility in Wyandanch.

Anne has also helped facilitate large-scale renovations and additions to YMCA facilities. These projects included the 11,000-squarefoot expansion of the William and Martha Entenmann Pavilion at Great South Bay YMCA, focused on providing high-quality child care, the Patchogue Family YMCA, the Sammis Children’s Center at the Huntington YMCA, the Martone Children’s Center at the Glen Cove YMCA, and the YMCA Boulton Center for the Performing Arts—a $2.5 million performing arts center.

In 2018, Anne was honored with two prestigious honors awards for her incredible efforts and dedication to empowering youth, fostering wellness, and facilitating economic growth throughout Long Island.

She was named one of Long Island’s Power Women in Business by the Long Island Press, and recognized as Distinguished Leader by the Advancement for Commerce, Industry and Technology (ACIT).

Service and Leadership Achievement in 1998 and 2004.

She was awarded the “Save a Child” Award from the Rotary Club Gift of Life in 1993 and Long Island Business News’ “Top Women of 2007”. In 2010, she was unanimously selected as the YMCA Boulton Center for the Performing Arts “Ambassador of the Arts.”

Employee Benefits Management committee; in addition to a number of other Y-USA Committees.

Anne lives happily with her husband Anthony, in Sea Cliff. Her daughter, Joy, and her husband, John Paradise, live in Northport; and her son, Nicholas, and his significant other, Annie, reside in NYC. For over 100 years, The YMCA

the association’s childcare incubator – home to full day childcare, afterschool childcare and UPK. Among the YMCA’s most recent accomplishments under Anne’s leadership, is a 30,000-square-foot healthy living center, a standalone extension of the Huntington YMCA.

The facility offers preventative health/wellness programs, group

Anne was presented with the Long Island Press award at the 2017 Power Women in Business Awards & Networking Event and the ACIT award at the organization’s Distinguished Business Leaders & Awards Luncheon.

Anne’s exemplary leadership has been recognized by the Association of YMCA Directors for Outstanding

As an integral part of the Y’s leadership team for over 30 years, and throughout her tenure, Anne has demonstrated a unique ability to lead, inspire, and think innovatively. Her institutional knowledge, internal and community relationships, and leadership skills enable her to bring the YMCA of Long Island to new heights.

Anne began her service as an associate director for Bethpage Federal Credit Union in 2013 and was elected to the board in October 2015. She has chaired the nominating and governance committees of the credit union; and presently serves as vice chair of the board. Anne has also served as chair of the New York State Alliance of Ys; chair of the Y

of Long Island has offered programs and services that support health and wellness, youth development, and is a center for community life.

“I believe every community deserves a Y. I expect the next five years will be filled with opportunities to grow and thrive. We will work hard to drive innovation, program excellence, and operational strength for our Long Island communities.”

“My advice for other business owners is to be courageous, authentic, bold and kind. It’s important to remain flexible and agile in today’s ever-changing landscape. Let’s commit to working together to make Long Island a better place to live,

PRESIDENT

CEO | YMCA OF LONG ISLAND

“My advice for other business owners is to be courageous, authentic, bold and kind. It’s important to remain flexible and agile in today’s ever-changing landscape.”

ONE OF THE TESTS OF LEADERSHIP IS THE ABILITY TO RECOGNIZE A PROBLEM BEFORE IT BECOMES AN EMERGENCY.

— ARNOLD H. GLASOW

Long Island Contractors’ Association Executive Director Marc Herbst would like to congratulate all the other incredible nominees who were named Top Business Leaders of Nassau County.

TOGETHER, WE ARE ALL WORKING TO MAKE NASSAU AND LONG ISLAND AN EXTRAORDINARY PLACE TO LIVE, WORK, AND GROW OUR ECONOMY.”

Robert Ciatto is the president/ chief executive officer of Adults and Children with Learning and Developmental Disabilities, one of the largest non-profit agencies in the state of New York.

Mr. Ciatto is responsible for the strategic direction of the organization, providing innovative leadership and assuring the integrity and effectiveness of the agency’s wideranging programs.

Under Mr. Ciatto’s leadership, ACLD supports more than 1,300 children and adults with autism and learning/developmental disabilities and their families throughout Nas-

sau and Suffolk counties.

Mr. Ciatto also directs the activities of more than 1,200 employees at over 100 program sites, including community residents and apartment programs.

With a distinguished career in the non-profit sector spanning more than 30 years. Mr. Ciatto has dedicated his entire professional life to ensuring that individuals with special needs receive the services and attention they need and deserve. His commitment to operational excellence has earned him a well-earned reputation as a trailblazer offering compassionate, visionary leadership.

ROBERT CIATTO PRESIDENT AND CEO | ACLD

Mr. Ciatto joined ACLD in 2014 as assistant executive director. In that role, he was instrumental in the exceptional growth of ACLD’s residential program, expanding from 29 homes to nearly 50 homes today.

In addition, Mr. Ciatto managed the agency’s programs, including residential and day services, community habilitation, children’s services as well maintenance, information technology, purchasing and human resources.

He played a key role in ACLD’s annual budget process and setting the agency’s strategic plan.

Prior to joining ACLD, Mr. Ciatto spent more than two decades with AHRC-Nassau, joining initially as a direct support professional and ultimately rising to the post of senior director of business operations.

Mr. Ciatto is a recipient of the 2021 Schenps Media Healthcare Hero Award for his leadership through the pandemic; a 2022 honoree of the Long Island Herald’s Excellence in Healthcare Awards, Long Island Business News’ Executive Circle Winner in 2020, and he has been named to Long Island Business News’ Top Healthcare Executives in 2021 and 2022.

Mr. Ciatto’s professional affiliations include memberships in the

InterAgency Council, Advance Care Alliance of New York (ACA/NY), New York Disabilities Association and the Long Island Alliance.

He was previously a member of the National Association for the Dually Diagnosed. Active in the community, Mr. Ciatto is a longstanding supporter of the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation as well as Italian-Americans in Government Inc.

He also donated his time to support youth and coach in the Connetquot Youth Baseball Organization and Youth Flag Football for the Sports Arena and i9 Sports.

Mr. Ciatto holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from SUNY-Old Westbury and earned his Master of Science degree in Mental Health Counseling from LIU Post. Mr. Ciatto resides with his wife and son in Ronkonkoma.

How do you see your business evolving due to the changing times?

The major challenge in our field is the workforce. Our industry continues to deal with evolving issues such as staff shortages and lack of funding to support salary increases. Funding has always impacted us, but it is at the forefront now as we deal with inflationary costs and the workforce shortage.

Because the increased housing market has also impacted us, and there is no increased funding stream, we have to continuously think outside the box and create new revenue streams. We have to do more outreach in the community and improve our marketing efforts to bring in more like-minded people to the organization who can support our mission.

What advice would you give other business owners?

No matter what obstacles are thrown in your direction, you need to consistently stay true to the mission of your organization or business and still have the ability to adapt and pivot. It’s vital to see the bigger picture within the organization, the economy, revenue streams and funding.

In this day and age, it is vital to collaborate with your peers in the field—brainstorm and share ideas; focus on your workforce, not just the salaries. It is also important to reflect on what benefits you can offer to your employees and what type of culture you can develop in your organization so that people enjoy being at work.

BILL CORBETT, JR.

PRESIDENT | CORBETT PUBLIC RELATIONS, INC.

coverage for clients in local and national outlets, including The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, AP, Entrepreneur Magazine, Newsday, Fox News and News 12 Long Island.

More than 8 million people have attended events Bill has promoted. These events have generated over $100 million in sales and have made client companies into leaders.

The firm services have assisted them to generate hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue.

Bill is a professional speaker, media trainer and the creator of the Elite Personal Branding Program for CEOs, entrepreneurs and business owners. He is a recognized crisis communications expert providing successful strategies that have assisted clients manage negative publicity, overcome business challenges and mitigate threats.

Today, many Corbett Public Relations clients are stronger than they were before the pandemic thanks to his support, strategies and counsel.

Bill’s mission is to provide businesses and entrepreneurial-minded professionals with effective and goalfocused marketing strategies and services.

He assisted several client companies grow from startups to industry leaders. Several were later acquired by public companies in multi-milliondollar transactions and others taken public.

Bill believes that effective media relations give businesses and entrepreneurs an unmatched competitive advantage. For over 20 years, he has encouraged businesses to embrace video and leverage its power to share their solutions and how they are different.

terminal and life-threatening illnesses. He has served on the boards of the PRPLI and Theodore Roosevelt Council of Boy Scouts of America.

He is positioning Corbett Public Relations for the future and building upon the strong growth the firm has experienced over the past several years. With his team he is developing new approaches to make the firm and its clients valuable sources for the media.

The firm is leveraging the power of video content creation. Every year more video content is created for clients and the firm shares it with the broadcast media.

Bill Corbett Jr. is president of Corbett Public Relations Inc., “Long Island’s public relations firm.”

Built on the foundation established by international PR profession leader, William J. Corbett Sr., the firm has been providing professional PR and business growth services for over 35 years.

Bill is known as a publicist for en-

trepreneurs and his firm acts as both promoters and protectors of clients’ brands and businesses. Clients include public companies, growing brands and not-for-profits, including John’s Crazy Socks, Paws of War, Soter Technologies and Allied Physicians Group.

Bill is proactive and understands what reporters and editors are looking for. He has secured feature news

During the COVID-19 pandemic he secured multiple interviews for doctors from Allied Physicians Group with Newsday and local TV news outlets, he landed coverage for Soter Technologies on NBC’s Today Show about the company’s cuttingedge technology and worked with lending expert Neil Seiden of Asset Enhancement Solutions to share his story about how he and his team assisted over 1,000 businesses get over $100 million in PPP loans.

As a PR expert, he has been interviewed and featured by many media outlets, including Fast Company, Inc.com, The Chicago Tribune, Newsday, Long Island Business News and The New York Times. He is host of his own award-winning TV program, “Inspiring Stories.”

For close to two decades, he has served as an Executive Board Member of the Marty Lyons Foundation, a not-for-profit that has provided over 7,000 wishes for children with

Corbett Public Relations is working with partners to create networks, programs, shows and content that appear on streaming services and applications including Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire, Google and YouTube. This approach allows information about clients’ products and services to reach larger as well as targeted audiences.

Bill earned a B.A. in political science from Marist College and received his master’s degree in environmental management from C.W. Post Long Island University.

He has lived on Long Island all his life and is active in his community and with charitable organizations. He and his wife Laura live in East Rockaway with their twins Billy and Vita.

ED D’AMBROSIO

SENIOR MANAGING DIRECTOR | COMPASS

Ed D’Ambrosio is a seasoned broker and effective deal maker with over 35 years of experience in sales, marketing and advertising.

As a Long Island native and lifelong resident, he possesses an intimate knowledge of the region’s real estate market and truly believes that Long Island is one of the best places in the country to live.

An expert in his field, Ed specializes in new developments, investment properties and residential sales throughout Long Island.

Whether it’s an exclusive sales and marketing agreement or consulting services for distressed assets, Compass is uniquely positioned to create a customized plan to suit the needs of any project from concept to closing.

With many years of focus in the real estate industry, Ed is an earnest negotiator, who understands the importance of listening to the needs of a client and values honesty, integrity and a solid work ethic.

Ed has taken his solid work ethic, knowledge of the industry and strong business background into the boardrooms and becomes a liaison when working with land owners, developers, builders, local governmental agencies and the like.

Long Island has a vision and a plan and land reuse and revitaliza-

tion of blighted areas are among them. Compass is proud to play their part in rebuilding Long Island.

In all of his commitments, Ed works under the theory that “superior services get extraordinary results,” and has been recognized by his clients and colleagues as a strong leader, and a motivating individual who is patient, reliable and always available.

Ed is a senior managing director for Compass on Long Island and the North Fork. Ed assists agents on business planning and works on

Ed graduated from New York Institute of Technology with a B.S in business management, and also studied fashion at the Fashion Institute of Technology. He is a proud member of LIBI Long Island Builder’s Institute and sat on the board for three years.

He possesses SRES Certified Senior Real Estate Specialist, CNHP Certified New Homes Sales Professional, CBR Certified Buyers Representative.

Ed is also a member of CERT (Certified Emergency Response

Ed has taken his solid work ethic, knowledge of the industry and strong business background into the boardrooms and becomes a liaison when working with land owners, developers, builders, local governmental agencies and the like.

their business skill sets. He is a certified RE coach and is working on his certification as a life coach.

Ed, in addition to overseeing Long Island, manages three offices in Manhasset, Syosset, and Southold for Compass.

Team). Ed Also has been a sponsor for Children’s International for the past 30 years he is also actively involved in ASPCA.

Ed is an avid sportsman, who can be seen riding his horse or cycling throughout Long Island.

Mary Ellen Diver led the transformation of primary care, behavioral and dental healthcare service delivery for children and adults with developmental disabilities, including autism, and expanded this model of compassionate care to underserved/vulnerable populations on Long Island.

As chief executive officer of Advantage Care Health Centers, Ms. Diver is responsible for the overall success of the health centers, including strategic direction, organizational growth, personnel management, operations efficiency/ effectiveness, and external community relations.

JIM DENBURG

FRANCHISE OWNER | JERSEY MIKES

Jim Denburg was born in 1965 and raised in NJ. He went to college at Carnegie Mellon University followed by grad school at NYU.

Jim started his career as a CPA with Price Waterhouse in Manhattan. After three years as an accountant, he decided he wanted to open his own business. Jim researched franchising and chose Domino’s Pizza.

He opened his first location in 1992 on the Upper West Side of Manhattan and then opened six more Domino’s Pizza stores in and around New York City, one of which was number one in the United States.

Jim then moved to The Neth-

“Jersey Mike’s and doing business in Long Island has been my most rewarding business decision yet. I’m looking forward to a great future!”

erlands and opened five additional Domino’s Pizza stores in Amsterdam. Following his three year stint abroad, he returned to the United States and pivoted to a new franchise, Smashburger. Jim owned three units in Brooklyn, one of which was also number one in the United States..

MARY

Currently, Jim is a four store Jersey Mike’s franchisee in Nassau County Long Island, with plans to open two more locations. “Jersey Mike’s and doing business in Long Island has been my most rewarding business decision yet. I’m looking forward to a great future!”

ELLEN DIVER

CEO | ADVANTAGE CARE HEALTH CENTERS

practice to meet the changing needs of the workforce, the patient population, and the communities it serves.

Advantage Care is governed by a community board and accredited by The National Committee for Quality Assurance as a Patient-Centered Medical Home.

Advantage Care provides highquality, cost-effective healthcare services, offering a sliding scale fee to the underinsured, facilitates transportation services as needed, and performs outreach activities to engage with local communities to address the socio-economic barriers to healthcare.

How do you see your business evolving because of changing times?

Refraining from ineffective practices because they are familiar. Become comfortable with change, innovation, and more inclusive approaches. Support practices that promote well-being.

Investing in the trauma-informed care approach at both the clinical and organizational level

the right roles at the right time has been critical to how we recruit, retain, guide and support staff. What advice would you give other business owners?

Advantage Care Health Centers support the health of nearly 2400 patients, through 32,000 visits annually and a budget of $9.2M.

The pandemic accelerated the adoption of telehealth and telemedicine services delivered through Advantage Care. Ms. Diver’s leadership provided medically vulnerable, isolated patients with resources, vaccination distribution, COVID 19 screening and testing, supplies, patient and caregiver education, and uninterrupted access to medical and behavioral health services by their trusted care team.

In the post-pandemic period, Advantage Care is upbuilding its

Ms. Diver’s career in health care spans 45 years. In 1992, she began working with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities at AHRC Nassau County. She was directly responsible for the coordination of medical and habilitative services to people with I/DD, promoting and facilitating overall health and wellness.

In 2004, under Ms. Diver’s direction, AHRC Nassau opened Advantage Care Diagnostic & Treatment Center, in 2009 incorporated the Fay J. Lindner Center for Autism and in 2014 a second site opened in Freeport, to promote access on the South Shore. In 2015, Advantage Care was converted to a Federally Qualified Health Center, appointing Ms. Diver CEO.

Ms. Diver received her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Mount Saint Mary College in Newburgh.

“Align your strategic plan to your organization’s vision and mission. Commit time and resources to the process. This should trickle down through the organization, so you are working towards the same goals.”

yields better health outcomes and avoid re-traumatization.

Maintaining a sustainable telehealth practice, enhancing it by continuously adopting technologies such as remote physiological monitoring programs, to assist providers and patients in managing acute and chronic conditions remotely.

Promoting care coordination through a seamless and secure health information exchange via patient portals, health care apps, regional health information exchanges, OpenNotes and other initiatives.

Developing a people resourcing strategy to facilitate getting the right people with the right skills into

Align your strategic plan to your organization’s vision and mission. Commit time and resources to the process. This should trickle down through the organization, so you are working towards the same goals.

Strengthen your infrastructure with diverse, flexible teams and create effective talent management strategies to include leadership and career development, performance management, and employee engagement and retention. Care about the workforce with the same energy you give to those who benefit from their work.

Apply the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) method to test changes that are put into effect to guide the thinking process of reasoning, problemsolving, evaluating outcomes, and help people implement the changes.

LEADERSHIP IS THE CAPACITY TO TRANSLATE VISION INTO REALITY. — WARREN BENNIS

TOM DUNN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | TILLES CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS AT LIU POST

Tom Dunn, a cultural nonprofit executive with over 20 years of leadership experience, was appointed executive director of Tilles Center for the Performing Arts at LIU Post in August 2022.

Prior to joining Tilles, Dunn served as executive director of Southampton Arts Center (SAC) from 2018 to 2022.

During Dunn’s tenure at SAC, he successfully led the organization through the pandemic, oversaw significant growth of the institution, growing the annual operating budget by 70%, diversifying revenue streams, developing new artistic and programmatic partnerships – all while delivering balanced or surplus budgets.

From 2001 to 2017, Dunn was part of the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts senior management team that oversaw the $1.2 billion physical redevelopment of Lincoln Center’s 16-acre campus.

As Senior Director, Concert Halls Operations, Dunn managed all the patron-facing businesses at Lincoln Center and led the effort to redesign and elevate the overall guest experience as Lincoln Center. Previously, his roles included founding director of the David Rubenstein Atrium and aide to the

president of Lincoln Center.

How do you see your business evolving due to the changing times?

Tilles Center has been presenting the world’s finest artists – across all genres – for over 40 years. That’s not going to change moving forward. In an increasingly competitive marketplace, we are going to be more selective in

el to New York City to experience world-class live entertainment. It’s right here on Long Island in your own backyard!

What advice would you give other business owners?

It always comes back to mission. Tilles Center’s mission is to entertain and enrich the Long Island community through world-

During Dunn’s tenure at SAC, he successfully led the organization through the pandemic, oversaw significant growth of the institution, growing the annual operating budget by 70%, diversifying revenue streams, developing new artistic and programmatic partnerships – all while delivering balanced or surplus budgets.

who we present. We’re also focusing on the entire guest experience, pre-show performances, food and beverage offerings. This will expand revenue while improving the overall guest experience. In sum though, the Tilles message remains the same, you do not need to trav-

class arts performance, education, and advocacy.

My advice to other business owners is to invest in and focus on what separates you from your competitors and stay true to your organizational mission.

Robert Ciatto ACLD President/CEO

From all of us at ACLD, we thank you for your commitment, dedication, advocacy, and continued support for children and adults with autism, learning, and developmental disabilities.

Here’s to Rob and all of the honorees for being selected as Top Business Leaders in Nassau County!

Since its founding in 1988, the

PETER J. ELKOWITZ, JR. PRESIDENT AND CEO | LONG ISLAND HOUSING PARTNERSHIP, INC.

remain in, a decent and safe home.

LIHP accomplishes this mission through affordable housing development and rehabilitation, mortgage and default counseling, down payment assistance, employer-assisted housing, technical assistance, advocacy and other housing-related programs.

Mr. Elkowitz holds a master of science degree in policy analysis and public management. In June 2002, he completed the Senior Executives Program in State and Local Government at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.

He also received the Harry Weiner Distinguished Alumni Award in 1995 and the Governor’s award for Excellence in Housing in 1994. He is a member of the 2007 Class of The Energeia Partnership – The Academy for Regional Stewardship at Molloy College.

Currently, he serves on the advisory board of New York Housing Conference Inc., is a board member and treasurer of Grounded Solutions Network, and a board member of Empire Justice Center.

Mr. Elkowitz served as chair to the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York Affordable Housing Advisory Council and was a former member of the Long Island Regional Plan-

ning Council.

Over the 34 years that Mr. Elkowitz has been at LIHP, the need for affordable ownership and rental housing has significantly increased and the challenges associated with developing that housing continue.

The migration of our young workforce off Long Island, partially due to the lack of affordable housing, continues to worsen and stress our economy. The escalating home prices that we have seen through the pandemic have exacerbated the problem.

LIHP has had to evolve to keep up with the demand for services caused by these problems. We have had to diversify our programs.

As an example, when LIHP was founded, a $25,000 public subsidy was effective in making a new home affordable for our workforce. Now, public subsidies average approximately $200,000 to make a newlyconstructed home affordable.

All of these subsidies include resale restrictions, but after the restrictions are satisfied, the homes were not necessarily required to remain as part of an affordable housing pool.

LIHP has created a land trust wherein the trust retains ownership of the land, and the homeowner owns the structure. The land trust

model allows the homeowner to realize appreciation on the structure upon the sale, but as the land trust owns the land, the home remains affordable in perpetuity.

LIHP, like many others, was also forced to evolve its operations during the pandemic when we were forced to work remotely for well over a year. We had to improve our technology and train our staff in order to continue to assist those in need of affordable housing – a need that was exacerbated by the pandemic.

All of LIHP’s programs were in uninterrupted operation during this time, and we continued to close on homes in the land trust.

LIHP also supported various municipalities in the administration of federal assistance for rental housing and mortgage payments, which resulted in LIHP processing thousands of applications and millions of dollars in disbursements.

LIHP was nationally recognized for its efficient mobilization and administration of these programs. This is a dynamic field, and the need for affordable housing continues to grow. It is a need that must be addressed to ensure that our economy and our workforce remain strong.

Peter Elkowitz is the president and chief executive officer of the Long Island Housing Partnership Inc. (LIHP) and its various affiliates, where he has been employed since 1989.

mission of LIHP has been to provide affordable housing opportunities to those who, through the ordinary, unaided operation of the marketplace, would be unable to secure, or

RONALD FATOULLAH, ESQ.

PRINCIPAL AND FOUNDER | RONALD FATOULLAH & ASSOCIATES

Ronald Fatoullah is the principal and founder of Ronald Fatoullah & Associates, perennially recognized as one of New York’s top elder law firms.

For more than 30 years, Mr. Fatoullah has been devoted to advising New Yorkers about the legal and financial challenges of aging. The firm is highly regarded for its contributions and expertise in estate planning and administration, Medicaid planning, special needs planning, wills and trusts, probate, guardianships, and estate and guardianship litigation.

A certified elder law attorney, Ron recently chaired the executive committee of the Elder Law Section of the New York State Bar Association’s financial planning and Investments committee; recently chaired the Board of the Alzheimer’s Association’s Long Island Chapter; and served on the Executive Council of AARP New York.

He is a ‘Fellow’ of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, the highest honor bestowed by the organization. Ron lectures frequently on aging, elder law, and estate planning; has appeared on numerous radio and television programs; and has been quoted in The New York Times, Newsday, The Wall Street Journal, the New York Law

Journal, and Kiplinger’s.

He has been honored by many organizations for his achievements and contributions to the senior community.

Ronald Fatoullah’s insights about the last few years: The COVID health emergency

were able to reach those who needed our help the most.

Those in hospitals, nursing homes and isolated in their homes, were able to be provided virtual remote witnessing and notarization of documents. Thousands of unprepared people were able to appoint

taught us many truths and opened our hearts and minds to change, flexibility and an appreciation of our mortality, loved ones and family.

Unfortunately, over one million Americans passed away either from, or due to complications caused by this virus. While we often procrastinate and fail to face and manage important financial and legal planning, this unforeseen pandemic did help people wake up to the importance of being prepared.

Due to government executive orders in New York and throughout the country, elder law attorneys

agents and get their legal and financial affairs in order thanks to these mandates.

In addition, the pandemic taught us not to rest on our laurels, whether personally or professionally.

Especially as business owners and leaders, we always need to be prepared for unexpected or necessary change and consistently evaluate the business climate and the needs of our clients. Adjusting or not adjusting quickly to a changing landscape can be the key to success or a recipe for failure.

The COVID Health Emergency taught us many truths and opened our hearts and minds to change, flexibility and an appreciation of our mortality, loved ones and family.

Garner’s

JAMES A. GARNER PRESIDENT AND CEO | GARNER GROUP INTERNATIONAL, LLC

from 2011 to 2014.

He also served as Long Island’s first African-American mayor, a fourterm position he held from 1989 to 2005, and was a member of the village board of trustees from 1984 to 1989.

During his tenure as mayor, Garner revitalized his community’s downtown and housing stock, reversing over two decades of community decline.

He also served as president of Nassau County Village Officials and was elected president of the US Conference of Mayors in 2003, where he became a national ambassador on city revitalization, community development, and public/private partnerships.

Garner’s leadership and dedication to community development and public service earned him various appointments and honors, including serving as an official U.S. delegate to the World Summit on Sustainable Development, meeting with His Holiness Pope John Paul II and His Eminence Cardinal Francis Arinze at the Vatican, and being appointed to the Homeland Security State and Local Officials Senior Advisory Committee Board Member, International Republican Institute.

Aside from his public service,

Garner is a successful businessman who founded and operated a pest control business for many years.

He also served as an army veteran of the Vietnam era, earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Adelphi University, and holds an Honorary Degree of Doctorate of Civil Law from Molloy College.

As a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Garner is a highly respected and influential figure in both the public and private sectors, with extensive leadership experience.

How do you see your business evolving due to the changing times?

Garner Group International has a solid foundation and offers a diverse range of services that are highly sought-after in today’s dynamic business environment.

With the world becoming increasingly globalized and interconnected, there is expected to be a growing demand for consulting firms like ours, which specialize in business development, government relations, and strategic consulting.

Our focus at Garner Group International is on creating pathways that enable corporations, small businesses, and nonprofits to achieve their strategic objectives and eco-

nomic goals by leveraging networking opportunities with other entities.

This focus is projected to become even more significant in the years ahead. Moreover, our extensive experience in collaborating with various levels of government and the private sector to secure funding and community support for economic development projects and municipal government initiatives enables us to guide clients through complex regulatory environments and capitalize on new business prospects.

I am confident that Garner Group International will continue to flourish in the future by adapting and innovating to meet the evolving needs of our clients, just as we have done in the past.

What advice would you give other business owners?

My recommendation for business owners is to build a diverse team of experts in their industry.

In addition to this, I suggest prioritizing the development of strong relationships with individuals, corporate entities, and government agencies. Building strategic partnerships and networking can play a critical role in achieving a company’s long-term objectives.

James A. Garner is an accomplished and experienced leader who currently serves as the President and CEO of Garner Group International, LLC., a state certified Minority Business Enterprise and Veteran Owned Small Business firm that provides

elite-level consulting services in business development, government relations, and strategic consulting.

impressive career includes serving as chief deputy comptroller of Nassau County for three years and as deputy comptroller

Erik Gershwind has worked at MSC Industrial Supply Co. for more than 25 years but often says he really joined the company at birth.

That’s because his grandfather, Sid Jacobson, founded the business in 1941 when he started selling surplus tools out of the trunk of his car.

After Gershwind graduated with a bachelor’s degree in economics from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania and from Harvard Law School, he joined the Melville-based industrial supply distribution business full-time.

He gained experience working

across key departments, including mergers and acquisitions, sales, product management, marketing and e-commerce. Those roles proved to be Gershwind’s best learning experiences, as did having lunch with his grandfather every day.

“I valued having lunch with my grandfather because he taught me a great deal about MSC and so much more in terms of life lessons. When Sid started the business, he wanted to support his young family, of course. But he had a greater vision and purpose in mind and that was to help others,” Gershwind said.

“Sid also believed that you

ERIK GERSHWIND

couldn’t stand still. To be able to help others, you need to sustain and grow the business by never being satisfied and by driving continuous improvement and innovation.”

Sid Jacobson, for example, invested $1 million in a computer system in the 1960s, a risky, significant investment that ultimately paved the way for future growth and success.

MSC has remained at the forefront of its industry with strategic moves that lifted the business to new heights, such as its Big Book catalog, a nationwide network of branch offices, a dedicated sales force, nextday delivery and an e-commerce site during the early stages of the internet.

Two generations followed Sid Jacobson in driving the company’s success. Jacobson’s son, Mitchell, was named president in 1982 and continues to serve as chairman of the board of the publicly traded company.

Gershwind rose to the role of chief operating officer in 2009, president in 2011 and chief executive officer in 2013, just the fourth person to hold that position in 82 years.

As CEO, Gershwind has led MSC’s transformation from a spotbuy supplier of industrial products

to a productivity partner helping manufacturers reduce costs and improve their efficiency and overall performance.

MSC sells more than 2.2 million products and delivers many inventory management and supply chain solutions to hundreds of thousands of customers throughout North America and the United Kingdom. Most importantly, MSC’s 7,000 associates continue to carry out Sid’s vision of helping others.

“Today, we reflect our purpose of helping others through our brand promise: Built To Make You Better. We’re seeing excellent results and our customers tell us they appreciate the value we deliver in helping them solve their mission-critical challeng-

es and improve their operations every day,” Gershwind said.

Under Gershwind’s leadership, MSC’s investments in people, technology, acquisitions and regional expansion across North America have resulted in revenue growth of more than 50 percent to $3.7 billion.

MSC is ranked No. 790 on the Fortune 1000 list. MSC has been named a top place to work by a number of prominent publications, including Forbes and Computerworld magazines.

Gershwind serves as chair of the board of advisors for the University of Pennsylvania Libraries. He serves on the Board of Directors for the Sid Jacobson JCC in East Hills and the Riverside Hawks Youth Basketball, a nationally recognized academic and athletic program.

He serves as co-chair of Major Gifts for the Long Island chapter of the UJA Federation of New York. Gershwind and his wife, Jackie, serve on the Board of Advisors for Cohen Children’s Medical Center, part of the Northwell Health System.

Erik and Jackie Gershwind reside in Old Westbury with their three children.

PRESIDENT AND CEO | MSC INDUSTRIAL SUPPLY CO.

“I valued having lunch with my grandfather because he taught me a great deal about MSC and so much more in terms of life lessons.”

ADAM HABER

CO-FOUNDER AND CEO | TRELLUS SAME DAY DELIVERY AND MARKETPLACE

Adam Haber is co-founder and CEO of Trellus Same-Day Local Delivery.

He is a dedicated community servant who has held various leadership positions over the course of his career. He served as a Roslyn School Board trustee from 2009 to 2018, where he advocated for residents and children and played a crucial role in bringing the Roslyn School District back from an $11.2 million theft.

Additionally, from 2018 to 2019, he worked as the head of economic development at the Town of Hempstead, which increased his passion for assisting small businesses on Long Island.

In the wake of Hurricane Sandy, Haber spearheaded Project Long Island, aimed at rebuilding over 200 homes in Long Beach.

The project was coordinated by All Hands and Hearts, a disaster relief organization where he is currently a board member. Haber also serves as a board member of the Hagedorn Little Village School, which provides educational and therapeutic services for children with developmental disabilities.

An entrepreneur with a deep passion for learning, Haber has real experience creating jobs, attracting capital, and managing complex

budgets. He spent 22 years as a commodity options trader and owned three restaurants, one of which was awarded a Michelin Star.

customers. Small businesses are empowered to handle their own package fulfillment, and because Trellus doesn’t take a portion of each sale, businesses keep more of their hardearned revenue.

In turn, local customers can get purchases from their favorite local businesses delivered more quickly and conveniently. To date, more than 350 Long Island merchants are on the Trellus network, and Trellus has completed more than 40,000 successful deliveries.

The company is currently planning to launch a direct-to-consumer marketplace with integrated local delivery at checkout.

He is a non-operating principal of ScanlanKemperBard, a commercial real estate merchant bank based in Portland, Ore. Haber is also an active member of the Long Island Angel Network and has invested in several startups.

In February 2021, Haber and his partners launched Trellus SameDay Local Delivery designed for the needs of small business owners.

Trellus provides local businesses with the technology platform and network of reliable gig-drivers needed to offer local delivery services to

Haber takes pride in his role as a community developer and enjoys networking with local business owners.

Through his experiences in local government, he’s noticed that “Shop Local” is too often used as a catchphrase, with no real solutions behind it.

He believes Trellus is the solution that can break down barriers for small businesses to become more competitive. He looks forward to connecting with more Long Island business owners to address their pain points with last-mile logistics and help them succeed.

An entrepreneur with a deep passion for learning, Haber has real experience creating jobs, attracting capital, and managing complex budgets.

Joel Harris prides himself on being a photographer for 50-plus years where he started as a wedding and event photographer. After a long successful financial career, he has focused on the non-profit world.

Joel fully retired from this world in 2013 and took up photography full-time as a headshot, glamour, and family photographer.

He was an accountant for a ma-

jor financial institution where he was an auditor for pension plans and ultimately an administrator for the bank’s 401(k) plan. Here he developed procedures to speed up various processes and ultimately worked to help save the institution a sizeable sum in fees that they would no longer have to pay to their outside vendor.

After that he spent time in both

the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society where he had the opportunity to learn more about fundraising and the philanthropic world as well as be a photographer for the Town of North Hempstead and aide to the supervisor.

Joel joined The Kiwanis Club of County Seat, Mineola back in 2009 after a friend introduced him to the organization.

He immediately took on the role as photographer and social media liaison to help the club move forward. He was always active with Helene, his wife in all the clubs’ fundraisers and service projects.

Joel became the New York District PR/Branding Coordinator when Kiwanis International developed that role. He remained in that position for six years under multiple New York district governors.

What made Joel different was his understanding of the various social media platforms and how they could be used to help increase membership and educate the population on the important role that Kiwanis plays in the world.

Joel is a Key Club advisor where he has the opportunity to work with local high school students to develop both their leadership and fundraising skills. He is also very active

in his local chamber of commerce where he served as president as well as the Nassau Council Chambers of Commerce where he served as treasurer.

In October 2022, Joel was elected Kiwanis New York State district governor for Kiwanis International.

said. “We must grow our organization to help keep us strong.”

With more members, we have increased opportunities to help children and communities throughout New York State. Harris is committed to maintaining New York as a “Lighthouse District.”

“Do not be afraid of taking chances and looking for more efficient ways of getting the job done. View your challenges as opportunities to learn and develop. Everyone should be viewed as leader. We must all learn from each other.”

With over 260 clubs statewide Joel & his wife Helene travel throughout New York visiting these clubs and being part of their fundraising and service projects.

“This is and continues to be an amazing experience traveling the state and meeting with the clubs from Buffalo to Montauk Point.,” he said.

His job is to energize and motivate the members. “Membership is on the forefront of my goals,” Joel

He always addresses membership the same way he handled discussions in the financial world. “Do not be afraid of taking chances and looking for more efficient ways of getting the job done. View your challenges as opportunities to learn and develop.” Everyone should be viewed as leader. We must all learn from each other.”

JOEL HARRIS

NY STATE DISTRICT GOVERNOR | KIWANIS INTERNATIONAL

WPIX joins Paws of War to welcome six Yorkie puppies that were rescued from a Puppy Mill

Mortgage's Andrew Russell Speaks to WNBC 4 About Rising Interest Rates

Dr. Marc Lashley of Allied Physicians Group on New 12 Long Island's New Normal

The entire team at Garner Group International, LLC would like to extend our warmest congratulations to our esteemed

PRESIDENT AND CEO

JAMES A. GARNER

on being recognized as one of the Top Business Leaders of Nassau County 2023 by Blank Slate Media.

He is without doubt a true trailblazer and this prestigious award is a testament to his exemplary leadership, unwavering dedication, and outstanding contributions to our organization and the community.

We would also like to acknowledge and congratulate the other honorees who were recognized for their exceptional achievements and leadership in the business community. Their hard work and commitment to excellence inspire us all to strive for greater success and impact.

1225 Franklin Avenue, Suite 325 Garden City, NY 11530

www.garnergroupinternational.com

Marc Herbst serves as the Executive Director of the Long Island Contractors’ Association, the premier regional trade association of the heavy construction industry.

Since 2006, he has managed services and programming, labor, and safety training for more than 170-member firms and acts as the voice for the industry’s public and government advocacy.

Under Mr. Herbst’s tenure, LICA’s role as a critical driver of the Long Island economy has grown to its current status, responsible for thousands of construction jobs within the bi-county region.

He serves concurrently as president of the New York Roadway and Infrastructure Coalition.

In addition, Herbst is a former chairman of the Council of State Executives for the American Road and Transportation Builders Association and a board member of the Town of Islip’s MacArthur Airport’s Advisory Board.

In addition, Mr. Herbst serves as an employer trustee for several labor benefit trust funds, including Laborers Local No. 1298, Operating Engineers Local No. 138, and Teamsters Local No. 282, and was a Bethpage Federal Credit Union associate board member.

He also proudly serves as a United Way of Long Island board member. Mr. Herbst is the former Director of Transportation Planning and Environmental Services for the New York State Thruway Authority.

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the Reverend Herbst is now assigned to the Church of the Good Shepherd – Lutheran, Plainview, NY. He previously served as the chief of staff for the New York metropolitan

As an elected official, he was respected on both sides of the political aisle for his integrity, willingness to engage in thoughtful debate, and commitment to public service.

In that role, he served as the executive project manager for the study to rebuild the new Mario Cuomo Bridge. Prior, he served as a fiveterm state Assemblyman, working as the ranking member of the Assembly Transportation Committee.

As an elected official, he was respected on both sides of the political aisle for his integrity, willingness to engage in thoughtful debate, and commitment to public service. He also served on the MTA’s Capital Review Board and the Long Island Commission on Critical Transportation Choices.

An ordained minister of the

region bishop of the ELCA and as the pastor at the Church of Our Savior, Lutheran, Manhasset, NY, and Faith Lutheran Church, Syosset.

Herbst holds a Master of Science degree in Transportation Planning & Engineering from New York University, a Master of Divinity from St. Bernard’s School of Theology and Ministry, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from SUNY Empire State College. Mr. Herbst is a 2008 graduate and current board member of the Energeia Partnership at Molloy Colege.

We Proudly Congratulate

Bina Sabapathy

President India Association of Long Island

For being named a Top Business Leader in Nassau County. Your exceptional leadership and service are inspiring.

With much pride, The Sabapathy and Polozovski Families

STEVEN KRIEGER, ESQ.

PRESIDENT | B2K DEVELOPMENT

As one of the founding partners of B2K Development, Steven has been an integral part of building the communities, the brands, and the relationships that the company is so well-known for.

Armed with over 30 years of industry experience and innovation, he is equipped with unrivaled insight and expertise. This brings with it an unmatched precision when it comes to identifying viable opportunities and creating value through profitable real estate dealings.

He calls upon his industry knowledge to masterfully negotiate complex contracts and transactions, including purchase, sale, and acquisition agreements, as well as loan agreements in excess of $2 billion dollars.

From obtaining entitlements right through construction, Steven has an aptitude for fast-tracking deals from concept to completion, paving the way to creating extraordinary and vibrant residential and commercial developments.

Throughout his impressive career, Steven has built a formidable foundation of trust and rapport through his various ventures, including repositioning and managing retail and office buildings for both private and institutional owners

and negotiating intricate deals with sellers and lenders. He also has led B2K Development’s foray into the purchasing of notes and mortgages from both local and institutional lenders.

Though his accomplishments are many, some of his most significant include:

as credit tenant retailers Lifetime Fitness, Rite-Aid, QuickChek, and Stop & Shop.

With an enduring commitment to the community, Steven lends his time, resources, and expertise on organizations close to his heart including Long Island Housing Partner-

With an enduring commitment to the community, Steven lends his time, resources, and expertise on organizations close to his heart including Long Island Housing Partnership, Long Island Builders Institute, Vision Long Island, and the Long Island Real Estate Group.

Successfully attaining the very first Industrial Development Agency funding for an assisted living community in the State of New York; the procurement of land use approvals and municipal entitlements for over 3,000 beds within The Bristal — B2K Development’s division of exceptional assisted living communities; securing the entitlements for the construction of over 2,000 housing units in the tri-state area, as well

ship, Long Island Builders Institute, Vision Long Island, and the Long Island Real Estate Group.

Steven graduated cum laude from Tulane University and studied abroad at the London School of Economics and Political Science where he was a member of the traveling basketball team. He earned his law degree at the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, Yeshiva University.

Brian Lally is the senior vice president and chief development officer at Northwell Health, New York’s largest healthcare provider and private employer, with 21 hospitals, 900 outpatient facilities and 83,000 employees.

Lally launched the organization’s first comprehensive fundraising campaign in 2016, which surpassed its $1 billion goal for capital, programmatic, research and endowment initiatives ahead of schedule in 2022 and was extended through

BRIAN LALLY

SR. VICE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER | NORTHWELL HEALTH

2024, increasing the goal to $1.4 billion.

Prior to joining Northwell in 2014, Lally served as chief development officer at the University of Michigan Health System and before that, as chief advancement officer at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center/Dartmouth Medical School for 12 years where he ran the most successful campaign in the institution’s history.

He also held numerous positions in the development program at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center over his 18 years with the organization. Lally holds a B.A. from Queens College and an MBA in finance from St. John’s University.

How do you see your business evolving due to the changing times?

Northwell is truly a special place. We are an organization that is adaptable.

Our core mission has never changed, but we remain prepared and ready to pivot to address emerging, critical needs. We go where others won’t, and we’ve always focused on how we can help solve the greatest needs facing our communities by creating programs in areas such as food insecurity, scholarships, behavioral health, and gun violence pre-

vention.

All of these issues have health implications, and helping to address them early will have a positive impact on the health and wellness of the people and communities we serve.

What advice would you give other nonprofit leaders?

When we launched Outpacing the Impossible, Northwell’s compre-

That makes it easy to remember why we do what we do, every day. My advice to others would be to plan for what you can but know there will always be unexpected challenges. Create a team and a culture that can flex and adapt to issues when they emerge. Valuing trust, empowerment, and innovation help enable that team to be the best that they can be. And lastly, as individu-

ADVICE TO OTHER NONPROFIT LEADERS:

Plan for what you can but know there will always be unexpected challenges. Create a team and a culture that can flex and adapt to issues when they emerge.

hensive fundraising campaign, no one could have anticipated a pandemic that would shut down the world. Northwell was in the epicenter and facing a healthcare crisis we had never seen before.

Our courageous healthcare heroes rose to the challenge of COVID, while also caring for everyone facing all the other health challenges that didn’t go away. People depend on us.

als, the importance of having tenacity.

When asking people to support important causes like those we have at Northwell, you can’t give up. Building relationships is key, and I say you have to get at least three no’s before giving up. If you are still talking after no, that is a conversation.

ED D’AMBROSIO Senior Managing Director of Compass

for being named one of Blank Slate Media’s “Top Business Leaders of Nassau County 2023”. Ed is a strong leader who believes in giving back to his community. We would also like to congratulate all the other past and present recipients of this prestigious award.

JASON LIPIEC

LONG ISLAND REGIONAL PRESIDENT | M&T BANK

Jason Lipiec is the executive vice president and Long Island Regional President of M&T Bank.

M&T Bank (NYSE:MTB) is a $200+ billion regional commercial bank based in Buffalo. His current responsibilities include managing and growing a $3 billion commercial banking business, with specialties in the following sectors: Hospitality, Middle Market, Not-for-Profit, Commercial Real Estate and Healthcare.

More importantly, Jason dedicates most of his time to support initiatives for economic development, equity diversity, food security and social service organizations in Long Island.

Part of his oversight includes supporting and mentoring employees to reach M&T’s 40-hour volunteer work.

As Long Island regional president, focusing on community needs has been Jason’s top priority. He has been involved in several charities and currently participates in Habitat for Humanity to empower hard-working families to achieve the dream of home ownership on Long Island.

Since 2014, Jason has served as the Treasurer of the Deer Park Soccer Club. Prior, Jason was an active coach for multiple girls’ teams for

15 years. Jason has dedicated his time to be a leader and mentor to the younger generations in his community.

Prior to his current role, he was a senior group manager responsible for the middle market business in NYC. Prior to M&T, Jason spent six years at Long Island Savings Bank in residential mortgage loss mitigation and Commercial Mortgage portfolio management.

He started his banking career at Manufacturers Hanover Trust in credit card collections.

mitigation, credit and lending. Jason earned his B.A. from New York Institute of Technology an MBA in Finance from Hofstra University. Jason resides in Deer Park with his wife and three daughters.

How do you see your business evolving due to the changing times?

Considering the recent upheaval in the banking industry, more frequent and transparent communication with key stakeholders is being implemented as part of our day-today practices.

ADVICE TO OTHER BUSINESS OWNERS:

Maintain strong relationships with key vendors and service providers to expand their networks, creating alternatives when disruption undoubtedly arrives.

Jason has been involved in several charities and currently participates in Habitat for Humanity to empower hard-working families to achieve the dream of home ownership on Long Island.

Jason has 30 years in the banking industry with experience in loss

The Board of Directors of AHRC Nassau extend their congratulations to

The Board of Directors of AHRC Nassau extend their congratulations to

MARY ELLEN DIVER

MARY ELLEN DIVER

Chief Executive Officer

Chief Executive Officer

Advantage Care Health Centers

Advantage Care Health Centers

What advice would you give other business owners?

Other business owners should maintain strong relationships with key vendors and service providers to expand their networks, creating alternatives when disruption undoubtedly arrives.

for being recognized as a transformational health care leader for underserved/vulnerable populations and having steadfast commitment to compassionate medical, behavioral and dental services for children and adults with developmental disabilities on Long Island.

for being recognized as a transformational health care leader for underserved/vulnerable populations and having steadfast commitment to compassionate medical, behavioral and dental services for children and adults with developmental disabilities on Long Island.

Saundra

Saundra M. Gumerove, Esq. President, Board of Directors

M. Gumerove, Esq. President, Board of Directors

Stanfort J. Perry Chief Executive Officer

Stanfort J. Perry Chief Executive Officer

RICH LISK EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT | CGF SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT/NEW YORK RIPTIDE

Rich Lisk has over 25 years in the sports marketing industry and is recognized as an industry leader in the lacrosse market in the U.S.

Rich has generated millions of dollars in revenue, repeatedly shown creativity, while being fiscally responsible and raising brand identity for a number of sports teams and ventures.

Throughout his lacrosse tenure, Rich handled the business operations of the Philadelphia Wings franchise, oversaw the move from Philadelphia to Mohegan Sun for the launch of the New England Black Wolves, and most recently is responsible for the resurgence of the New York Riptide as the executive vice president of GF Sports and general manager of the New York Riptide.

for executive of the year; runner up for both the executive of the year and the general manager of the Year in 2019; and in 2016, served as IL Indoor general manager of the year.

In addition to recognition from the lacrosse community, Rich has received numerous awards outside of lacrosse including the prestigious 40 Under 40 award by the Philadelphia

rior qualities of scholarship, citizenship and leadership; a national Telly Award for outstanding local, regional, and cable television, commercials, programs and segments, as Executive Producer in a joint project with ESPN; and the East Coast Hockey League Marketing Executive of the Year.

Rich is a graduate of Rutgers

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Rich currently serves as the chair of the National Lacrosse League’s Marketing, Broadcasting, and Partnership Committee; he serves on the Competition Committee, the Player Relation Committee, Broadcast Strategy Committee as well as on the Board of Governors.

In 2022, Rich was the runner-up

Business Journal; the Distinguished American Award from the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame, the highest offered by the National Football Foundation to a select few for exhibiting supe-

University. He is married with three children and enjoys speaking to area schools and colleges on issues of sports marketing, the business of sports, and mental/physical wellbeing.

Throughout his lacrosse tenure, Rich handled the business operations of the Philadelphia Wings franchise, oversaw the move from Philadelphia to Mohegan Sun for the launch of the New England Black Wolves. THE DUX® BED FROM SWEDEN

Robert Londin is an equity partner in the Jaspan Schlesinger Narendran LLP Corporate and Commercial Transactions Group. Practicing for more than 35 years, Rob counsels business principals in both strategic and financial mergers and ac-

quisitions (he closed more than 15 M&A transactions over the last few years); emerging-growth companies in the early stages of their business plans in connection with their organization, start-up, financing needs, strategic alliances, and the execu-

tion of their business plans; seed capital and venture capital clients in connection with the formation of their investment vehicles and making of their portfolio company investments; technology and internet companies; both large and small investment funds in connection with negotiating with their seed capital investors and portfolio company investments; new ventures by creating and documenting their equity incentive plans and awards; blockchainrelated concerns; borrowers and lenders in secured financing transactions; and companies and highly compensated executives in connection with their executive compensation and separation arrangements.

Rob also lends his acumen to the Jaspan Schlesinger Narendran LLP Commercial Litigation Group to negotiate complex settlements and construct strategies for multimillion dollar recoveries (and savings) for firm clients.

Mr. Londin was also featured in the Long Island Business News 2012 “Who’s Who” as a top business leader in Corporate Law.

As a recognized dealmaker, Mr. Londin also serves as general counsel and most trusted advisor to many clients and their senior executives and advisory boards. This general

corporate representation covers the resolution of day-to-day legal issues as well as strategic planning and business development extending to acquisition and financing concerns.

Rob authored/contributed an annotated employment agreement in The In-House Counsel’s Essential Toolkit: Employment Law treatise published by the American Bar Association, and relishes the opportunity to train junior attorneys in negotiating techniques and drafting deal documentation.

For West LegalEdCenter/Financial Poise, Mr. Londin serves as moderator and panelist on numerous webinar series including moderating the 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023 five-part Private M&A Boot Camp webinar series and the 2022 and 2023 Small Business/ Start-Up four-part webinar series.

Prior to joining Jaspan Schlesinger Narendran LLP as a partner in 2004, Rob served as an equity partner at a prominent New York City law firm (Morrison Cohen LLP) and, prior thereto, an associate at a major Wall Street law firm (Cahill Gordon & Reindel LLP).

He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Chicago (with Honors) and his Juris Doctor from The Northwestern Pritzker University School of Law in Chicago.

He is a graduate of the presti-

gious Horace Mann High School of Bronx, NY. Rob’s linkedin public profile can be found at http://www. linkedin.com/in/robertlondin.

Over the past few years, Rob and the Jaspan Schlesinger Narendran LLP Corporate Transactional Team closed over one BILLION dollars of transactions on behalf of the firm’s clients.

Ask Rob and he will tell you that “the JSNLLP Commercial Transactions Group practices at a level commensurate with any other firm I have practiced with and opposite including global BIG LAW.” This Jaspan Schlesinger Narendran LLP deal flow covers seed and venture financings; start-up packages; both buy and sell-side mergers and acquisitions transactions on behalf of the firm’s publicly-traded and privately-owned clients, management led buy-out teams, private investors, and equity sponsor clients; real estate acquisitions and finance; as well as related and other financing transactions.

Jaspan Schlesinger Narendran LLP is one of the Long Island’s premier full-service firms boasting a broad range of practice groups offering (as per Rob) its services at a fraction of the cost of the many mega-firms JSNLLP often finds itself opposite at transaction closings.

Bert Lurch is co-founder and CEO of E Central Medical Management (ECM) and oNet Systems LLC, two Long-Island based fullservice medical billing and practice management firms.

After graduating from SUNY Old Westbury, Bert began his career at Northwell’s LIJ Medical Center. He and his business partner, Louis Burke, founded ECM in 1999. oNet, which is focused exclusively

vices to a full-service firm offering consulting and compliance.

Healthcare as an industry changes at lightspeed and most medical providers and organizations are unable to keep pace with the shifting regulatory, reimbursement, and business environment.

Over the years, ECM has grown to include a team of professionals who are available to assist providers with the multitude of factors

the gap caused by inefficiencies. Choosing the right technology is an essential ingredient to the success of any business.

In terms of human capital, Bert has seen first-hand the benefits of embracing a diverse workforce. He believes that companies can find that there is great talent available when they are open to hiring diverse candidates.

Embracing this philosophy has been one of the keys to success for Bert, propelling the growth of ECM and enabling him to expand with the launch of oNet.

Bert is active in the business and non-profit community, serving as president of the Health and Business Alliance, a consortium of healthcare, non-profit and business entities.

on out-of-network physicians and facilities, was founded in 2020.

As the industry becomes more complex, Bert has ensured that ECM has evolved beyond providing standard billing and collection ser-

that affect practice management.

Bert’s business philosophy is that business owners need to leverage two primary things: technology and human capital.

Technology can often close

He serves on the boards of both Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island and the Queens Chamber of Commerce, where he co-chairs the Health and Wellness Committee. Bert is also an advocate for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion.

As the industry becomes more complex, Bert has ensured that ECM has evolved beyond providing standard billing and collection services to a full-service firm offering consulting and compliance.

BERNARD MACIAS

ASSOCIATE STATE DIRECTOR - LONG ISLAND | AARP NEW YORK

Bernard Macias serves as the associate state director for AARP Long Island, Outreach and Engagement.

In this role, he oversees and is responsible for community outreach programming, education, member engagement events, local discount member experiences, federal, state and local advocacy organizing, volunteer recruitment and volunteer resource management of more than 400 very active AARP volunteers across both Nassau and Suffolk Counties.

He serves close to 500,000 members on Long Island; the island has the highest suburban community concentration of AARP membership nationwide. His extensive experience in advertising and marketing, and his expertise in engaging multicultural audiences, brings value and perspective to AARP New York’s work to help 50+ Long Islanders live their best life.

AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence and nearly 38 million members, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to families: health security, financial stability, and personal ful-

fillment.

AARP also produces the nation’s largest circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp. org, www.aarp.org/espanol or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspanol and @AARPadvocates, @AliadosAdelante on social media.

Bernard has been recognized for his work at AARP, and has been the recipient of the following awards:

2016 Schneps Media “King of Long Island” Award; Who’s Who 2016 Guide – Long Island Business News; 2017 El Diario EL Award “Campeon de los Hispanos”; 2020 Schneps Media “King of New York” Award.

Macias has over 25 years of professional advertising, branding and marketing experience.

He was the account director at New York City’s d’exposito & Partners, managing AARP’s national advertising and direct marketing account, for all Hispanic/Latino campaign initiatives. Prior to joining d’exposito & Partners, he worked as management supervisor at GlobalWorks, a New York multicultural ad agency, managing the Cablevision account, for residential mass, direct marketing and business-to-business initiatives.

Bernard began his advertising

career at Wunderman Worldwide in the area of media planning and buying. Later, he worked for Marti Flores Prieto & Wachtel/New York, a division of J Walter Thompson, on Rums of Puerto Rico and Puerto Rico Tourism Company. His interest in the Hispanic market led him to work at The Bravo Group/Young & Rubicam, where he was responsible for the planning and execution of several direct marketing accounts at BravoDirect, servicing clients such as AT&T, Citibank, H&R Block, and USPS.

Macias later moved to McCann Erickson where he brought with him his combination of advertising and direct marketing experience to work on UPS International managing all the efforts in Latin America. His agency work has led him to work in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico and Puerto Rico.

His passion for understanding all marketing disciplines later led him to work at Long Island headquartered — Don Jagoda and Associates, a 50 year-old and industryrespected full-service promotion marketing agency, where he served as Director of New Business Development for Hispanic Market contest promotion/sweepstakes marketing.

Lori A. Marano has passionately defended healthcare providers in medical malpractice actions for over 30 years.

In that time, she has built a successful career as a trial and appellate attorney and has also had excellent results representing providers in licensure matters before the Office of Professional Medical Conduct and the Office of Professional Discipline. She is a graduate of Hofstra

University School of Law, where she served as Associate Editor of the Hofstra Law Review. Along with the late Norman Bard Esq., she is co-author of New York Medical Malpractice [1994 ed.], a three-volume treatise that has been a staple in many courtrooms and libraries for decades.

In addition to being the principal and managing partner, Ms. Marano is the firm’s senior trial and appellate counsel. She is a former chair of

LORI A. MARANO, ESQ.

SENIOR TRIAL/APPELLATE AND MANAGING PARTNER | GABRIELE MARANO, LLP

the Appellate Practice Committee of the Suffolk County Bar Association and served two terms on its Judicial Screening Committee.

She is a member of the New York State Bar Association, the Nassau and Suffolk County Bar Associations and the American Society of Health and Risk Management. Ms. Marano has been recognized by Marquis, Who’s Who in America (2020), as an Outstanding Woman in Law by Hofstra University (2018), and as a Legal Eagle by Pulse Magazine (2015-2016).

She and her partners have lectured to healthcare providers on various risk management issues, including documentation, informed consent and electronic medical records. She is admitted to practice in the Courts of the State of New York and the Southern and Eastern Districts.

Gabriele Marano LLP was founded in 2012. Since that time, the firm has embraced a paperless business model, with the capacity for all employees to work securely and effectively from remote locations.

In spite of this, the professional staff chooses to travel to the office most days, largely because of the harmonious culture of collaboration and cooperation they have developed over the years.

“We work in teams as we de-

velop our litigation strategies with appreciation and utilization of each team member’s strengths. This approach not only yields excellence in all areas of our practice, it has allowed us to cultivate litigators that are now practicing at the top of their field”, says Ms. Marano. She credits much of the firm’s success to the dedication and skill of her partners

said. “By making everyone part of the process we are engendering a sense of community within the firm while raising awareness of these worthy causes.”

Over the years, Gabriele Marano, LLP has developed a loyal client base of healthcare providers and institutions.

“It is not uncommon to receive

ADVICE TO OTHER BUSINESS OWNERS:

and staff. “We are fierce and calculating advocates to our adversaries and compassionate counselors to our clients”.

The firm is mindful of giving back to the community and supports and promotes various charities, including; food networks, local animal shelters and organizations that provide school supplies to underprivileged children.

“We make charitable giving fun and interesting in order to encourage maximum participation,” she

notes and letters of gratitude from our many clients who have been thrilled with the service we provide and the outcomes we have achieved for them,” she said. “This, above all, makes all the hard work worthwhile.”

Her advice to other business owners: Be in service to your clients and your valued employees. Making them a priority is key to developing and maintaining long-term relationships. No business can succeed without them.

Be in service to your clients and your valued employees. Making them a priority is key to developing and maintaining long-term relationships.

CHRISTOPHER H. PALMER MANAGING PARTNER | CULLEN AND DYKMAN LLP

Christopher H. Palmer is the managing partner of Cullen and Dykman LLP, chair of the firm’s banking and financial services practice and serves on the firm’s executive committee.

Chris has overseen the strong growth of the firm into a major regional powerhouse, a firm with nearly 200 attorneys in seven office locations in New York, New Jersey, and Washington, DC.

In his practice, Chris has broad experience in all types of complex financing as the firm represents a wide array of commercial banks and financial institutions in structuring and negotiating financing transactions.

Chris also serves on a multitude of boards, committees, bar associations and professional organizations, including serving on the Board of Trustees for Catholic Charities of Long Island.

Chris also is an adjunct professor at St. John’s University School of Law currently teaching the Real Estate Workouts and Bankruptcy course. Most importantly, Chris has 3 wonderful children — Christopher, Meghan and Kate — and lives in Garden City, New York.

Chris was honored at the 2023 Real Estate Achievement and Leadership Awards spotlighting leading pro-

fessionals and visionaries in the Long Island real estate industry.

He was also previously honored with his inclusion on the Long Island Press Power List, celebrating the region’s most influential business, nonprofit, and government leaders.

Chris earned his J.D. from St. John’s University School of Law, and his B.A. in economics from Binghamton University. Chris also graduated

However, business models and what clients expect from their law firm has changed dramatically over the years. We’ve always been prepared to meet their needs and make any appropriate changes when and where necessary.

What advice would you give other business owners?

ADVICE TO OTHER BUSINESS OWNERS:

Always remain

from Chaminade High School in Mineola, and currently serves as co-chairman of the golf and tennis committee.

How do you see your business evolving due to the changing times?

Founded in 1850, Cullen and Dykman is the fourth oldest law firm in New York.

We didn’t earn the stellar reputation we now have as a result of not being flexible or not changing with the times. In many ways, we’re still the same firm we were almost 175 years ago in that we put our clients and their needs first.

Always remain flexible and never become deeply entrenched in handling things only one particular way.

Times change as business patterns go through cycles. No business will stand the test of time if they don’t adapt to the environment they currently face.

Oftentimes, when I ask others “Why do you do things that way,” a common response I receive is “Well, that’s the way we’ve always done it.”

To me, that is unacceptable. Our clients and their business needs come first; as such, we need to adapt and be flexible to find the right solutions for them.

-

ANDREW PARTON

PRESIDENT | CRADLE OF AVIATION MUSEUM AND

In Andrew Parton’s tenure as first, executive director and now president, he has worked to transform the museum into an education center with an emphasis on the S.T.E.M. disciplines of science, technology, engineering and math.

The goal of the museum is to use its collection of air and spacecraft to generate excitement for studies in math and science and to help create a new labor pool for the aviation, aerospace and defense industries. He has been instrumental in building the museum’s educational platform to include High School Magnet Academies for STEM.

In addition, the museum has expanded its educational efforts and serves as the host site for a number of science-based competitions including the Rube Goldberg Engineering Competition as well as competitions such as “Kid Wind”, “Solar Cars” and their new “Drone/UAV” program.

It is with these distinct and creative partnerships that the museum influences countless kids to study STEM, sparking interest in Higher Ed and STEM careers. Mr. Parton

hopes the museum will continue to excel as a resource for the community, promoting and fostering a strong STEM-educated society.

The museum serves as the CoSteward of the Long Island STEM Hub along with Northwell Health and Brookhaven National Lab.

The museum is home to over 75 planes and spacecraft and chronicles

CENTER

Chase as vice president, and director of marketing for the Commercial Banking Group.

He serves on the board of the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association, The JFK Chamber of Commerce and the Grumman/Northrop Grumman Retiree Club.

Long Island’s rich aerospace history and attracts over 300,000 visitors each year. It has consistently been ranked in the top 10 of Air & Space Museums in the country

Prior to joining the museum, Andrew spent 19 years at JPMorgan

His education encompasses a masters of business administration in marketing management and a bachelor of science in communications arts and sciences from St. John’s University in Jamaica, N.Y.

EDUCATION

In Andrew Parton’s tenure as first, executive director and now president he has worked to transform the museum into an education center with an emphasis on the S.T.E.M. disciplines of science, technology, engineering and math.

Dr. Susan Poser is the ninth president of Hofstra University and the first woman to lead the institution. She assumed the office of the president on August 1, 2021.

In her first 18 months, Dr. Poser

has focused on strategies for growing and strengthening academic programs, enhancing outreach and recruiting, and further diversifying the faculty and administration, including by expanding the Office of Equity

DR. SUSAN POSER

PRESIDENT | HOFSTRA UNIVERSITY

and Inclusion. She has strengthened community and local outreach, creating ties between the University and the surrounding neighborhoods, the Village of Hempstead, the Town of Hempstead, and the state.

Over the past year, the university also has seen significant success in research and innovation.

Hofstra and Nassau Community

College were awarded a six-year, $5 million National Science Foundation (NSF) grant to create a program that will improve STEM education by providing scholarships, mentoring and research opportunities to high-achieving students in underserved communities. In addition, Hofstra faculty, students and alumni received four Fulbright Awards in 2022, the most ever in a single year.

Later this year, the university will open a new Science and Innovation Center to be shared by Fred DeMatteis School of Engineering and Applied Science and the Hofstra Northwell School of Nursing and Physician Assistant Studies, both of which have programs ranked among the top 50 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

The 2022 incoming first-year class was the largest since 2015, and the undergraduate retention rate over the past year has been the highest ever.

Prior to joining Hofstra, Dr. Pos-

er served for five and a half years as the provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), a Carnegie Research One university with over 33,000 students. At UIC, Dr. Poser’s major accomplishments included UIC’s 2019 acquisition of Chicago’s John Marshall Law School, creating the first and only public law school in Chicago.

Another major focus was the creation of several initiatives to support faculty and enhance diversity, including establishing pipeline programs for underrepresented faculty and creating a new Center for Teaching Excellence.

She also played a key role in creating two new cultural centers on campus – one focused on Arab American students and another on students with disabilities.

Prior to becoming Provost at UIC, Dr. Poser served in several positions at the University of Nebraska. She was the Dean of the College of Law from 2010-2016, the Associate to the Chancellor from 2007-2010, and a law professor for over 15 years. While she was dean, the College of Law moved up 35 points in the U.S. News & World Report rankings, annual giving to the school increased, and she fundraised $23

million.

Dr. Poser grew up in New York City and majored in Ancient Greek at Swarthmore College, graduating with honors. She earned a JD and a PhD from the University of California, Berkeley.

Before beginning her academic career, Dr. Poser clerked for the Honorable Dolores K. Sloviter, the Chief Judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit in Philadelphia, and served as the Zicklin Fellow in Ethics at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

Dr. Poser has a history of institutional service and regional leadership, including an appointment to Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s delegation to Israel. Her board service, past and present, includes the International Women’s Forum (Chicago chapter), the Nebraska Humanities Foundation, the Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Space Museum (Omaha), and the ACLU (national board and Nebraska chapter).

She is a member of the board of directors for the Long Island Association and Accelerate Long Island, and of the Long Island Regional Economic Development Council. She is also a member of the New York Women’s Forum, and the Chicago Network.

CATHERINE RINALDI

INTERIM PRESIDENT | LONG ISLAND RAIL ROAD | PRESIDENT | MTA METRO-NORTH RAILROAD

Catherine Rinaldi was named interim president of the Long Island Rail Road in February 2022. She was appointed the sixth president of MTA Metro-North on Feb. 21, 2018 and is the first woman to hold that position.

Rinaldi took the lead in completing three LIRR mega-projects upon taking her new role: opening the Main Line Third Track and Grand Central Madison in addition to the soon-to-be-completed LIRR 33rd street concourse at Penn Station.

The opening of Grand Central Madison and the Main Line Third Track increased service levels by 41% and created greatly enhanced reverse-peak service on the Port Jefferson and Ronkonkoma Branches, a boon to Long Island’s economy.

Rinaldi announced the start of two-way service at Elmont-UBS station – the first new LIRR station to open in almost 50 years, providing full-time service to both UBS Arena and the Elmont community.

The new LIRR concourse features more light, space and train information for customers and is an early step towards turning Penn Station into a new transportation destination in the heart of Manhattan.

Rinaldi has overseen a host of customer-facing initiatives including a sweeping package of accessibility upgrades that will make seven Long Island Rail Road stations in Queens and Nassau and Suffolk Counties fully accessible for the first time while replacing elevators at two additional LIRR stations. The elevator upgrades will bring to 116

The app shows how many people are on each car so riders can board a car with the most available seats.

Rinaldi’s previous positions within the MTA include chief of staff and counsel to the MTA chairman, from 2011 through 2014; vice president and general counsel at Long Island Rail Road, from 2008 to 2011;

Rinaldi took the lead in completing three LIRR megaprojects upon taking her new role: opening the Main Line Third Track and Grand Central Madison in addition to the soon-to-be-completed LIRR 33rd street concourse at Penn Station.

the number of the LIRR’s 126 stations that are accessible to all, or 92%.

She also oversaw the launch of the new TrainTime – integrating LIRR and Metro-North service into one convenient app that also enables customers to buy tickets including the new Combo-Tickets which allows riders to use both railroads with just one ticket.

to my father

JAMES A. GARNER

and deputy executive director and general counsel at MTA headquarters, from 2003 until 2006.

Rinaldi was named the 2018 Woman of the Year by the Greater New York Chapter of the Women’s Transportation Seminar.

She is a summa cum laude graduate of Yale and received her law degree from the University of Virginia School of Law.

on being recognized as one of the Top Business Leaders of Nassau County 2023 by Blank Slate Media.

Your hard work, dedication and leadership have been an inspiration to me and our entire family. We are proud of all that you have accomplished and the positive impact you have made on our community. Keep up the great work, Dad!

BYGood Coffee

301 Brookstown Ave, Ste 300, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27101 www.bygoodcoffee.com ByGood

DR. CHRIS ROSA PRESIDENT AND CEO | THE VISCARDI CENTER

Dr. Chris Rosa became president & CEO of The Viscardi Center, a network of non-profits that educate, employ and empower children and adults with disabilities, in January 2022.

He is a staunch advocate for equity and economic justice for people with disabilities, being a wheelchairuser since age 12 who has Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy.

A published disability studies scholar, he serves in national leadership roles for organizations that promote access and wellness for Americans with disabilities. He is also a sought-after orator on a variety of topics including disability as a key dimension of diversity, equity, & inclusion and American disability culture.

Before joining Viscardi, he served as the assistant vice chancellor for Student Inclusion Initiatives at the City University of New York (CUNY), the nation’s largest urban public university system.

In this role, Dr. Rosa designed and led programs that promote access, equity, and inclusion for over 35,000 students who have historically under-participated in higher education. Dr. Rosa’s higher education governance includes serving as interim vice chancellor for Student Affairs and the University’s Assistant Dean for Student Affairs for CUNY’s

25-campus system.

Dr. Rosa’s major accomplishments at CUNY include creating a model career readiness program for college students with disabilities that empowers them to achieve competitive employment at more than twice the national rate; leading efforts to establish CUNY as a firstchoice college destination for neurodiverse students; launching intercollegiate inclusive athletics program; and collaborating with New York City Department of Education’s District 75 to create its Inclusive Higher Education Program.

He has also chaired the Executive Committee of the U.S. President’s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities (now known as the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy) and served in leadership roles at the New York State Independent Living Council, the Muscular Dystrophy Association, and the Society for Disability Studies.

Dr. Rosa earned his B.A. in Sociology & Philosophy from Queens College in 1989 and his Ph.D. in Sociology from the CUNY Graduate Center in 2001, with a dissertation entitled “Disability Rites: Constructing American Disability Culture.” He was elected to the Long Island As-

sociation’s Board of Directors in October 2022.

How do you see your business evolving due to the changing times?

As the digital revolution continues to transform the way we all conduct business in the 21st century, access to digital information and resources is crucial to ensure that all individuals have the opportunity to participate fully and equitably in our economy. With this in mind, The Viscardi Center will seek to amplify its role as a leader in Digital Accessibility Services to ensure that close to one billion people with disabilities, across the globe, have meaningful access to online information and resources.

What advice would you give business owners?

All business owners are seeking new and untapped audiences for their products and services. We’d like to remind them that the disability community is an underleveraged market – 1 in 4 individuals in the U.S. have a disability. In fact, the global disability community has a combined disposable income of $1.2 trillion. We encourage businesses to look right here at home and to devise products and services that are attractive and accessible to consumers with and without disabilities..

MICHAEL N. ROSENBLUT PRESIDENT AND CEO | PARKER JEWISH INSTITUTE FOR HEALTH CARE & REHABILITATION CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF MANAGERS | AGEWELL NEW YORK

Michael N. Rosenblut is president and CEO of Parker Jewish Institute, where he is responsible for the overall executive leadership and strategic direction of this postacute care organization, one of the largest in the region.

He is Founding Chairman of the Board of Managers for AgeWell New York, a licensed Medicare Advantage Plan and Medicaid Advantage Plus Plan, in New York State. He is President and CEO of Queens-Long Island Renal Institute (QLIRI), a state-of-the-art dialysis center.

In December 2020, the QueensLong Island Renal Institute, Inc., partnered with PRINE Health, opening a Vascular Center, offering advanced vascular services. The Center and QLIRI – which provides patients with safe, comfortable hemodialysis treatments – further Parker’s ability to expand access to essential health-care services. In March 2022, QLIRI began offering home dialysis.

Protecting the region in the pandemic, Mr. Rosenblut simplified accessing COVID-19 vaccines for Parker and surrounding community. He ensured online scheduling for vaccine appointments, backed

by telephone support. Now, Parker’s mobile vaccine-unit enables easy access for the homebound, and community organizations, whose members would otherwise struggle to get vaccinated.

He and Parker’s Research and Grants Division, expanded Parker

ment and be recognized for their efforts.

Mr. Rosenblut is a Past Vice President of Congregation EmanuEl of Westchester and serves as a member of the Board of Directors at the Westchester Medical Center and Good Samaritan Hospital, both

While encouraging mentoring at Parker, Mr. Rosenblut himself is an active mentor, offering guidance within the health care sector, its career paths and problem-solving strategies.

At Your Door, a Medical House Call program that allows older adults access to health care in the comfort of their homes for those living in Brooklyn, Queens, Nassau, and Suffolk – and soon, Westchester.

While encouraging mentoring at Parker, Mr. Rosenblut himself is an active mentor, offering guidance within the health care sector, its career paths and problem-solving strategies. At Parker, Mr. Rosenblut is always on the lookout for opportunities, where team-members can take part in professional develop-

part of WMC Health.

Mr. Rosenblut has been widely recognized for his commitment to health care for older adults, including most recently via the Long Island Business News’ Power 30 Healthcare list, Crain’s Notables in Health Care list, Long Island Herald Excellence in HealthCare Award, City and State Non Profit 100 List and by LeadingAgeNY, an organization representing the entire continuum of not-for-profit, mission-driven and public continuing care.

BINA SABAPATHY

PRESIDENT | INDIA ASSOCIATION OF LONG ISLAND, INC.

Bina has demonstrated leadership through her service to the community for decades. She is a champion and steadfast supporter of children, especially the underprivileged.

As president of the India Association of Long Island, she along with her Community Outreach Team donated a large number of toys to Stony Brook Children’s Hospital for Kids with Cancer.

She also conducted successful back pack drives for kids under foster care for their summer camps. She has been involved with ‘Clothing Dress to Impress’ collecting all new and gently used clothing for people under public assistance for job interviews.

She has been passionately involved with IALI Food Drive, an ongoing Project for the past 22 years.

Bina is a commanding and dependable leader with a quiet yet unyielding approach, able to effect incredible change within the Indian American Community on Long Island. She has had extensive involvement with many organizations, such as Vedic Heritage, AWB Food Bank, Indian American Forum, India Day Parade, South Asian American Women’s Alliance, and Indo-American Festival Inc.

Bina is well recognized for her involvement with Indo-American Festival’s Inc., as a public relation chair for “Dusahra 2016” which attracted more than 4000 people. She is the driving force behind the celebration of ‘Ganesh Mahostav’, a major festival of India, in Hicksville.

After serving in various capacities, Bina currently is serving her second term as the president of the India Association of Long Island, the oldest and the largest organization of Indian Americans on Long Island for over 44 years, with more than 2500 members.

Bina made history by becoming a past president of 2017 and getting elected as president in 2022. Bina thanks her community and general membership for her getting elected for the second time.

Born and raised in a small town called Udupi, in Karnataka, a southern state of India, Bina had her early education at St. Cecily’s Girls School. She completed her Bachelor’s degree at SPP College, Mysore University majoring in economics and history and minoring in sociology.

Bina cultivated her people skills and interest in serving others at a very young age growing up in a

close-knit community, where everyone was an extended family.

Her interest in finance secured her a good job in a prestigious financial institution at a very young age, where she served for more than a decade. Bina migrated to the United States in the mid-1980s.

She was a successful entrepreneur for over two decades before she joined the Department of Social Services, an employment unit where she was able to help people to find employment through job fairs and public connections.

Married to an engineer, Bina is the mother of 3 beautiful children, a lawyer, a doctor, and a psychology major undergraduate. Her hobbies include community service, reading, gardening, and singing.

Bina is a woman of strong faith and believes that ‘God takes you into deep water not to drown you but to cleanse you.’

Her volunteer engagement, and community service with a humble demeanor, and a ‘can-do’ attitude have helped her to tackle issues head-on and work to become the leader she so aptly portrays.

Congratulations to Susan Poser President, Hofstra University on being named as a Top Business Leader of Nassau County Honoree

Currently serving as the sixth president in the history of SUNY Old Westbury, Dr. Timothy E. Sams has spent the last 30 years driven by the principles of access, excellence, success, and impact.

His trail of accomplishments attests to his unwavering commitment to delivering on higher educa-

of Flower Hill.

He is a member of the Nassau County Bar Association, and previously served as the co-chair of the Real Property Law Committee and as chairman of the Administrative Agencies Committee.

Mr. Sahn is also a member of the Women’s Bar Association of the State of New York (WBASNY). He is frequently invited to lecture before professional groups in his areas of expertise. He also is a regular contributor of editorial and opinion articles to Innovate Long Island and articles on legal issues for Nassau Lawyer, the Journal for the Nassau County Bar Association.

Mr. Sahn began his career at the Town of North Hempstead, serving as a deputy town attorney, counsel to the Board of Zoning Appeals, and as commissioner of Planning and Research Development. He also served as associate counsel to state Senators Michael J. Tully Jr. and Michael Balboni.

For every year from 2010 through 2022, Mr. Sahn has been selected to the list of New York Metro Super Lawyers, being recognized in the practice area of Land Use/Zoning. In 2011, he received the Leadership in Law Award from Long Island Business News.

In 2022, Mr. Sahn was also named a Top Lawyer by the Long Island Herald in the category of Land Use and Zoning. Mr. Sahn holds an AV Preeminent Rating from Martindale-Hubbell and was named to the 2022 AV Preeminent Attorney-Judicial Edition.

He is peer rated for the highest level of professional excellence. His most recent articles for Innovate Long Island were entitled, “Hochul Comes Out Swinging in Rekindled Housing Fight” and “As AI Evolves, The Battle for Control Begins in Court.”

His recent article, for the Nassau Lawyer was entitled, “Uncertainty of the Administrative State After West Virgina v. EPA”.

How do you see your business evolving due to the changing times?

Our firm will continue to grow and expand to meet the needs of our clients, and to provide the highest quality legal representation and advice. Our vision is to continue our strategic development as a regional law firm at the forefront of legal thinking.

We use the diverse knowledge, expertise and experience of our lawyers and staff in a team approach to achieve our clients’ goals. We have

always embraced challenging and changing times as opportunities to grow and improve our practice.

The legal industry has changed markedly in the last few years with the consolidation of law firms, reliance on technology, and remote work environments. We have invested in our technology infrastructure, expanded our new Suffolk County office that has full-time lawyers and staff, added new practice groups and established a presence in New York City.

Most importantly, we have recruited and retained talented and dedicated people, including many younger lawyers who will form the basis of our next generation of leadership. We plan to continue on these paths as they have served as the foundation of our practice throughout the years.

What advice would you give other business owners?

Set your business plan, stick with it and take bold initiatives based on strategic, long-range planning. Adapt as necessary to new circumstances, but never compromise your core goals, business culture and values.

DR. TIMOTHY E. SAMS

PRESIDENT | SUNY OLD WESTBURY

success programs to innovating new ones as a senior leader, Dr. Sams’ commitment to educational justice by inclusive excellence, praxis, and purpose-driven education, has come to characterize his work of elevating the student experience and transforming liberal arts education.

Dr. Sams never lost sight of his opportunity program roots as an Upward Bound and Educational Opportunity Program student.

As a Higher Educational Opportunity Program Counselor early in his career, Dr. Sams held fast to the belief that “to whom much is given, much is required.”

Prior to Old Westbury, he served as vice president of Student Affairs for Prairie View A&M University in Prairie View, Texas. His work there was built on past experiences at respected institutions across the country, which include Morehouse College, and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

State University of New York at Albany. He earned his Ph.D. in African American Studies from Temple University.

Our institution is evolving to meet the changing times by emphasizing STEM education and workforce development. We recognize

education and training needed to succeed in the healthcare industry, including fields such as nursing, healthcare management, and medical research.

Our goal at SUNY Old Westbury is to continue providing our students with the highest quality

tion’s promise of using excellence to achieve student transformation and social progress.

Dr. Sams’ impressive career has taken him to an array of selective institutions around the country and around the world.

As he moved from learning the fundamentals of building student

Raised by his paternal grandparents, Dr. Sams grew up on the south side of Syracuse, New York, where he was an avid Boy Scout, basketball player, and student activist.

He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Sociology from Union College in Schenectady, New York, and his Master of Arts degree in Africana Studies from the

the importance of preparing our students for the shifting job market. We are committed to providing them with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in their careers. We are also focused on providing exceptional training for teachers to meet the dramatic reduction in teachers. We understand teachers’ pivotal role in shaping young minds and guiding their students toward a bright future. To this end, we continually develop innovative teaching curriculums and programs incorporating modern technology and pedagogy.

Finally, we recognize the growing need for medical professionals in our society. We are committed to providing our students with the

education possible while adapting to the changing times and the needs of our society. One of the most valuable pieces of advice I can offer is the importance of pivoting your business strategy when necessary. The world is constantly changing, and as a business owner, it’s critical to stay nimble and adapt to new circumstances. Whether it’s a shift in customer needs, a change in market conditions, or a sudden disruption like the COVID-19 pandemic, pivoting your business strategy can make all the difference. It’s essential to be proactive and anticipate potential changes in the market so you’re better equipped to make necessary adjustments when the time comes.

Our institution is evolving to meet the changing times by emphasizing STEM education and workforce development.

Michael H. Sahn is the Managing Member of Sahn Ward Braff Koblenz PLLC. He concentrates his practice in the areas of zoning and land use planning, real estate law and transactions, corporate, municipal and environmental law.

He also represents the firm’s clients in civil litigation and appeals.

Mr. Sahn is a member of the board of advisors of the Northwell Health System. He also serves as chairman of the Board of Zoning Appeals of the Incorporated Village

MICHAEL H. SAHN, ESQ. MANAGING MEMBER | SAHN WARD BRAFF KOBLENZ PLLC

David G. Schieren, CEO and cofounder of EmPower, strives to make solar energy the dominant energy source in New York and beyond. This vision continues to drive every action the company takes.

David leads a talented team to

deliver the best solar and battery technology, the most financial savings and an amazing customer experience.

As an advocate, David conducts outreach to build support for clean energy amongst political, community, business and religious leaders,

DAVID G. SCHIEREN CEO | EMPOWER SOLAR

and the public at large.

David has testified before the United States Congress and has been involved with numerous TV, print, internet, radio and documentary interviews.

David is the board president of the New York State Solar Energy Industry Association, and also serves on the boards of the Long Island Association and Vision Long Island.

He has a Master of Science in Energy Management from the New York Institute of Technology, where he received the Faculty Award for outstanding achievement.

David co-led the 2005 U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon solar-hydrogen zero energy home project.

He has a B.A. in Economics from the University of Vermont, where he received the Freeman Saltus Award in Economics. David was a North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners Photovoltaic Installer.

How do you see your business evolving due to the changing times?

With 20 years of experience, I’ve never been this excited. Solar lowers energy costs from day one for $0 down, can charge your electric car for the lowest cost per mile traveled, can be paired with a battery for the

most resilient backup power option, and will power highly efficient electric air source heat pumps.

Solar, back-up batteries, EVs, and heat pumps can all be used together with time-of-day electric rates to lower overall energy expenditures significantly, increasing savings for homeowners.

The recently passed Inflation Reduction Act provides significant tax incentives to use all of these technologies. LIPA, PSEG-LI and ConEd have additional incentives as

ers clearly define and communicate their reason for existence, superpowers and goals.

Articulating and communicating this is important for team success and helps with providing top-tier customer service. As an example, for EmPower Solar, our mission is to empower clients with high-performance solar power and battery systems.

Our vision is to create a new energy paradigm powered by clean, renewable energy for a more pros-

ADVICE TO OTHER BUSINESS OWNERS:

Clearly define and communicate their reason for existence, superpowers and goals. Articulating and communicating this is important for team success.

well, making solar more affordable than ever before. The solar industry will continue to grow, thrive, and become more widely adopted as the premiere renewable energy for homeowners and businesses alike.

What advice would you give to other business owners?

I recommend that business own-

perous, healthy, and civil world. Our approach to business is driven by our desire to deliver the highest quality work, and is guided by our core values we refer to as the EmPowering Way.

This is what has led us to success for the past 20 years, and will continue to drive our business forward.

Steve Schneider is president and chief executive officer of Professional Physical Therapy, a company with a history of being in business for over 20 years and one of the nation’s largest physical therapy companies with a team of 1,700+ employees and approximately 200 clinics located across five states in the Northeast.

Mr. Schneider joined Professional Physical Therapy in 2018 with over 35 years of experience as a C-level executive working for a number of public and privately held companies covering a variety

of industries. While at Professional, his goal has been to ensure that the company makes it convenient for its patients to receive the highest quality of care, while providing his team with opportunities to fulfill their professional and financial goals. As Professional continually strives for excellence, it is proud of the fact that its patients consistently rate their experience at an average of 4.9 or greater out of 5.0 stars and it has earned a Great Place to Work certification for the last two years.

Before joining Professional, he spent over 20 years in the technology

STEVEN

PRESIDENT AND CEO | PROFESSIONAL PHYSICAL THERAPY

sector which is when he was initially exposed to the health care industry.

As the Managing Partner and cofounder of Sierra Vista Group (SVG), a global professional services company that provided solutions through the intersection of business and technology, he managed numerous engagements and consulted for leading companies in the health care industry. Aside from the consulting services SVG provided, it specialized in developing enterprise technology solutions for clients ranging from Fortune 100 to venture backed companies.

Prior to his time at SVG, he was CEO of HomePortfolio.com, a venture-backed company that became a leading destination for home design products and ideas, which was later sold in 2002.

Previously he had held the positions of CFO and COO of SoftQuad International a publicly traded company which initially provided a broad range of products for content authoring and developed the first commercial HTML and specialized SGML editors. Through its subsidiary, Alpha Software, it developed and published software titles for CD-ROM, which were sold at retail locations throughout North America.

After selling the assets of SoftQuad in 1999, the company entered

the video game industry and was renamed NewKidCo International, which distinguished itself as the leading video game publisher for children by leveraging existing and next generation platforms and utilizing well-established family content and licensed characters. NewKidCo distributed its products in North

America, Europe, Australia, the Pacific Rim, as well as the United Kingdom and New Zealand.

Earlier in his career, he held a number of senior level positions in manufacturing and national real estate companies where he played integral roles in their growth and ultimate sale totaling more than $6 billion.

How do you see your business evolving due to changing times? While taking care of our patients and our team members will al-

ways be our number one priority, the physical therapy industry will continue to consolidate. To ensure our long-term success, we will continue to focus on operational efficiencies while working with our payors to develop new reimbursement models that compensate us at reasonable rates that are based on performancebased metrics. What advice would you give other business owners? Constantly look for ways to improve your business and evolve as market conditions dictate. Keep your team focused on the matters at hand and most importantly surround yourself with talented people who compliment and get along with each other. With good people you can accomplish amazing things and have fun along the way.

Neil Seiden is co-founder of Asset Enhancement Solutions LLC (“AES”), a financial advisory firm that provides both Investment Banking and Consulting Services to companies considering important transactions such as buying or selling a company and raising capital. AES specializes in arranging debt and equity financing for companies

with challenges, both favorable and unfavorable. Unfavorable challenges include operational, legal, tax, financial or liquidity issues and positive challenges consist of opportunities for growth, acquisitions and long-term success. AES works with middle-market companies, public companies, and small businesses. AES arranges financing for busi-

NEIL SEIDEN

PRINCIPAL | ASSET ENHANCEMENT SOLUTIONS,LLC

nesses when many traditional banks say “no,” and as such, is a resource for companies, their accountants, and attorneys.

In addition, AES can help banks maintain customer relationships by arranging financing for its customers with non-traditional funding sources. Asset Enhancement Solutions, LLC has arranged over $700 million in financing for both private and public companies in a variety of industries and geographical areas.

AES can manage the process of sourcing debt or equity financing which businesses need for short or long-term growth and survival. AES never will never shy away from adversity, but instead, embrace and thrive on it. AES has the experience and expertise needed to find creative solutions to financial challenges.

When AES saw the problems that businesses were having during the beginning of the Payroll Protection Program in April 2020 with respect to communication, confusion and anxiety we decided to get actively involved in the PPP Program and try to help solve all these issues and focus on providing VIP service and hold people’s hands every step of the process.

AES processed PPP applications for 1,500 businesses, non-profits

and independent contractors totaling $150 million in 35 states across the country. In addition to our role as an agent for various lenders, our team was able to troubleshoot many issues and provide advice to our clients as well. We helped save many companies around the country that were turned down for PPP loans by other lenders.

Another program arising from the Cares Act was the Employee Retention Credit. The good news is that this program provides tax credits up to $28,000 for each employee. The bad news is that it is taking many companies over 12 months to receive refund checks from the IRS.

Understanding that many companies adversely affected by COVID-19 need these refund checks to survive, AES is currently actively involved with assisting companies to monetize this ERC receivable.

Since October 2022, AES has successfully facilitated the monetization of over $20 million of ERC receivables for a number of companies throughout the country.

Mr. Seiden is periodically quoted in the New York Times, Newsday and Long Island Business News and is a frequent panelist at symposiums focused on financing. Mr. Seiden has spoken often about the differ-

ent types of financing available for different stages of the business life cycle.

Mr. Seiden is a past president of the Long Island Chapter of the Turnaround Management Association, a past president of the Long Island Chapter of the Institute of Management Accountants, and on the board of the Middle Market Alliance of Long Island.

In April 2021 the Queens Chamber of Commerce launched an initiative with Asset Enhancement Solutions to assist more than 1,100 Chamber member businesses.

Per Tom Grech, president and CEO of the Queens Chamber, “Our members have many challenges both good and bad, and Asset Enhancement Solutions LLC has many creative financing solutions that can assist our members survive or thrive.”

Mr. Seiden began his career at KPMG after graduating Summa Cum Laude from Boston University with a BS in Accounting.

Mr. Seiden is a member of the Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society. Mr. Seiden is a certified public accountant.

“Congratulations To All Of The 2023 Top Business Leaders Of Nassau County Honorees For All

Dan Siegel is president of Lifetime Brands, Inc., a leading, publicly traded housewares company based in Garden City.

Lifetime’s products are found in all major retailers across the globe in over 100 countries, with more than 30 brands in the food preparation, tabletop, and home solution categories, including Farberware, KitchenAid, Mikasa, Taylor, Rabbit, S’well, and Built NY.

Dan leads Lifetime’s successful North American business, with all divisions of the company, and the entire sales force, reporting to him.

Lifetime Brands creates innovative products that provide solutions to problems consumers face in their daily routines. The company uses a datadriven, scientific approach to meeting consumers’ needs while investing in innovation, its brands, and associates.

Dan began his career at Lifetime Brands over 30 years ago in regional sales, moving up through the business from executive vice president of sales, to executive vice president of Strategies and Innovation, to executive vice president, to his current role as President.

Dan developed Lifetime’s Open Innovation platform, which has produced some of the company’s bestselling products, a long portfolio of

DAN SIEGEL PRESIDENT | LIFETIME BRANDS, INC.

patented items, and an opportunity for individual inventors to see their products on retailer shelves.

Dan has increased the company’s focus on creating five-star experiences for consumers and pioneered its forward-thinking communications and technology efforts to better educate consumers about the company’s products.

He is also committed to an in-

Chapin Humanitarian Award. Dan’s generosity, support, and leadership were noted as influential in illustrating the importance of the corporate community in addressing hunger in our communities.

Relationships are extremely important to Dan, and he sees them as one of the keys to his success in the industry. Transparency, honesty, and

creased emphasis on ESG (Environment, Social, and Governance). The company is looking to reduce its carbon footprint and choose environmentally preferred materials whenever possible.

Dan believes strongly in giving back to the community and has been recognized for decades for his good works. He is a member of the board of directors for Long Island Cares, and a recipient of the individual Harry

integrity are key hallmarks in how he conducts himself, both internally and to the greater market.

Additionally, Dan recognizes clear communication as key to being a successful business leader. He strives to be approachable, a good listener, and an empathetic, ethical leader.

Dan is a graduate of Long Island University and has an advanced management degree from the Wharton School of Business.

Relationships are extremely important to Dan, and he sees them as one of the keys to his success in the industry. Transparency, honesty, and integrity are key hallmarks in how he conducts himself, both internally and to the greater market.

JACK WEIDINGER PRESIDENT | WEIDINGER AUTO GROUP

I am married to my wife Julia of seventeen years and have three children, Hugh (14), William (12) and Eliza (9) and we live in Locust Valley. I grew up in Oyster Bay and graduated from Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, where I earned a B.S. in Finance and received my M.B.A. from Columbia University in New York, New York, in 2004.

Additionally, I studied automotive management at the NADA Academy to prepare to oversee my family’s auto group.

I serve on the Board of Directors for the Glen Cove Boys and Girls Club and I am a member of the Vestry of St. John’s Church in Cold Spring Harbor, NY. I serve on many professional boards including the Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association and the Cadillac National Dealer Council.

I own and operate the Weidinger Auto Group consisting of North Bay Cadillac Buick GMC in Great Neck, Jaguar Land Rover Freeport in Freeport, and other automotive operations on Long Island.

My grandfather started the business in 1938 and I took over from my father in 2008 after starting with

him in 1996. As a third-generation dealer, the keys to running a successful business and continuing our family tradition have been ingrained in me.

From working in every department during my teenage summers, to opening new dealerships as we grew, I’ve learned the business from the bottom up and use that experience daily as I navigate our changing times.

Our team prides itself on being honest, respectful, and attentive to the needs of everyone who comes through our dealership’s doors, and we treat everyone the way we would want to be treated.

We actively give back to our communities through various charitable organizations such as The INN in Hempstead and the Glen Cove Boys and Girls Club. For example, during each Thanksgiving season, we collect food baskets filled with 20 holiday food items per basket including a gift card to purchase a fresh turkey at a local supermarket and donate them to The INN and the Glen Cove Boys and Girls Club so that families in need can enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal. In November, we had the opportunity

to donate a 2022 Chevrolet Suburban outfitted with a wheelchair lift system to the Tunnels to Towers Foundation which supports disabled veterans by building homes that meet their unique needs.

My team and I pride ourselves as a family owned and operated business and work toward the long term success of our brands and our employees by continually evolving the way we operate our business and by investing in innovations in technology, consumer preferences and tastes, and employee retention strategies. With the move toward new automotive propulsion technologies such as electric, hydrogen and synthetic fuels, the retail car industry has never been more exciting.

My largest challenge being both an entrepreneur and the head of company with 180 employees is finding the balance between taking risks to grow the business in the face of changing conditions while keeping the long-term success and stability of the company in mind. I would encourage other owners to constantly evaluate their decisions in terms of both short- and longterm success.

SHARON WYMAN

COO | DISCOVER LONG ISLAND

Sharon Wyman, Chief Operating Officer, has a 20 plus-year tenure at Discover Long Island, the region’s official tourism organization. She has committed her career to helping the organization further Long Island’s now $6.3 billion tourism economy. Rising through the ranks from an information specialist to executive assistant, to office manager, to director of administration and now chief operating officer, Sharon has helped steer the 43-year-old organization through at least two financial crises, most recently the COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite tourism and hospitality being the industry hit hardest by the pandemic, Sharon maintained the organization’s entire staff and strategically shifted team members’ roles and responsibilities to uphold the organization’s vitality and meet their changing needs. By restructuring the team, the organization was able assist hundreds of industry partners when they needed it most – providing up-to-date information and resources along with fierce advocacy for the industry’s needs in real time.

Sharon was instrumental to the overhaul and rebranding of the

tourism agency when the CEO and President arrived seven years ago. Under her leadership, and with Sharon’s key insights and assistance, the organization grew from a fragmented regional visitor bureau to an award-winning brand and industry leader in innovation, destination marketing and more.

Sharon also helped increase the organization’s staff by 60 percent as of June 2022 – creating several new local hospitality jobs on Long

With the Discover Long Island’s slate of in-house experts on board, the organization recently launched the Long Island Tea — a weekly podcast where Sharon cohosts alongside the CEO. The two hosts ‘spill the tea’ on #LongIslandLife, seasonal adventures and insider tips, while sipping on Long Island wines.

Sharon Wyman lives in Bay Shore where she enjoys spending time with her three children and husband, living their best Long Is-

Despite tourism and hospitality being the industry hit hardest by the pandemic, Sharon maintained the organization’s entire staff and strategically shifted team members’ roles and responsibilities to uphold the organization’s vitality and meet their changing needs.

Island. Instead of outsourcing PR or Video/Creative work, Sharon remains committed to securing and maintaining quality in house talent to continue to enhance the organization’s cutting-edge capabilities.

land life by spending their time exploring and adventuring some of her favorite spots such as Robert Moses State Park, and local downtown villages.

An innovator in the catering, food service, restaurant, public events and entertainment industries, Butch Yamali is an entrepreneur, intense in focus and philanthropic by nature.

Highly successful in transforming failing enterprises, Mr. Yamali possesses keen business insights, identifying upside potential through painstaking research, affording him the opportunity to

BUTCH YAMALI PRESIDENT AND OWNER | THE DOVER GROUP

implement decisive action plans.

Butch is a lifelong Long Islander and is the president of the Freeportbased Dover Group, a multi-faceted corporate juggernaut in the aforementioned business areas, as well as facilities management, public/private sector ventures and beverage distribution.

After years of working for his father in family-owned restaurants throughout Manhattan, Yamali ventured on his own and purchased his first ice cream truck.

Building from the ground up, Butch Yamali hired drivers to operate additional vehicles, an investment that resulted in his Carnival Ice Cream company becoming the largest Good Humor distributor on Long Island, Yamali then looked to other business growth opportunities.

From America’s oldest restaurant, the Milleridge Inn in Jericho, to the venerable Coral House catering facility in Baldwin, the Dover Group owns the most requested wedding and public events facilities on Long Island.

Adding to Dover’s restaurant portfolio, Yamali acquired Peter’s Clam Bar in Island Park, restoring luster to this waterfront seafood restaurant.

In addition to the Milleridge Inn, the Coral House and Peter’s Clam Bar, Dover’s restaurant and catering holdings include the

Maliblue, the Milleridge Carriage House, the Milleridge Cottage, among other restaurants and food service, bakery and related establishments.

Partnering with municipal governments. The Dover Group has transformed cabana and beach clubs along Long Island’s stunning south shore ocean beaches.

The Malibu Beach Club has become the most desired cabana and beach club destination, boasting an 8-year waiting list. Recognizing Mr. Yamali’s Midas touch in beach club management, Nassau County selected him to restore the storied Nickerson Beach Club in Lido Beach.

Rebuilding the seaside executive golf course and refreshing the cabanas and pools and play areas, Mr Yamali has eliminated the vacancy rate that existed under public management and maintenance.

Among the other business successes under The Dover Group’s umbrella are The Malibu Shore Club, Camp Malibu, Nickerson Sports Camp, Quick Snack Vending, Dream Events Planning, Maple Construction Company, Dover Caterers, Carnival Ice Cream and Dover Beverage Distribution.

In short, Butch Yamali has built one of the largest hospitality, catering vending, and ice cream providers in

the New York Metropolitan Area.

Butch is the president of the Merrick Union Free School District Board and Freeport Educational Foundation. Butch also serves as a business analyst for small business on FOX Business News on a regular basis. He is a proud board member with Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital.

Integral to sustaining business success is the ability to adapt to changing retail and food service trends, remain flexible in the face of the evolving business climate and the ability to weather serious economic downturns such as the downturn caused by the COVID-19 crisis.

Out of adversity comes opportunity. During the COVID-19 crisis, Dover’s operations adopted COVIDsafe protocols and personal services programs, which helped Dover to remain viable.

Don’t be afraid to take a chance; however, thoroughly perform business research and market analyses. What’s more, experience and knowledge of your business is critical to forecasting budgets, planning for cost fluctuations and other market variables.

Yamali, is the proud father of three and grandfather of two and resides in Merrick with his wife Linda.