Ask A CEO

Frank Romeo is one of the longest living veterans diagnosed with 100% PTSD related disabilities, 50 years. For the past 30 years Frank has been traveling the country advocating and educating people about this socially crippling disease. At age 70, to shed more light on today’s issues, Frank gave up his worldly life and declared himself homeless and registered with the “Homeless Coalition” as a homeless veteran. Frank walked 750 miles from shelter to shelter living in homeless shelters and eating in soup kitchens while documenting the stories of our homeless community. His findings are the bases of the film “Walk With Frank”. Frank “connects the dots” between mental health, suicide ideation, and our homeless community. "Walk With Frank" is the 50 year story of PTSD as told by Frank and the amazing people he met on his journey.

Stuart B. Almer is President and Chief Executive Officer of the Gurwin Healthcare System. He joined Gurwin in 2015 with more than 30 years of experience in the acute and long-term care arena, and holds an MBA in Hospital Management. He is a Fellow in the American College of Health Care Executives and a NY State Licensed Nursing Home Administrator. Mr. Almer has taught at the master’s level at Hofstra University, and often lectures to community and civic organizations on quality, leadership, the status of long-term care, and the overall state of the healthcare industry. He is chair of LeadingAge NY, where he also serves as a member of the Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) cabinet. He also is a member of many other boards and associations, including Jewish Business Network, NY Institute of Technology Board of Health Professions, Brooklyn United Methodist Church Home, IPRO, Association of Jewish Aging Services (AJAS), and Hofstra’s School of Health Professions Dean’s Advisory Board. Mr. Almer has been recognized with the Carl S. Young Advocacy Award from LeadingAge NY, and by Long Island Business News (Executive Circle, Power 25 & Power 30 in Healthcare), the Moxxie Mentoring Foundation, the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, Long Island Alzheimer’s Foundation, Long Island Alzheimer’s and Dementia Center, Guardian Brain Foundation, and Schneps Community News Group. He received a Distinguished Service Award from both the Brooklyn United Methodist Church Home and the Healthcare Executives’ Club and was named the 2011 Young Professional of the Year by the Association of Jewish Aging Services of North America. Mr. Almer has served as an industry expert and advocate, is a sought-after source for matters related to COVID-19 and long-term care and has been featured in major media outlets including The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Newsday and numerous industry healthcare publications.

Martin R. Cantor has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting from Brooklyn College, a Master of Arts Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Hofstra University, and a Doctor of Education Administration Degree from Dowling College. He has won a Regional Edward R. Murrow Award and four Long Island Press Awards for his economic analysis on News 12’s The New Normal during the pandemic. He was Suffolk County Economic Development Commissioner, Chief Economist-New York State Assembly Subcommittee for the Long Island Economy; Senior Fellow at the Institute for Socioeconomic Studies, Chair and Chief Economist of the Long Island Development Corp; a building trades labor/management arbitrator; a faculty member in the Brooklyn College Department of Economics; Executive Director of the Patchogue Village Business Improvement District; Director of Economic Development for Sustainable Long Island, and the Long Island Fund for Sustainable Development. He has prepared downtown revitalization plans for Long Island and New York City neighborhoods and has authored: federal, state and local legislation. He was Director of Dowling College’s Long Island Economic and Social Policy Institute and an Adjunct Associate Professor of Economics. He is a Certified Public Accountant in private practice; Director of the Long Island Center for Socio-Economic Policy where he conducted economic surveys of Long Island manufacturing and the agriculture, a consulting economist and economic development consultant to public officials, counties, towns, villages, Industrial Development Agencies, developers and communities; and Chairman of the Suffolk County Judicial Facilities Agency which financed the acquisition of the Cohalan State Court Complex, oversaw the construction of the Suffolk County Jail in Yaphank and financed the $70 million purchase/leaseback of the Dennison Building to Suffolk County. . He was the architect of the Nassau County Comptroller’s debt restructuring plan for resolving Nassau County’s fiscal crisis . He is an Honorary Member of Delta Mu Delta - The National Honor Society in Business Administration and has been recognized by the National Association of Counties for innovative uses of Industrial Revenue Bonds, for international trade promotion initiatives, for downtown revitalization policies, and for minority business incubator initiatives. He was invited by Dr. William Julius Wilson of Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government to present his paper entitled Race Neutral Sustainable Economic Development. He provides economic and business commentary on television and radio including NPR, News 12, Fox News, and is a columnist for the Long Island Business News. He presented his paper entitled Race Neutral Sustainable Economic Development at Harvard University, is author of Long Island, The Global Economy and Race: The Aging of America’s First Suburb and his paper Retention of Long Island Millennials at a Community College: Are They College Ready? appeared in the international peer-reviewed Journal for Leadership and Instruction. In 2020 he was inducted into the Long Island Business Hall of Fame.

An experienced, dynamic and committed public health professional, Dr. Jeffrey L. Reynolds is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Family and Children’s Association (FCA), based in Garden City, NY. Since it began as an orphanage more than 137 years ago, Family and Children’s Association (FCA) has been committed to caring for Long Island’s vulnerable children, youth, seniors and families while helping them prepare for successful futures. The organization offers community-based programs for struggling families, at-risk adolescents, vulnerable seniors, and adults with substance use disorders. Today, FCA is one of Long Island’s largest health and human services organizations with an annual budget of $22 million, 360 staff, 200 volunteers and 40+ programs. Since arriving at FCA, Dr. Reynolds has helped secure more than $12 million in new funding and launched several innovative services, including three new recovery centers. He also re-branded and modernized the agency’s identity and during COVID, spearheaded a move to a new 30,000 square foot headquarters.

Adam Haber has had a long career in Finance. He traded commodities for over two decades on several different New York exchanges and is an active Angel Investor and advisor to several start-up companies. He is also the former owner of two Manhattan restaurants: Aldea, which had a Michelin star; and Lupulo, its sister restaurant. He is currently a non-operating principal at ScanlanKemperBard, a real estate merchant bank. Adam was a trustee on the Roslyn School Board from 2009-2018. He also serves as a Board Member of the Hagedorn Little Village School, which provides educational and therapeutic services for children with developmental disabilities. Adam was appointed to the Nassau Interim Finance Authority (NIFA) on July 22, 2015 by Governor Andrew Cuomo at the recommendation of NYS Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie. He stepped down in April 2016 to focus on a run for NY State Senate. From Jan 2018-December 2019 Adam was head of economic development for the Town of Hempstead (TOH) under former Supervisor Laura Gillen. After witnessing first-hand how Long Island’s small businesses had a tough time competing against Amazon and e-commerce, he co-founded Trellus Same Day Delivery and Marketplace, where he is now CEO. Adam has a Bachelor’s Degree of Science with a concentration in Finance from SUNY Albany and a Master’s Degree in Political Science from Long Island University.

Jennifer Marks is Managing Director and Market Team Lead in the Long Island office of J.P. Morgan Private Bank, developing and implementing strategies for the region, while providing wealth planning, banking, investing, lending and trust services to the area’s prominent families and individuals. Knowing that better input leads to better outcomes, Jennifer partners with her clients to understand their complex lives from all angles. She then draws upon J.P. Morgan’s global resources to develop the strategies that will propel them toward the long-term objectives they have for themselves, their loved ones and their communities. A recognized leader, Jennifer was named “One to Watch” in Banking and Finance by Long Island Business News in 2019. In 2020, she was further honored as one of the “Top 50 Women in Business” and with a “Business & Finance Award,” also by Long Island Business News. Jennifer is the Co-Chair of the region’s Market Leadership Team, focused on unifying all JPMorgan Chase employees across Long Island and within our communities. She also chairs the region’s Diversify and Inclusion efforts. Jennifer joined J.P. Morgan in 2006 and has remained with the Private Bank ever since. She began her career as an Investment Business Analyst and became an Investment Advisor in 2010. Jennifer’s natural intelligence and problem-solving abilities have led her to a seat on J.P. Morgan’s U.S. Advisory Council, where she works with a select group of leaders to develop initiatives that shape experiences for employees and clients alike. Jennifer holds FINRA Series 7 and 63 securities licenses, and earned a B.S. in Industrial and Labor Relations from Cornell University. Having grown up on Long Island, she is thrilled to be making a local impact through the Private Bank and her own community engagement. Most recently, Jennifer was invited to become a member of the 2021 Energeia Partnership, a group that gives proven, ethical leaders the opportunity to act as catalysts for change, helping to create innovative and sustainable solutions to the most pressing challenges facing our region. She is Co-Chair of the UJA Long Island Young Families Fundraising Committee, focused on raising awareness, funds and community engagement. When she’s not in the office, Jennifer enjoys spending time at the beach, exercising, and exploring the area’s parks and museums with her husband and two children.

Jennifer is a CEO & Founder at Rising Team, Board member, and Bestselling author of Purposeful. She has a wide range of executive experience including leadership roles at Facebook, Google and Yahoo!, and founder, CEO and president roles at early stage and scaling startups. Dulski writes about leadership for LinkedIn Influencers, Fortune, Forbes, and Huffington Post and serves as a lecturer in management at the Stanford Graduate School of Business.

Kevin O'Connor is the Chief Executive Officer at Dime Community Bank. Throughout his career, Mr. O’Connor’s leadership of financial institutions has been marked by his relentless focus on organic growth, strategic acquisition and community-based customer service and culture.

Kara Goldin is the Founder and CEO of Hint, Inc., best known for its award-winning Hint® water, the leading unsweetened flavored water. She has been named one of InStyle’s Badass 50, Fast Company’s Most Creative People in Business, Fortune’s Most Powerful Women Entrepreneurs, Fortune's Most Innovative Women in Food & Drink and EY Entrepreneur of the Year for Northern California.

President & CEO, Northwell Health | Health Care Optimist | Author of After the Roof Caved In: An Immigrant's Journey from Ireland to America. He's a health care optimist who proudly leads NY State’s largest integrated health care system and largest private employer. Inspired every day by his colleagues and the people they serve.

I am blessed to run an award-winning energetic forward-thinking company that helps companies consolidate their marketing efforts across all platforms and assures that client messages reach each segment of their audience. Our method makes sure each effort is coordinated, comprehensive and effective. Having all the necessary professional skills and disciplines inhouse adds a level of collaboration that produces outstanding results, wins client rave reviews and sets our company apart. I am a nationally published author on marketing and business topics and an invited columnist in business publications. I am also consulted by media as an industry expert. I have presented marketing seminars to businesses and organizations for over 25 years. I hold board of directors positions, participate in various community outreach programs, and undertake speaking and writing assignments not only for business but for the greater good of others less fortunate. My real passion is helping the many Not for Profit organizations in my area expand their cause-related services and fundraise effectively. I hold the New York Police Departments Medal of Honor and after an exhilarating career as a Detective I retired from the Manhattan District Attorneys Office. I am deeply committed to stemming the tide of PTSD suicides in law enforcement officers, first responders and military veterans. If you have a particular need, business or otherwise I would be very glad to hear from you.

Simon is an innovation leader and expert; he is a co-founder of, Wazoku, an enterprise solution for Idea Management & Open Innovation, used by global businesses, governments, public sector organisations and charities. In 2020, Wazoku acquired US Open Innovation firm InnoCentive, which is now integrated with the Wazoku proposition creating a unique innovation at scale offering. Simon is an active author, blogger and speaker on topics relating to collaborative innovation, crowdsourcing, co-creation, intrapreneurship and more. His expertise has been recognised extensively, being awarded the prestigious title of Guardian SME Leader of the Year and noted as a Top 15 influencer in crowdsourcing. He is also an Angel Investor and advisor to several B2B and B2C early-stage tech businesses. “All organisations need to innovate, solve problems and generate new ideas to meet objectives. The transformational change, however, is accomplished through the remaking of the organization into the Challenge Driven Enterprise, where the most difficult problems can be solved, the effort is aligned with strategic goals, all talent inside and outside of the organization is brought to bear to deliver on the mission, and sustained performance improvement is possible.”

Robert Gebbia serves as the CEO of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, which has become the leading suicide prevention nonprofit organization in the United States. Since joining AFSP, Gebbia has developed a nationwide network of more than 70 chapters and increased AFSP’s annual revenue from $700,000 to over $39 million in support of the mission. In the last five years alone, AFSP has initiated and funded one out of every five studies on suicide – making AFSP the largest private funder of suicide research in the world. In 2015, Gebbia announced AFSP’s bold goal to reduce the annual suicide rate in the U.S. 20 percent by 2025. Gebbia collaborates with scientists, business, civic, and political leaders, and people personally impacted by suicide to develop and implement effective suicide prevention strategies. Under his leadership, AFSP has created public awareness campaigns and educational programs that have reached millions and established a network of support for friends and families affected by suicide. Gebbia helped launch the Out of the Darkness Walks to raise awareness and funds for suicide prevention. The walks – now held annually in more than 400 locations across the country – have given millions of people a way to become involved and take action against this leading cause of death. In 2009, Gebbia led the effort to bring AFSP and the Suicide Prevention Action Network USA together to create AFSP’s Public Policy arm, which has 29.000 volunteer advocates and secured millions in government funding for mental health and suicide prevention at the state and federal levels. Gebbia is a founding member of the National Council for Suicide Prevention, serves on the National Lifeline Advisory Committee, the Executive Committee of the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention, and is the past Chair of the Board of Directors of the National Health Council. Gebbia has an extensive background in nonprofit management, strategic planning, fundraising, and program development. Prior to joining AFSP, Gebbia had a successful career with the United Way and served as a Public Health Advisor for the City of New York. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Hofstra University and a master’s degree in Sociology from the New School for Social Research. He completed the Harvard Business School’s Human Services Management Executive Program and IBM’s Leadership Commitment Program for nonprofit executives.

I am a first generation entrepreneur. I cofounded Sagacious IP in 2008, at the age of 25, in New Delhi India to provide patent research/analytics and other innovation consulting to companies and law forms across the globe. We are now a team of over 300 technolegal professionals spread over 9 offices in 6 countries. We are not a unicorn, but, we are a bootstrapped, proftable business that has been growing well YoY. I am a Mechanical Engineer by education and worked at the R&D Center of Suzuki Motors’ Indian subsidiary before bring into IP.

I am blessed to run an award-winning energetic forward-thinking company that helps companies consolidate their marketing efforts across all platforms and assures that client messages reach each segment of their audience. Our method makes sure each effort is coordinated, comprehensive and effective. Having all the necessary professional skills and disciplines inhouse adds a level of collaboration that produces outstanding results, wins client rave reviews and sets our company apart. I am a nationally published author on marketing and business topics and an invited columnist in business publications. I am also consulted by media as an industry expert. I have presented marketing seminars to businesses and organizations for over 25 years. I hold board of directors positions, participate in various community outreach programs, and undertake speaking and writing assignments not only for business but for the greater good of others less fortunate. My real passion is helping the many Not for Profit organizations in my area expand their cause-related services and fundraise effectively. I hold the New York Police Departments Medal of Honor and after an exhilarating career as a Detective I retired from the Manhattan District Attorneys Office. I am deeply committed to stemming the tide of PTSD suicides in law enforcement officers, first responders and military veterans. If you have a particular need, business or otherwise I would be very glad to hear from you.

Anders Jones is CEO and co-founder of Facet Wealth, a technology-enabled financial services company dedicated to financial planning and advice for the mass affluent market. At Facet, he has overseen all aspects of the company’s growth, from the initial product innovation to service delivery at a national scale. For his work at Facet, Anders was named as one of InvestmentNews 40 under 40 in 2019. Anders is also an early-stage tech investor, as a partner at Argyle Ventures. His investing has focused on technology-enabled services, with a key thesis of investing in emerging tech hubs outside of Silicon Valley. His belief in this trend is such that he moved from San Francisco to Baltimore to start Facet, and has grown the team to 100+ headquartered there. Prior to Argyle, Anders was employee #8 at LiveRamp (NYSE: RAMP). He holds a BA from Stanford University and an MBA from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

John Miller is a high impact national executive leader. In his career, he has made a significant difference on the lives of millions. John has helped feed the hungry, provided assistance to those impacted by death & disaster, worked to find cures & treatments to complex neurological conditions, assisted the blind & low vision communities as well as veterans & first responders to live with dignity & independence. He has built sustainable organizations & directed turnarounds to benefit future generations & moves companies to a culture of performance through clear expectations & goal clarity. Miller has a highly visible profile in the National & NY media, having appeared on all of the major networks & having been quoted in major publications across the country & around the world. Mr. Miller serves as President & CEO of the Guide Dog Foundation & America's VetDogs, home of former President George H.W. Bush’s Service Dog Sully, NBC’s TODAY "Puppies with a Purpose” & the NHL’s & NBC Sports “Stanley Pup.” He formerly served as President & CEO of the Tourette Association of America (TAA), where John executed a turnaround; bringing in a new leadership team & strategic direction that resulted in a significant increase to the financial performance & moved the TAA from deficits to its first positive financial position in years. Prior to TAA, John served with distinction as CEO of the American Red Cross on Long Island. He directed mergers of three chapters into one, stronger organization & has overseen responses to national events including Hurricanes Irene & Sandy. Previous to ARC, John's most notable roles include Chief of Staff-Food Bank For NYC, COO-Mercy College & Commissioner, Public Works-Town of Babylon, NY. In honor of his leadership, John has received multiple awards, including 2020 Leader of the Year, "King" of Long Island, CEO of the Year, Excellence in Business Achievement & Top 40 under 40

Experienced Co-Owner with a demonstrated history of working in the environmental services industry. Skilled in Negotiation, Operations Management, Team Building, Public Speaking, and Strategic Planning. Strong professional graduated from La Salle Military Academy, Oakdale, NY and from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh. Founded Gift of Life International (GOLI) which provides lifesaving heart surgery for children around the world. Has developed a network of support in over 80 countries which in 2019 saved the lives of over 3,600 children. Since its inception, over 38,000 children lives have been saved through the network of Rotary and GOLI. GOLI is now developing self-sustaining cardiac programs in emerging countries. GOLI is an economic development program, an educational and empowerment program and a world peace program building productive and positive partnerships through the common denominator of the love we have for our children. GOLI is partnered with Dr. Craig Sable of the National Children's Medical Center in Washington, DC and with Chain of Hope of London, England, in R&D which will develop protocols to prevent Rheumatic Heart Disease in emerging countries. 39 million people are inflicted with RHD around the world. 1.3 million children are born each year with a Congenital Heart Defect. CHD has the largest mortality rate for birth defects in the world. 93% of the world does not have access to cardiac care.

CEO of the largest group of local media outlets in New York City, Long Island, Westchester and Philadelphia. We connect with and inform audiences by the neighborhood across trusted award-winning daily and community newspapers, magazines, websites, email newsletters, social channels, business to business events, consumer events, large scale festivals, podcasts, webinars and video.

I am blessed to run an award-winning energetic forward-thinking company that helps companies consolidate their marketing efforts across all platforms and assures that client messages reach each segment of their audience. Our method makes sure each effort is coordinated, comprehensive and effective. Having all the necessary professional skills and disciplines inhouse adds a level of collaboration that produces outstanding results, wins client rave reviews and sets our company apart. I am a nationally published author on marketing and business topics and an invited columnist in business publications. I am also consulted by media as an industry expert. I have presented marketing seminars to businesses and organizations for over 25 years. I hold board of directors positions, participate in various community outreach programs, and undertake speaking and writing assignments not only for business but for the greater good of others less fortunate. My real passion is helping the many Not for Profit organizations in my area expand their cause-related services and fundraise effectively. I hold the New York Police Departments Medal of Honor and after an exhilarating career as a Detective I retired from the Manhattan District Attorneys Office. I am deeply committed to stemming the tide of PTSD suicides in law enforcement officers, first responders and military veterans. If you have a particular need, business or otherwise I would be very glad to hear from you.

I am blessed to run an award-winning energetic forward-thinking company that helps companies consolidate their marketing efforts across all platforms and assures that client messages reach each segment of their audience. Our method makes sure each effort is coordinated, comprehensive and effective. Having all the necessary professional skills and disciplines inhouse adds a level of collaboration that produces outstanding results, wins client rave reviews and sets our company apart. I am a nationally published author on marketing and business topics and an invited columnist in business publications. I am also consulted by media as an industry expert. I have presented marketing seminars to businesses and organizations for over 25 years. I hold board of directors positions, participate in various community outreach programs, and undertake speaking and writing assignments not only for business but for the greater good of others less fortunate. My real passion is helping the many Not for Profit organizations in my area expand their cause-related services and fundraise effectively. I hold the New York Police Departments Medal of Honor and after an exhilarating career as a Detective I retired from the Manhattan District Attorneys Office. I am deeply committed to stemming the tide of PTSD suicides in law enforcement officers, first responders and military veterans. If you have a particular need, business or otherwise I would be very glad to hear from you.

Mark Makepeace - Chief Executive Officer, Wilshire NED serving on Tadawul (Saudi Stock Exchange) and SGX (Singapore Stock Exchange) Boards. Previous LSEG Director of Information Services and Chief Executive Officer, FTSE Russell. Mark is currently the CEO of Wilshire, a leading provider of data, analytics and investment solutions to investors worldwide. He is also a member of the Board of Directors of Tadawul (Saudi Arabian Stock Exchange) and SGX (Singapore Stock Exchange). Until January 2019, Mark was Group Director of Information Services of London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) and Chief Executive of FTSE Russell, the global index provider. Mark started his career in financial services in 1985, when he joined the London Stock Exchange to coordinate “Big Bang” (the deregulation of securities trading in the City of London). During this period with the LSEG, Mark helped develop its IT and information services business, led regulation of UK equities and was involved in Europe’s first cross-border international equities market. In 1995 he founded FTSE International (a joint venture between the Financial Times and LSEG) and grew the index business from a small UK start up with nine staff to become one of the largest and most successful global index providers today with offices and operations in over 15 cities worldwide. In 2012, LSEG bought out the Financial Times becoming the sole owner of FTSE. In 2014, LSEG acquired Russell Indexes and Mark oversaw its integration into FTSE to form FTSE Russell, a global benchmarking leader with over $16 trillion of assets linked to its indexes. Mark has over 20 years’ experience of developing successful joint ventures. He has successfully forged alliances with stock exchanges, academics and leading industry groups around the world, establishing substantial businesses in Asia, Europe, Middle East, Africa and the Americas. He was a founding member of the Index Industry Association and its first chairman. Mark has been a long-time supporter of the children’s charity UNICEF. In 2002, he was awarded an Honorary Fellowship from UNICEF and since 2011, he has served as an honorary Vice President of UNICEF UK. In September 2019, Mark was appointed a Distinguished Fellow at the Georgetown Centre for Financial Markets and Policy, Georgetown University, Washington DC.

Leeza is a management consultant-turned-entrepreneur who combines unhampered joy with rigorous strategic thinking to breathe momentum into her clients’ businesses. Having led teams with L.E.K. Consulting and independently throughout the U.S., Australia, and Japan — with work including growth strategy and sales enablement — she has helped companies enter best-fit markets and generate millions in profit. After getting bitten by the entrepreneurship bug, she started a consulting practice advising growing startups and was the founding member of three NYC-based B2B companies in wellness and sustainability. She holds a degree in Economics from the University of Chicago. Leeza is an outdoor adventurer, yoga practitioner, and lover of dance. Her favorite activity is exploring Brooklyn’s Prospect Park with her rescue pup.

I'm an author and the CEO of The Franchise Consulting Company. We are an organization of franchise executives and business people who freely share their knowledge about franchised businesses. We have extensive experience in franchising and specialize in the sale and resale of well-known national and international franchise companies. Our past clients are both in the United States and in over 30 countries worldwide. While owning a franchise or any business is not for everyone, over the past 19 years, I have helped hundreds of aspiring franchise owners, established franchise businesses and existing businesses with their franchise acquisition and operations. In total, I have over 30 years of business experience. If you are reading this and wondering if franchising is something you’d like to investigate – call me.

Involved in the rental, sale and valuation of industrial and commercial real estate throughout the United States, primarily on Long Island, New York, since 1973. In the role of a TRUSTED ADVISOR represents clients exclusively for the acquisition or disposition of commercial real estate. Aggregate value of commercial and industrial properties leased or sold exceeds $1 billion. www.huntcorp.com Acquisition and development of commercial real estate, specializing in value-added re-development by means of assemblage, rezoning, construction, or tenanting. President, Suffolk County Council, Boy Scouts of America * District Advancement Committee Member * Merit Badge Counselor * Eagle Scout Coach Founder and Publisher of www.EagleCoach.org "Helping Scouts Earn Eagle Scout Rank" Ordained minister at One Spirit Interfaith, specializing in adult and adolescent spiritual counseling, inspirational talks and interfaith ceremonies.

A highly experienced and accomplished executive who has held senior leadership positions in a wide range of healthcare settings including academic medical centers, multi-hospital systems, and inner city and community teaching hospitals. Tenure as a healthcare consultant to hospital boards, investment banking and management firms. Change Agent who thrives in challenging environments and skillfully balances organizations’ mission of research, teaching and quality care. Communicates importance of quality care as a function of cost to clinical staff. Steers safety-net hospitals to national prominence. Financial & Operational Turnaround Specialist successful in revitalizing six organizations—including bringing two back from the brink of bankruptcy—and delivering upwards of 2% to 4% annual profit margin. Applies Lean Six Sigma methodologies to drive efficiencies and improve overall patient experience.

Experienced CEO/President with a demonstrated history of working in the engineering and architecture industry. Responsible for strategy and vision for the organization. Skilled in Environmental Compliance, Water Treatment, Water Quality, Municipalities, and Environmental Awareness. Strong business development professional with a Bachelor's degree focused in Mechanical Engineering from New York Institute of Technology.

I am Disruptive Digital Banking Executive and Founder of Quontic Bank which is an adaptive digital bank that empowers its customers financially while embracing their diverse circumstances. Quontic’s mission to break the system for financial empowerment stands in the face of big banks and proves there is a better and more equitable way to put the customer first. I also run a non-profitable charity organization, Urban Angels, to provide food and help the homeless of San Diego's city. It serves 100,000 meals per year to the less fortunate.

I represent taxpayers in disputes with the Internal Revenue Service and the NYS Department of Taxation and Finance. I also speak on IRS and NYS tax issues for numerous professional groups, on topics such as New York State residency matters, NYS collection issues, and more.

I am blessed to run an award-winning energetic forward-thinking company that helps companies consolidate their marketing efforts across all platforms and assures that client messages reach each segment of their audience. Our method makes sure each effort is coordinated, comprehensive and effective. Having all the necessary professional skills and disciplines inhouse adds a level of collaboration that produces outstanding results, wins client rave reviews and sets our company apart. I am a nationally published author on marketing and business topics and an invited columnist in business publications. I am also consulted by media as an industry expert. I have presented marketing seminars to businesses and organizations for over 25 years. I hold board of directors positions, participate in various community outreach programs, and undertake speaking and writing assignments not only for business but for the greater good of others less fortunate. My real passion is helping the many Not for Profit organizations in my area expand their cause-related services and fundraise effectively. I hold the New York Police Departments Medal of Honor and after an exhilarating career as a Detective I retired from the Manhattan District Attorneys Office. I am deeply committed to stemming the tide of PTSD suicides in law enforcement officers, first responders and military veterans. If you have a particular need, business or otherwise I would be very glad to hear from you.

I am the CEO of Redington, co-founded nearly 10 years ago, by entrepreneurs Dawid Konotey-Ahulu & Robert J Gardner, to solve the UK pensions crisis. We are working to help make 100 million people financially secure. Our financial education programme, RedSTART, is working to teach 1 million school children to budget, save, invest and give back by 2025. On a mission to make 100m people financially secure. Husband. Father of 3. Seeker of Knowledge. Student of Self (Swa-adhyay). Be the Change...

Robert G. Allen is president/CEO of Teachers Federal Credit Union (TFCU). Allen has held this position since 1988 and has a total of 47 years working in credit unions. TFCU, one of the country’s largest credit unions, is a full service not-for-profit financial institution, founded in 1952 by a small group of teachers and has grown to more than $7 billion in total assets. TFCU serves more than 320,000 members, has 31 branch locations and over 800 employees. Allen shares his expertise within the community. He is a trustee of the State University of New York Old Westbury Foundation; member of the Staller Center for the Arts Advisory Council (Stony Brook University); and a Past-President of Advancement for Commerce, Industry & Technology (ACIT). Allen earned a bachelor’s degree in finance from SUNY Old Westbury and an associate’s degree from Queensborough Community College. BOILERPLATE Teachers Federal Credit Union (TFCU), one of the country’s largest credit unions, is a full-service, not-for-profit financial institution. TFCU was founded on Long Island in 1952 and now has over $7 billion in total assets, serves more than 320,000 members and has 31 full-service branches throughout Long Island including: Amityville, Bay Shore, Briarwood (Queens), Brookhaven National Laboratory, Central Islip, Commack, East Meadow, East Northport, Farmingville, Hauppauge, Holbrook, Huntington, Kings Park, Manorville, Merrick, Nesconset, North Babylon, North Massapequa, Oakdale, Patchogue, Port Jefferson Station, Riverhead, Riverside (Manhattan), Rocky Point, Selden, Shirley, Smithtown, South Setauket, Wading River and Woodside (Queens). Members also have access to services at more than 5,000 shared service centers and 55,000 Allpoint ATMs located across the country. TFCU offers financial services to all people and businesses. More information is available about TFCU by visiting www.teachersfcu.org or by calling (631) 698-7000.

20+ years of experience specializing in providing evidence-based solutions that target the reduction of pathogens and causative agents of infectious diseases. Primary focus toward the control of emerging 'super bugs' in the health care space such as C.diff, CRE, MRSA, VRE, & Acinetobacter through the use of UV (UV-C) disinfection technolgoy. In addition, focus on the role of waterborne pathogens e.g. Legionella, Pseudomonas, Stenotrophomonas Maltophila, etc. Extensive contacts throughout North America in the health care space to include:Transplant Centers (solid organ and BMT) acute care, long term care and the US Federal government at both VA and DoD. Current distribution channels with partners and offices throughout the US. Specialties: Infectious Diseases, Infection Control, and Facilities Management.

Bob Lachance has been an active business owner and real estate investor since 2004. Bob is an entrepreneur by nature and currently owns, operates and manages many different businesses around the world. Bob helped create the top Real Estate Education and Mentor/Coaching program in existence today, FortuneBuilders, INC. Bob also created one of the premiere Real Estate Virtual Assistant Staffing companies, REVA Global, LLC (REVA). Bob is an expert in the real estate investing space and has an incredible reputation for creation, implementation and execution. Prior to getting into the business sector, Bob had a successful 8 year professional ice hockey career which allowed him the privilege of traveling and living all over the US and Europe. Bob was also a member of the 1995 National Championship Boston University Ice Hockey Team.

Fr. Jim O’Shea, CP professed vows as a Passionist in 1985. In 1997, he began his tenure in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. Along with pastoral work, he focused his energy on the development of community-based organizations addressing urgent community needs. In 2002, he became the founding director of Churches United Corp. which was a coalition of 15 Catholic Churches in North Brooklyn that successfully advocated for the creation of hundreds of units of affordable housing, including the historic agreement reached in the Brooklyn waterfront re-zoning in 2005. Along with leading this coalition, Fr. Jim led the process, from feasibility study to opening, of a Cristo Rey Network High School in Brooklyn serving low income families. In 2010, he founded Reconnect Brooklyn with the mission of engaging young people through entrepreneurship, education and service. The project, through its social enterprises, has employed over 250 young people. He currently serves as the Executive Director of the project. In 2018, he was elected Provincial of the Province of St. Paul of the Cross. Father O’Shea is a graduate of Fairfield University (BS 1983), Catholic Theological Union (M.Div. 1989) and Fordham University (MSW 2003).

Mark Fogel founded ACRES Capital in 2012 and leads the executive management team as the President and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Fogel has over 25 years of experience in commercial real estate finance, with a particular focus on providing developers and entrepreneurs with innovative debt and equity solutions. The majority of his career has revolved around transitional, middle market assets. Mr. Fogel employs an asset management approach to identifying and underwriting loan opportunities, which entails a comprehensive understanding of the risks associated with property business plans and exit strategies. Before launching ACRES, Mr. Fogel served as an executive at several prominent CRE finance companies, overseeing loan production, asset management, and special servicing for a diverse portfolio of investments nationwide. For over six years, he served as a senior officer at a $3.5 billion publicly traded mortgage REIT and later helped raise capital and launch a successful specialty finance company in the midst of the Great Recession. Mr. Fogel has a particular expertise in dealing with complex loan workouts, attaining a Special Servicer rating as a result of his effective policies and resolutions at a prior company. Mr. Fogel is a frequent panelist at commercial real estate conferences and has lectured at universities on a wide array of topics, including capital markets, asset management, loan structuring, workouts and entrepreneurship. He was selected as a winner for the 2016 Long Island SmartCEO Future Awards and has been nominated for the 2016 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award. Mr. Fogel holds a Bachelor and Science degree in Accounting from the University of Delaware and a Master of Science degree in Real Estate Investment and Development from New York University.

Doug Thompson is a passionate storyteller and TEDx speaker. He can be found sharing his passion for mentoring other professionals develop their storytelling skills in his LinkedIn videos. He believes that everyone has a story and it is just a matter of unlocking it from the grips of the subconscious mind. Like all superheroes he has an alter ego as an AI Ambassador and Technology Strategist Director for the Education team at Microsoft. In these roles he leverages his storytelling skills to share how Microsoft technologies can transform the student experience to empower teachers and students of today create the world of tomorrow. Doug and his wife, of more than 37 years, enjoy spending time with their two children and 7 grandchildren whenever possible. He is also a retired triathlete and is a 2-time Ironman Triathlon finisher and now plans on being the next Ninja Warrior known as “The Great Baldini”.

Patty Sipes is a veteran in the healthcare space. She has 28 years of experience; 13 of those years have been within senior leadership roles. Her depth of experience is significant and includes sales, marketing, managed care, M&A, asset management and executive level management. She ran a successful consulting business (Esoteric Lab Consultants) for several years. However, her true passion is leading companies and “making a difference”.

Alex Theuma, Founder & CEO of SaaStock a conference to help SaaS companies get traction, grow and scale, launched the conference in 2016, building on the popularity of his blog and podcast for SaaS founders and initial SaaS meetups in Dublin, London, and Berlin. After 11 years of sales experience in IT, Telecoms & Cloud, I started a blog on SaaS called SaaScribe. This soon caught on and I built a powerful network across the SaaS founder and investor community. The blog soon led to the creation of the first ever podcast on B2B SaaS, called The SaaS Revolution show, and that led to the first exclusively SaaS themed meetups in London, Dublin and Berlin.

Dr. Joti Samra, R.Psych. is a national thought leader on issues relating to psychological health, wellness and resilience. She is the CEO & Founder of MyWorkplaceHealth, a full-suite national workplace consulting firm and Dr. Joti Samra, R.Psych & Associates, an in-office and online (virtual) clinical counselling practice with offices located throughout BC.

Nationally syndicated talk show host, awarded Global Ambassador by the United Nations and CEO of Drake Media Network celebrating twenty years in business our guest is Donna Drake. A tireless fundraiser, Donna is regularly booked to keynote and Emcee events. A native of St. Louis, Drake spent her early career at Technisonic, selecting music for broadcast projects. Donna followed her passion for the Arts to New York to produce and host various TV and film projects, including her popular show "Indies Insider" – on the film industry – and the art-world podcast "After Party."

Adrian is the Founder and CEO of Aequilibrium—a Vancouver-based digital product development and design studio dedicated to solving complex business problems and creating remarkable web and mobile applications which enrich the world. Voted twice among the Top 5 Best Employers in British Columbia (BC), and a 3-times winner of the VancouverUX Product Design awards, Aequilibrium is one of the top 10 digital agencies in BC. A former Technical Architect at McKesson Medical Imaging (Canada), Lead Game Developer at Ubisoft (Europe) and Program Manager at Microsoft (US), Adrian holds a Postdoc from the University of British Columbia, and a Ph.D. in Computer Science from Simon Fraser University, specialized in Human-Computer Interface and Usability. He is passionate about digital transformation and innovation, and committed to continuous improvement through executive education at Harvard and Wharton Business School, and Design Thinking workshops with the former head of innovation at Disney.

Nicolas started selling newspapers in the streets of Paris in high school, studied Maths at Ecole Polytechnique then Business at Stanford GSB, started and sold 3 tech companies with up to 65 employees and $11M in revenues, ran Sales for a $2Bn telecom company negotiating billion dollar deals with companies like Google, now co-founder of Chili Piper - the System of Action for revenue teams - and of GipsyTime- reinventing to-do lists to focus on achieving.

Jared S. Taylor is the Founder & CEO of BlocHealth and the Founder & Host of the Slice of Healthcare Podcast. BlocHealth is building the ecosystem of healthcare services and solutions to power the future of healthcare, allowing healthcare professionals and organizations to focus on higher value treatment areas like patient experience, provider experience, outcomes and revenue.

Daniel is a long-time licensed real estate broker, mortgage broker, and general contractor who’s sold hundreds of homes and made millions in commissions, and built real estate’s #1 staffing company. Back in 2008, he was inspired by his own time-management struggles to find a better way to help agents leverage their time & energy, and created MyOutDesk to provide a trusted, reliable solution to the office administration, marketing & prospecting tasks that every agent has – but most lack time to focus on. In twelve years with MyOutDesk, Daniel has helped thousands of clients scale their businesses & grow profitability. He’s worked with some of the top clients in the industry – from sales organizations like the Mark Spain Team to tech providers like the Zillow Group, Keller Williams, and RE/MAX.

Entrepreneur and inventor, Patrick committed his professional life to clean technology in 2000. Working on solutions to create a healthy, resilient future, he started installing solar and small wind energy systems in 2001. Patrick's thirst for solutions has put him at the center of several technology break-throughs. With deep roots in outdoor adventure, he's uniquely suited to push the limits of entrepreneurship, taking calculated risks and connecting across working teams. As a Social Entrepreneur, Patrick focuses on appropriate technology with measurable impact. Through 20 years of small business experience, he knows about maintaining profits and focus. Patrick maintains a diverse background in construction, science, engineering, sales, marketing, design and integration of renewables. Work experience includes significant leadership roles in the renewable energy industry and movement.

Han Jin, Co Founder, Lucid. Lucid created the first VR180 3D camera for consumers, making it easy for people to create virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) content in 3D with a few clicks. (Google, Lenovo and LG are expected to launch VR180 cameras in 2018). Han Jin, who was born in China and raised in Germany, started his career at SanDisk then founded a series of AR/VR, artificial intelligence and robotics startups, earning an Edison Award in 2017. Lucid has raised $2.8 million to date.

Thomas J. Grech is the President & CEO of the Queens Chamber of Commerce, based in East Elmhurst. The Chamber is the oldest and largest business association in Queens, representing more than 1,150 businesses and more than 100,000 Queens-based employees. Grech holds a BS in Accounting from the University of Scranton and an MBA in International Business from Manhattan College. Before coming to the Queens Chamber, he served as a Supply Chain Executive with SONY DADC, Managing Director at JJT Energy, assistant professor of business at Farmingdale State College, and Director of Sales for CCI Energy Solutions and their partner, Breakwater Ventures.

Gunner Lyslo is the founder and CEO of Surfacide, LLC. He has been a leader over the past 20 years in the infection control & disinfection space with specific attention toward the development of evidenced-based disinfection modalities. Gunner’s early career focus was toward the development of technologies to address the infectious disease role that Legionella and other waterborne pathogens present when colonizing water distribution systems. His current focus is directed toward the critical impact that pathogens such as SARS CoV-2, (COVID-19) C.diff, MRSA and other multi-drug resistant pathogens present when colonizing the patient environment. Gunner has been issued 10 US patents related to UV disinfection by the United States Patent & Trademark office and 5 International Patent authorities with an several additional patents pending. The Surfacide Helios system is unique as it is the only patented, triple emitter UV-C disinfection system that addresses the challenges of shadows, distance and labor--all variables that are inherent challenges to all first-generation systems.

President and CEO Bridge Bancorp BNB Bank Kevin O’Connor is President and Chief Executive Officer of Bridge Bancorp and its wholly owned subsidiary, BNB Bank (BNB). Prior to assuming this role in January 2008, Kevin was the Executive Vice President & Treasurer at North Fork Bank. Kevin has a Bachelor’s of Science degree in accounting from Adelphi University, and is a Certified Public Accountant. An active supporter of local New York communities, both personally and professionally, O’Connor is a past President and Advisory Board Member of Suffolk County Council of the Boy Scouts of America, and is currently a Member of the Board of Trustees of Suffolk County Community College and a Board Member of the New York State Bankers Association. Recently named one of Long Island’s Top CEO’s by Long Island Business News, O’Connor has been honored by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County, Eastern Long Island Hospital, Suffolk Community College and Boy Scouts Suffolk County Chapter for his proactive role in championing these causes. Kevin has three sons and resides in Great River. Bridge Bancorp, Inc., a New York corporation (NASDAQ:BDGE), is a one bank holding company engaged in commercial banking and financial services through its wholly owned subsidiary, BNB Bank (BNB). Established in 1910 by farmers and merchants, the Bank has been committed to the tenants of community banking for over 100 years.

Mr. Larry Sprung the founder and CEO of Mitlin Financial that is an SEC Registered Investment Advisory firm. For over 20 years Mr. Sprung has been working with his clients advance their investments and build a sound financial future. He is a hands-on professional who believes in educating his clients and communicating every step of the way. Mitlin clients have access to his “Mitlin Minutes” videos and a free app that allows them to monitor their assets. Larry is a devoted national board member of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. He and his wife Denise have raised over $1 Million through the Keith Milano Memorial Fund.

With more than 20 years of experience in the tourism and hospitality industry, Kristen Jarnagin oversees the official regional organization charged with furthering Long Island’s $6.1 billion tourism economy. A Long Island transplant from Arizona, Jarnagin’s vast knowledge of the tourism industry spans from state tourism marketing, branding a luxury resort and serving as a lobbyist for tourism advocacy. Kristen and her team at Discover Long Island work to promote a positive perception of Long Island across the globe, which draws lucrative visitors, stirs business attraction and drives economic development throughout the region. She’s twice been named one of the Top 50 Women in Business on Long Island and is a graduate from the acclaimed Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State University. Her favorite pastime is discovering Long Island with her two daughters and reigniting the passion for this place we call home for Long Island natives.

Andrew Schmertz is the CEO of Hopscotch Air, an FAA-certified air carrier based at Republic Farmingdale, Westchester County and Teterboro Airports. Hopscotch Air is a regional air taxi operator servicing the northeast and Canada. Prior to creating Hopscotch, Andrew served in senior management positions in the television industry and is a former reporter for Business Week, WABC, NY1 and News 12 Long Island.

Christine has a passion for helping small businesses succeed in a challenging regulatory environment and has built a strong reputation as an expert and leading voice in the area of Human Resources. She has served clients in a leadership capacity for 25 years in multiple industries and environments within Fortune 250, venture capital and equity-backed companies, as well as privately held and family-owned businesses. Both SPHR (Senior Professional in Human Resources) and SHRM-SCP (Society for Human Resource Management – Senior Certified Professional) certified, Christine continues to receive special recognition for her leadership ability and HR expertise, including Smart CEO magazine’s 2016 Brava Award for top female executives on Long Island and Long Island Business News’ “Top 50 Most Influential Women on Long Island“ in 2015. Under Christine’s leadership, CWS positively impacts the profitability and performance of its clients while realizing 100% annual growth since the company’s inception in 2009. Prior to founding CWS, Christine worked for 10 years as the top human resources executive at several high-growth companies within the higher education, Internet and technology industries, including Vice President and key executive team member at DeVry Inc.’s Ross University School of Medicine, Iselin, NJ and Vice President of Human Resources for Incurrent Solutions in Parsippany, NJ which was the foremost Internet application service provider (ASP) to the credit card issuer industry. Previously, she held a number of front line and operations manager positions within the retail industry at companies including Gap, Inc. and Cost Plus World Market and Designs, Inc. Christine is an active member of a number of organizations, including SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) and its Long Island Chapter, the Women Presidents Organization – Long Island Chapter, the Accountant’s Resource Group – Long Island Chapter and the Hauppauge Industrial Association (HIA) where she also serves as Co-Chair of the Healthcare Committee. When not managing business at CWS, she finds the time to be a PADI certified dive instructor and enjoys participating in fitness competitions, including the Wounded Warrior rides and runs and the Spartan Sprint and Tough Mudder obstacle races. Her other passion is animals, especially her dog, Isabelle. Christine earned her Master of Management in Human Resource Management & Organizational Development from North Park University, Chicago, IL and her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin in Menomonie. She was also accepted into and graduated from the Goldman Sachs Small Business Scholarship Program in 2015.

Arthur Yermash counsels clients in all areas of labor and employment law. He advises clients on compliance with federal, state, and local laws affecting the workplace, including payment of wages, overtime, paid and unpaid leave requirements, employment discrimination, benefit requirements, hiring and termination, among others. Arthur is often involved in drafting and negotiating employment-related documents including employment agreements as well as non-competition, non-disclosure, severance, and option agreements. He has extensive experience working with clients in the retail, hospitality/catering, healthcare, and technology industries. Arthur’s practice also includes the representation of clients in discrimination claims, wage and hour disputes, as well as defending against investigations by regulatory and government agencies including the New York State Department of Labor (NYDOL), the United States Department of Labor (USDOL), the New York State Attorney General’s Office, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the New York Division of Human Rights, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). His work includes implementing compliance programs and conducting internal investigations in connection with discrimination, compensation, overtime, and other employment issues. Taking into consideration the unique nature of each employer and its industry, Arthur is often involved in creating policies and procedures that are custom-tailored to the needs of the business. He also advises clients on all day-to-day employment issues and has drafted numerous employee handbooks, policies, procedures, and related documents. Arthur has also been involved in negotiations with labor unions in connection with collective bargaining agreements and arising disputes. In addition to his extensive employment practice and experience, Arthur has drafted and negotiated hundreds of contracts for various business-related matters including licensing, supply, and distribution agreements, and also has significant experience negotiating on behalf of clients in commercial real estate matters including leasing, sales, and financing. He has successfully represented and advised businesses in connection with numerous high-value transactions across a variety of sectors, including asset purchases, stock purchases, mergers, and other forms of business sales and acquisitions. As part of his corporate focus, Arthur has significant experience working with nonprofit organizations through start-up and development initiatives, routine operational matters, and more complex concerns including compliance, fiduciary responsibility, and board member obligations. Arthur is fluent in Russian.

Robert G. Allen is president/CEO of Teachers Federal Credit Union (TFCU). Allen has held this position since 1988 and has a total of 47 years working in credit unions. TFCU, one of the country’s largest credit unions, is a full service not-for-profit financial institution, founded in 1952 by a small group of teachers and has grown to more than $7 billion in total assets. TFCU serves more than 320,000 members, has 31 branch locations and over 800 employees. Allen shares his expertise within the community. He is a trustee of the State University of New York Old Westbury Foundation; member of the Staller Center for the Arts Advisory Council (Stony Brook University); and a Past-President of Advancement for Commerce, Industry & Technology (ACIT). Allen earned a bachelor’s degree in finance from SUNY Old Westbury and an associate’s degree from Queensborough Community College. BOILERPLATE Teachers Federal Credit Union (TFCU), one of the country’s largest credit unions, is a full-service, not-for-profit financial institution. TFCU was founded on Long Island in 1952 and now has over $7 billion in total assets, serves more than 320,000 members and has 31 full-service branches throughout Long Island including: Amityville, Bay Shore, Briarwood (Queens), Brookhaven National Laboratory, Central Islip, Commack, East Meadow, East Northport, Farmingville, Hauppauge, Holbrook, Huntington, Kings Park, Manorville, Merrick, Nesconset, North Babylon, North Massapequa, Oakdale, Patchogue, Port Jefferson Station, Riverhead, Riverside (Manhattan), Rocky Point, Selden, Shirley, Smithtown, South Setauket, Wading River and Woodside (Queens). Members also have access to services at more than 5,000 shared service centers and 55,000 Allpoint ATMs located across the country. TFCU offers financial services to all people and businesses. More information is available about TFCU by visiting www.teachersfcu.org or by calling (631) 698-7000.

Joe Campolo serves as the Managing Partner of Campolo, Middleton & McCormick, LLP, a premier law firm with offices in Ronkonkoma and Bridgehampton, New York. Under Joe’s leadership, the firm has grown from two lawyers to a robust and highly respected team of over 30 lawyers servicing clients in a wide range of practice areas—and continues to grow—with a deep commitment to the Long Island community. Clients and the news media have described CMM’s lawyers as “fearless” and “exceptionally talented,” possessing “deep knowledge” with a “first-rate intellect,” and having the unique ability to “effectively partner with clients.” This commitment to excellence has earned the firm many accolades from the business community. In 2017, CMM was again voted the Best Law Firm on Long Island, prevailing over a field that included many larger and long-established firms. The firm has also been awarded the prestigious Business Achievement Award from HIA-LI and Corporate Citizenship Awards from Long Island Business News and Child Abuse Prevention Services (CAPS), as well as a spot on the U.S. News & World Report list of Best Law Firms. In addition to his legal work and community involvement, Joe is also an Executive Producer of “Tribute,” an award-winning short film.

Lisa holds a BS in Elementary and Special Education and an Associates in Business Management. She lent her skills as a special educator in an alternative high school setting working for Nassau BOCES and Brentwood Residential Center prior to starting Pal-O-Mine in 1995. She has supplemented her education throughout the years with Leadership Programs, graduating from Leadership Huntington in 2002 and the Energeia Partnership, the Academy of Regional Stewardship at Molloy College in 2010. Lisa’s passion for horses started as a young girl leading to competitive barrel racing and then captain of her college equestrian team. From 2008-2013 Lisa served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of EAGALA, the global standard for equine assisted psychotherapy and personal development. In 2015, Lisa was named to the Board of Long Island Autism Communities where she lends her expertise to the not for profit in vocational opportunities for those on the spectrum as they age out of the educational system. Most recently, she was appointed to the Town of Islip Disability Advisory Committee to help local government on Long Island identify the most crucial issues facing our special needs population. A steadfast presence in the media outlets, Lisa has been the recipient of numerous awards for her business and leadership skills and was most recently honored with the 2016 SmartCEO Corporate Culture Award.

Ali Jabbour is no doubt a risk taker. She spent an exciting three-year post-graduate life in Germany employed by a US company. Upon returning to the United States a 16-year career in advertising was born at The New York Times where the business was learned from the best and the brightest. As a managing director for The New York Times, her twelve-year career spanned across many categories including fashion, luxury goods, and media categories. Followed by various director positions with The Tribune Company and most recently Chief Marketing Officer at Aurora Branded Entertainment. Always dreaming about the future, Ali has embraced a multi-media platform as she navigates the wide-open terrain of media. Most recently known as the Creator/Host/Producer of "The Girlfriends Club" a Facebook Community and YouTube vlog series and now a website - www.thegirlfriendsclub.com

Scott Maskin co-founded SUNation Solar Systems in 2003 and currently serves as CEO. As the company operations leader, his hands-on approach has driven SUNation's growth and branding. Scott has a PhD from the School of Hard knocks. After graduating High School, Scott was immediately attracted to the entrepreneurial path as opposed to college. From 1980-1987 Scott traveled as a roadie then a stage lighting electrician, licensed pyro technician and ultimately a lighting crew chief for global touring musical acts, theatrical and industrial installations. The climate of conquering insurmountable tasks on a daily basis honed Scott's organizational and communication skills and laid the foundation for everything that was to follow. Post 1987, Scott worked as a traditional electrician, obtained his Master Electrician's license in 1994 and went out on his own. The years between 1987 and 2001 were filled with countless electrical and general contracting projects including hotels, large retail box stores, restaurants and thousands of residential installations. Solar became a passion and a natural direction in 2001. An early adopter himself, Scott's home was the 14th residential solar system installed on Long Island. The mission of making the world a better place for his family, friends and fellow Long Islanders gave birth to what SUNation has become, a collaborative of like-minded people who enjoy similar passions for family, the workplace and the environment. The opportunity of turning an idea into a new regional industry was and still is intoxicating. Scott has always driven his team to base every decision on the positive customer experience. Truly our team and our dedication to our clients are the driving force of our success. When not acting as Captain on the SUNation ship, Scott is an avid family man spending time boating, beaching and just enjoying what experiences come his way. Scott along with his wife and two daughters actively foster animals for Last Chance Animal Rescue and have saved over 100 dogs from high kill shelters in South Carolina over the last 2 years. Our office doubles as a center for animal adoption for the group and the rescue mission has infected the SUNation staff as well. Scott also serves as a director for the Suffolk County Girl Scouts and enjoys the lessons of Sir Richard Branson, the writings of Malcolm Gladwell and various pirate/adventurer stories. "If you do what you love, and surround yourself with people you care about, it's not really work. I consider myself a very lucky man". Scott Maskin

Thomas Abbate is the CEO/Executive Director of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in the Diocese of Rockville Centre. The society has been helping our neighbors in need since 1948. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is the only organization on Long Island that provides "home visits" as its core service model. This practice is the defining symbol of Vincentian commitment and the ultimate respect for our neighbors in need. By assisting families in their homes, the Society reaches out beyond the scope of social services and into the homes and hearts of those seeking aid, providing a safe place for them to confide their stories of struggle. The Vincentian Spirit is the driving force behind the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and the reason why the organization has been in existence for 180 years. The works of our charity of the Society is shepherded by our 1,400 Vincentian volunteers. We also have two houses to help transition men back into communities where they can rebuild their lives. The Central office in Bethpage along with its well-known thrift stores in Garden City Park and Huntington, assist our volunteers with basic essentials and financial support to help our neighbors in need of a helping hand. Tom has been working for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul since 1999, serving as the Director of Stores until assuming the CEO/Executive Director role in 2012. Prior to that, he worked in the retail industry for 25 years. Tom, his wife and their three children and grandchildren all reside on Long Island.

Ronald K. Stair, PhD., MLT*, EA**, ERPA *** is the Principal of Creative Plan Designs, Ltd., an employee benefits consulting firm. With over thirty-five years of experience in the actuarial, retirement and third-party administrative arenas, Dr. Stair leads an expert team of credentialed Retirement Consultants to serve clients nationwide. Dr. Stair is a member of the National Institute of Pension Administrators (NIPA). He is also a member of the American Society of Pension Professionals and Actuaries (ASPPA) and the Conference of Consulting Actuaries. Dr. Stair is a frequent local and national speaker on topics relative to retirement plans and other employee benefit programs. He has testified before the U.S. House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee on pension issues and has recently been nominated for a seat on the Department of Labor ERISA Advisory Committee. He has recently joined forces with an array of business experts offering seminars to assist business owners in managing the multidimensional aspects of their personal and professional financial lives. Dr. Stair is qualified to grant continuing education credits to Certified Public Accountants, Certified Financial Planners and agents of the Internal Revenue Service. A firm believer in “charity begins at home”, Dr. Stair encourages his staff to take one paid day off per month to do volunteer work. Practicing what he preaches, Dr. Stair served as Vice President and Board Member of Hope for Youth for 19 years. He is also a Member of the IGHL Foundation. Dr. Stair is a graduate of Hartwick College, The College of William and Mary, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and New York University. He holds degrees in mathematics, biophysics and taxation.

Michael J. Dowling is president and chief executive officer of Northwell Health, which delivers world-class clinical care throughout the New York metropolitan area, pioneering research at the Feinstein Institute for Medical Research and a visionary approach to medical education highlighted by the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell and the School of Graduate Nursing and Physician Assistant Studies. Northwell Health is the largest integrated health care system in New York State with a total workforce of more than 66,000 employees — the state’s largest private employer. With 23 hospitals, 6,675 hospital and long-term care beds, 645 outpatient physician practices and a full complement of long-term care services, Northwell is one of the nation’s largest health systems, with $11 billion in annual revenue. Prior to becoming president and CEO in 2002, Mr. Dowling was the health system’s executive vice president and chief operating officer. Before joining Northwell Health in 1995, he was a senior vice president at Empire Blue Cross/Blue Shield.

Salvatore Ferro, President & CEO of Alure Home Improvements, started his career with the company in 1989 as a production manager. After serving in production, sales, and general management roles, Ferro took on the roles of President & CEO in 2002. Alure has been in business since 1946 and specializes in full service remodeling and design build. With Ferro’s leadership and remarkable people skills, Alure grew from a small painting contractor to one of the most successful remodeling companies in the country. Ferro believes the key to a successful company is its people, and he has worked diligently to promote a team attitude that focuses on an inclusive culture, where employees are encouraged to share input, as well as attend personal development training such as Tony Robbins and Dale Carnegie Seminars. Ferro graduated from Lindenhurst Senior High School in 1981 and then attended SUNY Farmingdale where he graduated in 1984. He spent some time in sales and financial planning before applying his passion for construction in his current career, working at a few different home improvement companies before joining Alure. He also holds (CR) and (CKD) industry certifications. Industry professionals often look to Ferro for advice on ways to improve and develop products in the remodeling industry, and also for how to manage a company and cultivate the right employees to reach the standard of service that Alure Home Improvements has attained. Ferro has been featured in Newsday, LIBN, Remodeling Magazine, Professional Remodeler and Replacement Contractor; spoken at various industry events including the National Association of Home Builders and the Replacement Contractors Executive Conference; and hosted a number of renovation episodes on the D-I-Y channel as well as Bar Rescue and George to the Rescue. Most notably, Ferro and Alure Home Improvements’ remarkable reputation enabled them to participate in ABC’s, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition where they completed eight projects for the show.

Tim Freeman is President of Printing Industries Alliance, the trade association representing graphic communications and related businesses in New York State, northern New Jersey, and northwestern Pennsylvania. Printing Industries Alliance provides a variety of consultative, informational, educational, representative, and expense reducing business services to companies within its geographical footprint. Printing Industries Alliance is an independent regional affiliate of Printing Industries of America. Tim joined Printing Industries Alliance in 1984 and was appointed President in 1988. His responsibilities include working with member companies to resolve individual and industry issues, representing industry interests at all levels of government, managing the organizations programs and services, maintaining organizational financial stability, sales and marketing activities, managing relationships with other industry organizations and educational institutions, etc. In 2007, he led the organizations expansion into the Metro New York area following the demise of a predecessor organization. This action resulted, among other things, in the rescue and reinvigoration of the annual Franklin Event, now the Franklin Luminaire Awards program. The Franklin Luminaire Awards program is held annually and is a major source of scholarship funding for students interested in a career in graphic communications. Tim works in the Printing Industries Alliance headquarters office in Amherst NY and travels frequently throughout the organizational territory. He resides in Grand Island, NY with his wife Cathy and 4 dogs.

David G. Hunt, MCR, CCIM, SIOR is the President and CEO of Hunt Corporate Services, Inc. and Hunt Construction Services, Inc., both located in Plainview, New York. Mr. Hunt began his career in industrial and commercial real estate in 1973, and specializes in representing commercial clients exclusively. Assignments take the firm nationwide, but their primary focus is Long Island, NY. The Hunt construction company facilitates construction and maintenance services for the firm’s family of clients. The Hunt real estate practice has represented transactions with well over a billion dollars in aggregate value. Mr. Hunt and his firm have been recognized with numerous prestigious awards, including Top 20 Power Broker designation by the Costar Group and Real Estate Forum magazine, and Broker of the Year by Long Island Business News. Mr. Hunt received his bachelor’s degree from Georgia Tech in 1973. He has also earned a Master of Corporate Real Estate designation from Corenet International, and a Certified Commercial Investment Member designation from the CCIM Institute. He holds an SIOR designation obtained from the Society of Industrial and Office Realtors, which places him in the top 4% of real estate professionals in the world. Mr. Hunt is one of the few professionals in the United States to hold all three designations. He is also a graduate of the Columbia Society of Real Estate Appraisers, has been a lecturer at the CW Post Real Estate Institute and named to the Who’s Who in Commercial Real Estate. Mr. Hunt is published in the New York Real Estate Journal with a monthly column that has run for over 10 years. He is also a Platinum author with Ezine, with over 100 articles regarding commercial real estate to his name. Mr. Hunt earned the Eagle Scout rank in 1967, and today serves as a Vice President and an Executive Board member of Suffolk County Council, Boy Scouts of America. He has received the Distinguished Citizen Award, the District Award of Merit, and the Silver Beaver Award, the highest national award that can be presented by a Council of the Boy Scouts of America. He has coached over 100 Scouts to Eagle Scout rank, and also serves as a District Advancement Chair, overseeing the advancement of 2,200 Scouts. Mr. Hunt and his wife, Judith, live in Northport, NY. Both are ordained interfaith ministers, specializing in adult and adolescent spiritual counseling, inspirational talks and interfaith ceremonies. Their son, Dr. Jonathan Hunt, and his wife, live in San Leandro, California.

John Miller currently serves as National President & CEO of the Tourette Association of America (TAA), the premier national organization serving the Tourette Syndrome and Tic Disorder community. Since arriving at the TAA, John restructured the organization resulting in a large revenue increase, notable expense reduction, and a substantial reduction of a longstanding structural budget deficit. Further, he has successfully implemented of a Centers of Excellence program that partners the TAA with the top medical institutions in the country (i.e. Harvard, John’s Hopkins, etc.). Prior to TAA, Miller served with distinction as CEO of the American Red Cross on Long Island during the most impactful period in the organization's 100-year history, during which he changed the Red Cross business model and guided the organization through major natural disasters such as Superstorm Sandy. Immediately before joining the Red Cross, Miller was Chief of Staff at the Food Bank For New York City. Prior to the Food Bank, Miller’s most notable experience included serving as Commissioner of Public Works for the Town of Babylon, N.Y. and COO of Mercy College. Miller’s executive acumen has led to numerous awards and honors: -Kings of Long Island-2016 -Outstanding CEO-LIBN 2014 -40 under 40-LIBN 2013

John Kominicki is publisher and executive editor of the Long Island Press and founder of Innovate Long Island. He previously served as publisher of Long Island Business News and was a writer and editor at a wide variety of publications, including European Stars & Stripes, The New York Times, Dallas Morning News and USA Today, among others. He is an inductee of the Long Island Press Club Hall of Fame and holds an honorary doctor of humane letters from Dowling College.

Mr. Humann is Chairman, President and CEO of H2M architects + engineers; H2M Associates, Inc.; and H2M Architects & Engineers, Inc. He succeeded H2M’s former Chairman and CEO John Molloy, P.E. in January 2013. Mr. Humann is responsible for the corporate management and performance of H2M’s business units and market sectors, and is charged with implementing H2M’s strategic plan and market based initiatives. In this professional capacity, Mr. Humann works with the H2M leadership team to drive the overall performance of the firm. H2M is a regional leader in the delivery of professional design, construction and environmental services in the Northeastern United States. Under the leadership of Mr. Humann, H2M has grown by 40% over the past three years, boasting a staff of 370 professionals in seven office location and operating at net revenues of nearly $50 million. H2M’s capabilities have grown to include a full range of professional services such as architecture, planning, sports development, civil/site engineering, survey, structural engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, plumbing engineering, environmental engineering, interior design, water supply management, wastewater management, full environmental services, industrial hygiene, solid and hazardous waste management and GIS/mapping. Mr. Humann is also responsible to drive the corporate mission, vision and values of the firm, as well as create a working environment at H2M that promotes employee engagement and positive culture. H2M’s mission of “building sustainable communities” is shepherded by Mr. Humann in how he motivates and encourages all employees to make sustainable design the foundation of the firm. To him, our work is our legacy, and sustainability our responsibility. In establishing H2M’s vision to be a nationally recognized leader in the integrated delivery of A/E services, Mr. Humann is actively engaged in evaluating the firm’s technical capabilities and service offerings, calling for the effective investment in the growth and diversity of H2M’s skills as professionals. Mr. Humann is a licensed professional engineer in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, and sits on several charitable, business and academic boards. He is a Nesconset resident where he has lived for 20 years with his wife Patty and their two daughters.

Roslyn D. Goldmacher is a graduate of Cornell University’s School of Industrial & Labor Relations and Hofstra Law School. She operated a boutique LI based law firm specializing in representation of credit unions and non bank commercial lenders. While still in her law practice she helped create the first and largest national nonbank SBA lender. Also while still running her law firm, Roz founded the Long Island Development Corporation family of not for profit economic development organizations- now a 38 year old economic development entity providing low cost loans, free technical assistance and seminars to small businesses in our region. LIDC has lent over 2 billion dollars to Long Island entrepreneurs and leveraged another 4 billion in funding for them, in the process helping to create and retain over 65,000 jobs for our economy. Roz is now focused full time on her economic development activities. She is well known for her expertise in economic development, small business, and philanthropy. She has served on numerous national, regional and local boards including the national fiscal agent for the US Small Business Administration, overseeing some $250 million in bond sales each month, and the board of the National Service Corps. Of Retired Executives, working with some 12,000 national volunteers to assist thousands of entrepreneurs each year. Locally, she has served on the statewide small business incubator boards and regional economic development partnership boards for two NY governors. Roz has founded and led numerous economic development/community development organizations. Currently, she is proud to serve on the Board of Advisors of the Long Island Community Foundation, part of the NY Community Trust and the board of the Nassau AHRC Foundation and its Community Trusts. Roz has been honored for her work with small business, minority and women owned businesses and her philanthropic endeavors by three US Presidents, Congress, several New York State Governors, and many local organizations.

Rob Basso is a recognized business leader, sought-after speaker and published author. He is the founder of Advantage Payroll Services and Associated Human Capital Management, the region’s largest independently owned payroll and human resources providers. Rob has grown his organizations into one of the premier payroll, tax-filing, and human resources firms in the region, serving thousands of businesses in the tri state area and processing thousands of checks each week. His list of other achievements includes: investor of several Broadway shows, founding investor in Empire National Bank, creator of RobBasso.com, member of the advisory board of Fanlime, eGifter and partners in an insurance company, Integrated Coverage Group, and a merchant services company, Matchpoint Payment Solutions. Rob is a frequent guest on Fox News, Fox Business News, MSNBC, Fios 1 and News 12 LI. A respected small business expert and sought after speaker, Rob is regularly called upon by the regional and national media to comment on small business related issues and trends and is a frequent contributor to multiple news publications such as Newsday, Long Island Business News, Forbes.com, Entrepreneur.com and more. He has moderated a venture capital summit including high level guests such as Daymond John and keynoted multiple conferences across the country such as the Small Business Administration’s Small Business Awards and the IPPA’s summer conference. Rob is the recipient of LIBN’s 40 under 40 Award and Top CEOs Long Island Award. His book, The Everyday Entrepreneur, was published by John Wiley & Sons in October 2011.

Mr. Bass has a long and distinguished career in executive advisory services, education and management. He is currently CEO of Executive Strategies Group LLC, a strategic business advisory firm serving corporate executives and boards of directors. He a Nassau County Planning Commissioner, a former Trustee of the Incorporated Village of Great Neck, New York and also served on the Planning Board and Board of Zoning Appeals. Mr. Bass was Principal in Charge of the Strategic Business Planning and Advisory Services practice at Margolin, Winer & Evens LLP with offices in Garden City and Manhattan. He was also associated with PriceWaterhouseCoopers. He is Chairman Emeritus of the Long Island Capital Alliance and founder of the Long Island Capital Forum. Connecting capital to companies for 32 years. He was called upon to lead major business conferences for the Securities and Exchange Commission, United States Department of Commerce, New York Chamber of Commerce, Hauppauge Industrial Association, American Society for Public Administration, International City Management Association, New York Council of Mayors and Inc. Magazine to name a few. In 1995 he was named to the White House Conference on Small Business; Chaired the Committees on Capital Formation for the New York State and Northeast Region. Mr. Bass has also been a Director of the Long Island City Business Development Corporation. He was an Associate Trustee of the North Shore-LIJ Health System (Now Northwell) and a Board member of the Feinstein Medical Research Institute. A past President of the Board of Governors of the American Jewish Committee Long Island Chapter, a member of the Long Island Cabinet of the State of Israel Bonds and a founder of the Great Neck Arts Center. Mr. Bass is the author of numerous articles and sections of books on strategic planning and budgeting. He is frequently quoted in local and national business media. He has taught Public Administration and Public Finance at Queens College as well as Entrepreneurial Management. He holds a Masters in Public Administration from New York University and a Masters in Urban Studies/Planning from the City University of New York.

James Webster, CEO and partner at National Business Capital, brings innovation and passion to business finance. An interest in business was fostered at a young age for James. He studied Business Management in school and has managed various sales floors starting at a young age. He has years of experience in finance, with a focus on business finance and payment processing. In 2009, James co-founded National Business Capital, One of the nation's leading sources for business financing. National Business Capital provides working capital to businesses nationwide regardless of credit background. James has a skill for identifying the strengths and needs of a business and enjoys investing and watching the business grow successfully. Through networking and building professional relationships, James is able to provide education and support to businesses on both a national and local level. James was born and raised on Long Island where he currently lives with his wife, Melissa, and daughter, Lilyanna. He is an active member of the Long Island community and feels a special commitment to local businesses. James personally donates time and money to various charities as well as facilitates charitable endeavors by National Business Capital. Along with his passion for business, James has an intense passion for his family. He enjoys the outdoors, skiing, boating, traveling and sports events, but most especially, he loves spending time with his daughter.

Jennifer B. Cona is the managing partner of Genser Dubow Genser & Cona LLP, a leading Elder Law and Estate Planning firm on Long Island. The firm provides a holistic approach to Elder Law, working together with both families and health care facilities to sustain quality care for older adults. Ms. Cona provides hands-on management and leadership for the firm of 40. Ms. Cona is rated a Super Lawyer, a Top 10 Legal Eagle, was named in the inaugural class of the New York Law Journal’s Top Women in Law as well as the inaugural class of Hofstra’s Outstanding Women in Law, has received the Leadership in Law award, Smart CEO Brava Award, and twice the Top 50 Most Influential Women in Business award. She has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Law Journal, Long Island Business News, Newsday, USA Today, Kiplinger’s and more. She has appeared as a guest on WNBC-TV, WABC-TV, CNN-fn, Fox 5 News, News 12 LI, and various radio programs. Under Ms. Cona’s direction, the firm has prioritized corporate social responsibility. GDGC founded its own non-profit, Senior Dreams Come True, which grants wishes for low-income seniors on Long Island. GDGC seeks to raise the profile of attorneys and law firms in general, leading by example with outreach and good deeds.

Gregg Schor is the chief executive officer of Protegrity Advisors (http://protegrityadvisors.com/), which is a leading provider of M&A advisory services to family run and closely held companies, as well as the chairman of CMM International (www.cmmllp.com/international), which acts as a single point of contact for managing the US and international legal services needs of corporations. He has over 20 years of experience managing legal, corporate development, mergers and acquisitions, human resources, and related services for organizations of all sizes. Gregg has previously held senior management positions at technology companies that have been acquired by IBM, Microsoft, and EMC, including Deputy and General Counsel, Senior Vice President of Corporate Development, Senior Vice President of Human Resources, and Director of European Operations. Before going in-house, Gregg began his career as a trial attorney in New York City. He received a J.D. from St. John's University School of Law and a diploma on International and Comparative Law for study in Russia and Poland from the University of San Diego School of Law. Gregg is a member of the Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Affairs.

Corinne Hammons is the Chief Executive Officer of Little Flower Children and Family Services of New York. She is responsible for the overall administration, financial viability and effectiveness of Little Flower's services for children, families, youth and developmentally disabled adults in New York City and Long Island. Before joining Little Flower, she oversaw operations at Community Development Corporation of Long Island (CDCLI). While at CDCLI, she implemented several innovative programs, including the organization’s multi-faceted response to Superstorm Sandy and the expansion of its voucher program and green initiatives. Before CDCLI, she worked at Safe Horizon in a variety of capacities, including the implementation of the organization’s 9/11 response, the expansion of its 24-hour victim assistance hotlines and the Streetwork Project for homeless and street-involved youth. Corinne holds an BA in Economics from Harvard University and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the Wagner School of Public Service at New York University. She is an active member of the Energeia Partnership at Molloy College and was a 2014 recipient of a Long Island Business News “40 Under 40” award. As a volunteer, she sits on several boards including the Health and Welfare Council of Long Island (HWCLI), Little Flower Union Free School District Board of Education, and Harbor Country Day School, an independent PK-8 school in Suffolk County. As a proud Harvard alum, she conducts admission interviews for Harvard applicants each year and is currently co-chairing her 20th reunion committee.

Beth Meixner is the Founder & CEO of Moxxie Network LLC - an innovative women's business community launched in 2008. As an avid networker with a passion for people, Beth's vision was to create a unique women's organization that promotes generations of women in business. Moxxie Network’s original and distinctive events attract some of the most sophisticated, senior-level business women in the corporate, nonprofit, academic and entrepreneurial fields. In 2012, Beth established Moxxie Mentoring Foundation, Inc - a 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation whose mission is to support and develop the career advancement and leadership development of young women through mentoring. Prior to Moxxie Network, Beth was the Director of Sales & Marketing for Target Group Media, Beth was pivotal in developing successful branding strategies and cooperative marketing campaigns for an extensive list of notable clients including Donald Trump. After presenting in the infamous Trump Boardroom, Beth and her team were awarded the contract to design TrumpOnTheOcean.com. After receiving a BS from SUNY Oneonta and an MBA from Adelphi University, Beth's career in sales, marketing and management has crossed-over multiple business sectors. Her distinctive branding, broad networking expanse and high-energy have established Beth as one of the area's most respected and dynamic business leaders. She has been profiled in various publications, been a guest on numerous radio stations and internet TV shows, been a speaker or panelist for numerous events and received awards for leadership from several organizations.

Paule T. Pachter is Chief Executive Officer of Long Island Cares, Inc., The Harry Chapin Food Bank. Founded by the late singer, Grammy Award winning songwriter, and social activist Harry Chapin, Long Island Cares brings together all available resources for the benefit of the hungry and food insecure on Long Island, and provides to the best of their ability for the humanitarian needs of our communities. Mr. Pachter is also on the faculty of St. Joseph’s College in Patchogue where he teaches a second-year graduate course on executive leadership and models of innovation. Long Island Business News has described Paule Pachter as a leader “who has transformed the work of a food bank to focus on the root causes of hunger and food insecurity by developing some of the most innovative approaches to helping people in need.” As part of his vision, Pachter has redefined the role of a food bank to offer more direct services bringing Long Island Cares in closer contact with people in need, expanding mobile operations and building a network of community resources to increase distribution and capacity, which resulted in the organization receiving Feeding America’s prestigious Hunger’s Hope Award in 2011.

Terri Alessi-Miceli is president of the Hauppauge Industrial Association of Long Island, an association that acts as one of the voices for business on Long Island. For over a dozen years she has directed the staff, worked with the board of directors and engaged tens of thousands of members in meeting the HIA-LI’s mission to become a powerful force and economic engine for regional development on Long Island. Terri drives initiatives that directly address the challenges affecting the Hauppauge Industrial Park and its workforce, including infrastructure issues such as sewer capacity, roads and transportation. Additionally, since her members come from throughout Long Island and beyond, Terri works with the organization to enhance the economic climate and overall quality of life of the Long Island business region for the benefit of all the association’s members.

Gregory S. Garritano, CPA is the founder and owner of GARRITANO CPAs CFOs since its inception in 1983. Mr. Garritano has been the inspiration behind a different type of accounting firm. Focus has always been on being more than accountants who make sure the numbers are accurate and in compliance. In fact, a rapidly growing segment of the company is their Diamond CFO™ Service, which allows them to provide Chief Financial Officer level advice and support at a fraction of the cost of a company having an internal CFO. Diamond CFO™ focuses on helping clients experience financial stability, increased growth and profitability using the advantages of technology. His education includes a Business Degree at Suffolk County Community College, a BA in Economics from Stony Brook University and an MBA in Accounting from Hofstra University. He recently added Chartered Global Management Accountant to his resume. Mr. Garritano is also a principal and CFO of The Lauro Group, a land use company that provides consulting services for national companies planning expansions into the northeast region. Long a believer in the connection of family and community, he supports students and faculty at SCCC, as well as various other charities and organizations.

David M. Okorn is executive director of the Long Island Community Foundation (LICF), a charitable nonprofit organization that enables individuals, families and businesses to effectively and efficiently achieve their philanthropic and charitable goals. He previously served as senior vice president of development and external relations at Abilities, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of adults and children with disabilities. Prior to that he held positions as director of community relations at KeySpan and executive director of the KeySpan Foundation. He is a member of the board of directors of the Long Island Volunteer Center and the Better Business Bureau Foundation. Mr. Okorn and his wife Martina live in Hauppauge with their two teenage children.

Rob Greenberger has been Chief Executive Officer of The Suffolk Y Jewish Community Center (SYJCC) since March 2015. Prior to this appointment, he had a successful 22 year career developing, implementing and administering programs as Vice President of Family Services and Long Island Regional Operations for FEGS Health & Human Services. He is regarded as a regional leader in the Jewish community and around disaster relief and welfare reform issues and has served on governmental commissions, task forces and regional coordinating entities. Rob is a NYS licensed clinical social worker. He received a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Albright College in Reading, Pennsylvania, a Master's degree in Social Work from Adelphi University in Garden City, New York and a Master's degree in Business Administration from Dowling College in Oakdale, New York. Rob and his family live in Smithtown.

Assuanta Howard is the CEO and President of Asta Publications, LLC, a publishing company located in Atlanta, Georgia, and New York, New York. She started the company in 2004 and has helped hundreds of authors turn their manuscripts into published books. Ms. Howard is also the CEO of the Institue for Entrepreneurial thought, and educational and training company that works with start-up, early-stage, and high growth businesses. The Institute was established in 2015. In addition, to running the day-to-day operations of Asta Publications and the Institue for Entrepreneurial Thought she serves as the Educational Services Director of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program located at LaGuardia Community College, in New York. She is responsible for the implementation and delivery of the curriculum, business support services, and alumni services. Ms. Howard has worked for over 20 years in the City University of New York system with the Adult Continuing Education Division. Prior to starting her business, Ms. Howard was the Director of Continuing Education at Clayton State University in Morrow, Georgia and was the Director of Corporate Education and Workforce Development at The City College of New York. Mes. Howard is a published author of several books. She has a Master of Science degree in Adult Education and Human Resources Development from Fordham University and currently pursuing a doctoral degree in Leadership and Organizational Change.

Jaci Clement earned her first byline in a daily newspaper when she was in the fourth grade. She's been working for and with media ever since. Today she runs the Fair Media Council, a 501c3 nonprofit organization that advocates for quality news and works to create a media savvy society in a media driven world. She drives a small car, owns a large dog and lives on the North Shore of Long Island. More about Clement may be found here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaci_Clement

Marie is a trailblazing pioneer and innovator in commercial real estate. Her firm specializes in commercial real estate, the sales and leasing of office properties, industrial space, retail, an expert in land use, development projects, built-to-suit and has a particular focus on commercial solar installations with the support of Governor Cuomo. Marie is a Certified New York State Woman Business Enterprise (WBE) through New York State Empire State Development. She is approved for all aspects of solar installations and other Renewable Energy related sources such as gas facilities, wind turbines and fuel cells. Marie is a dynamic and very involved business professional. She is the former President of Commercial Industrial Brokers Society of Long Island (CIBS) She is a former member of the Board of Governors of the New York State Commercial Association of Realtors, past president of Long island Transportation Management, former Executive Board member of the Girl Scouts of Suffolk County, past board member of the Long Island Association (LIA), a standing member of the Planning Board for the Village of the Branch in Smithtown and an active member of the Board of Directors for the Long Island Business Development Corporation (LIBDC). She has received the Distinguished Achievement in the Field of Business Award by the Town of Islip, and the Long Island Distinguished Leadership Award, Suffolk County Republican Women of which she is a founder, honored by the Kidney & Urology Foundation, honored by the Long Island Museums of Antiquities & Carriages at Old Stony Brook (A Smithsonian Museum), honored by the Nassau Conservancy.

John F. Collins is President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Winthrop-University Hospital. With 40 years of experience in the healthcare industry, Mr. Collins has had an illustrious career at some of the leading healthcare institutions on Long Island. An expert on healthcare policy and funding who is often invited to speak to his peers on such topics, Mr. Collins has been actively involved with several healthcare organizations to shape and improve quality healthcare in our region. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Greater New York Hospital Association, where he is Chair of the Investment Committee. In addition, he is an active member of the Region 2 Planning Council of the American Hospital Association. Mr. Collins is a past-president of the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA) Metropolitan New York Chapter, and is a past-Chairman of the Nassau-Suffolk Hospital Council Committee on Finance. On several occasions, he has been honored with awards from the HFMA, and in 2013, was among eight men honored by Networking Magazine with a prestigious David Award for performing generous and unselfish acts for the greater good. At Winthrop-University hospital, Mr. Collins has been an integral member of the Winthrop leadership team for 20 years, working closely with members of the Hospital’s Board of Directors, medical staff and senior administration to provide expert management of all aspects of the Hospital’s operations. Under his leadership, Winthrop became the first hospital on Long Island to qualify for a financial incentive for the meaningful use of certified electronic health record technology to achieve its health and efficiency goals, and was recognized in the first-ever edition of U.S. News & World Report’s Best Hospitals Metro Area Rankings for 10 high performing specialties. Most recently, his vision and strategic leadership have been instrumental in helping Winthrop enter into an affiliation agreement with NYU Langone Medical Center that will bring the two organizations together to expand, enhance and clinically integrate its healthcare networks on Long Island.