{"id":391766,"date":"2026-11-03T06:03:46","date_gmt":"2026-11-03T06:03:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/391766\/"},"modified":"2026-11-03T06:03:46","modified_gmt":"2026-11-03T06:03:46","slug":"the-2026-trailblazers-in-economic-development-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/391766\/","title":{"rendered":"The 2026 Trailblazers in Economic Development"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\n Yash Acharya<\/p>\n

Principal, KPMG<\/p>\n

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Yash Acharya
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\n Yash Acharya<\/p>\n

Yash Acharya has plenty of experience modernizing government operations. The KPMG executive leads the professional services firm\u2019s U.S. State, Local, and Education Corporate Services practice and oversees its New York City finance and administration work, including a transition to a cloud enterprise resource planning system and the transformation of the city\u2019s emergency management system. He has also centralized finance, human resources, procurement and budgeting into a single operating platform. Acharya has also transformed statewide procurement operations, achieving significant savings.<\/p>\n

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\n Richard Acosta<\/p>\n

Senior Vice President of Innovation, Grant Associates<\/p>\n

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Richard Acosta
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\n Ayelet Haran<\/p>\n

Richard Acosta is bringing innovation into the delivery of workforce development programs. He has launched Pathways for Access to Careers and Employment programs in Brooklyn and the Bronx for Grant Associates, a workforce development organization. PACE is a New York City-funded workforce development program designed to help people explore career paths in growing industries. He is also leading Grant Associates\u2019 initiative to integrate artificial intelligence into the workforce development programs and practice, as part of the national conversation on AI in workforce development.<\/p>\n

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\n Phil Andrews<\/p>\n

Founder and President, New York City Minority Small Business Chamber of Commerce<\/p>\n

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Phil Andrews
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\n Jonathan Ortiz<\/p>\n

Phil Andrews is supporting minority- and women-owned businesses by boosting their participation in government procurement and in the New York City business community. Andrews this year launched the New York City Minority Small Business Chamber of Commerce, with the goal of offering networking and business growth opportunities to members by improving access to capital and connecting with the government procurement pipeline. Andrews is also a longtime leader of the Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce and a past president of the 100 Black Men of Long Island.<\/p>\n

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\n Jamie Ansorge<\/p>\n

Senior Principal, Cozen O\u2019Connor Public Strategies<\/p>\n

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Jamie Ansorge
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\n Cozen O’Connor<\/p>\n

Jamie Ansorge focuses on projects that spur economic growth. Ansorge, an attorney at the Top 10 lobbying firm Cozen O\u2019Connor Public Strategies, advises trade associations, business improvement districts and corporations, including multinational consumer brands, tech firms and healthcare institutions as they expand and create jobs. He helped launch New York Robotics, an association that aims to make New York City a destination for robotics talent and investment, and recently helped Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center secure land use approvals for a new $2.3 billion hospital.<\/p>\n

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\n April Arnzen<\/p>\n

Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer, Micron Technology<\/p>\n

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April Arnzen
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\n Micron Technology<\/p>\n

Micron Technology is investing up to $100 billion in its new semiconductor site outside Syracuse, and April Arnzen is making sure Central New Yorkers benefit. Arnzen, a top company executive and president of the Micron Foundation, has committed $50 million so far\u00a0from\u00a0a $250 million community initiative, which includes education and workforce development projects to build the workforce of the future. Among the community investments is support for the Syracuse STEAM High School and the opening of Onondaga Community College\u2019s Micron Cleanroom Simulation Lab.<\/p>\n

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\n April Baskin<\/p>\n

Chair, State Senate Commerce, Economic Development and Small Business Committee<\/p>\n

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April Baskin
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\n Yves-Richard Blanc, Blanc Photographie<\/p>\n

April Baskin was an economic development leader long before she became chair of the state Senate Commerce, Economic Development and Small Business Committee in January. When she was in the Erie County Legislature, Baskin helped revitalize the former Bethlehem Steel site in Lackawanna and pushed for the new Buffalo Bills stadium to meet a goal of 30% minority- and women-owned business participation. This year, Baskin secured $30 million to build homes on vacant lots across upstate and passed legislation to provide tax credits for hard-to-develop properties and for fan-friendly concession pricing.<\/p>\n

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\n Matthew Bauer<\/p>\n

President, Madison Avenue Business Improvement District<\/p>\n

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Matthew Bauer
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\n Andrew Werner<\/p>\n

Business is booming on Madison Avenue, thanks in part to Matthew Bauer. In the Madison Avenue Business Improvement District\u2019s 29-block corridor \u2013\u00a0described as the \u201cnation\u2019s longest stretch of luxury\u201d \u2013 the vacancy rate is below 5% and the neighborhood has welcomed 23 stores, restaurants and galleries this year,\u00a0including Falconeri, Pasquale Bruni and the restaurant Marcel at Sotheby\u2019s. Bauer, who has led the BID since 1999, has held events that benefited Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 92NY, the Council of Fashion Designers of America\u2019s Scholarship Fund and CaringKind.<\/p>\n

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\n Barbara Blair<\/p>\n

President, Garment District Alliance<\/p>\n

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Barbara Blair
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\n Garment District Alliance<\/p>\n

Barbara Blair is a leading advocate for the Garment District, one of Manhattan\u2019s most iconic neighborhoods. She spearheaded the Garment District Alliance\u2019s push for zoning changes to allow for residential conversions, just the latest local rezoning she has witnessed. Amid plans to transform Penn Station and the Port Authority Bus Terminal, she\u2019s working with the New York City Department of Transportation to reimagine the portion of Eighth Avenue between the two transit hubs. Blair also co-chairs the Midtown Community Improvement Coalition in partnership with City Hall and Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg.<\/p>\n

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\n Nate Bliss<\/p>\n

Founder and Principal, Latent Urban Ventures<\/p>\n

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Nate Bliss
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\n Photo Studio 308<\/p>\n

Nate Bliss sees himself as a strategic partner in the economic development process. He launched the real estate investment and advisory firm Latent Urban Ventures this year to coordinate and advance projects. Bliss also launched Latent.nyc, a data-driven platform that identifies development potential from zoning, regulatory and market change. Bliss brings a deep resume to the job, having served as chief of staff to the New York City deputy mayor for housing, economic development and workforce, and he worked on some of the most impactful projects in the city.<\/p>\n

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\n Jackson Block<\/p>\n

CEO, LGBT+ VC<\/p>\n

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Jackson Block
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\n Mandar Parab, Studio Parab<\/p>\n

Jackson Block is getting more LGBTQ+ individuals involved as investors in the venture capital space, while also making sure that funding reaches LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs via networking events to connect funders with founders. LGBT+ VC has reached over 3,600 individuals across more than 350 firms in the venture capital ecosystem. Block has been an evangelist for the burgeoning LGBTQ+ investment universe, speaking at the New York Stock Exchange and being recognized by Gov. Kathy Hochul, Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal and state Sen. Erik Bottcher.<\/p>\n

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\n Christopher Bruno<\/p>\n

Chief of Economic Development Programs and Strategies, New York Law School<\/p>\n

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\n Kennedy King<\/p>\n

Christopher Bruno joined New York Law School last year with the mission to turbocharge the Tribeca economy. Bruno has hit the ground running, helping to revitalize the Tribeca Alliance Merchants Association and developing the One Tribeca economic development initiative. Bruno obtained $200,000 from the New York City Department of Small Business Services for both projects. One Tribeca is a broad strategic economic plan, involving the development of a new business improvement district and connecting NYLS resources to small businesses. Bruno was previously an economic development chief in Fairfax, Virginia.<\/p>\n

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\n David Burman<\/p>\n

Principal and President of Development, B2K Development<\/p>\n

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\n B2K Development<\/p>\n

David Burman doesn\u2019t see plots of land simply as they are; he envisions what they can become. Burman, who handles deal analysis, acquisitions, project planning and development at B2K Development, transformed a 6-acre oceanfront property in Long Beach, Nassau County, into the mixed-use Long Beach Superblock development. Burman guided the project through the land use process and partnered with architects on resort-style amenities for residents. The $360 million project is almost fully leased, has full parking onsite and includes a variety of restaurants.<\/p>\n

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\n Marco Carri\u00f3n<\/p>\n

President, Consortium for Worker Education<\/p>\n

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Marco Carri\u00f3n
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\n Marco Carri\u00f3n<\/p>\n

Marco Carri\u00f3n has revitalized the Consortium for Worker Education, the workforce development arm of the New York City Central Labor Council, a union umbrella group. He brings a worker-centered approach to workforce development and advancing economic mobility pathways that promote dignity and opportunities for working families. He is expanding efforts to create worker cooperatives, for which he has obtained city support. Carri\u00f3n was previously executive director of El Puente, political director of the Central Labor Council and commissioner of the New York City Mayor\u2019s Community Assistance Unit in the de Blasio administration.<\/p>\n

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\n Eva Chertow-Spence<\/p>\n

Director of Strategic Workforce Partnerships, Hot Bread Kitchen<\/p>\n

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\n Adriana Teitelbaum<\/p>\n

Eva Chertow-Spence is the yeast making the dough rise at Hot Bread Kitchen. She has created new programs and partnerships for the workforce development nonprofit, including its award-winning Management Training Institute, which has upskilled 54 new managers since last year. She launched the Front of House training program, which has run seven cohorts since 2024. Chertow-Spence oversees job placement for Hot Bread Kitchen graduates to jobs in the food and beverage industry across New York City, including at Convene Hospitality Group and Union Square Hospitality Group.<\/p>\n

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\n Terence Cho<\/p>\n

Vice President of Real Estate, Battery Park City Authority<\/p>\n

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\n Jonathan Gross<\/p>\n

Terence Cho is rejuvenating Battery Park City. Cho, who oversees the 92-acre Battery Park City Authority\u2019s real estate holdings, recently closed a leasing extension for Brookfield Place, which unlocked $1.9 billion in value, including $1.5 billion for affordable housing. He executed the Gateway Plaza transaction, which preserved rent protection for hundreds of units. He closed the former Ritz Carlton hotel deal in 2024, with a reopening set for 2027. The Empire State Development alum has unlocked new affordable housing by closing lease amendments for Tribeca Park and Tribeca Bridge Tower.<\/p>\n

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\n Ariana Cipriani<\/p>\n

Director of Programming and Marketing, Hudson Yards Hell\u2019s Kitchen Alliance<\/p>\n

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\n HYHK Alliance<\/p>\n

Ariana Cipriani is driving efforts to expand the boundaries of the Hudson Yards Hell\u2019s Kitchen Alliance to encompass more of Hell\u2019s Kitchen above 42nd Street, coordinating outreach with business and community leaders in the neighborhood to better understand local needs and how the business improvement district can help them. She is planning the third annual Hell\u2019s Kitchen Culture Crawl, a weeklong event combining the power of local culture with the flavors of the restaurant scene. She oversees over 200 free events across the BID and at Bella Abzug Park.<\/p>\n

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\n Marc Cohen<\/p>\n

Vice President of Government Affairs, O\u2019Donnell & Associates<\/p>\n

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\n Blanc Photographie<\/p>\n

Marc Cohen makes sure that state and local leaders understand and support projects that drive economic growth. Cohen, a vice president at the top 20 lobbying firm O\u2019Donnell & Associates, is championing the redevelopment of First Federal Plaza in Rochester, reinvestment in the Hyatt Regency Rochester and innovative homeownership initiatives with Cook Properties. He also backs battery storage projects and funding for nonprofit organizations. Cohen, who cut his teeth as chief of staff at the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce, serves on the board of the Jewish Federation of Greater Rochester.<\/p>\n

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\n Justin Driscoll<\/p>\n

President and CEO, New York Power Authority<\/p>\n

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\n New York Power Authority<\/p>\n

Justin Driscoll is leading the New York Power Authority into the nuclear age. Driscoll is tasked with implementing Gov. Kathy Hochul\u2019s ambitious energy agenda, including developing a nuclear power plant upstate. A new plant would be an immediate economic game changer, providing additional emissions-free electricity for the state, along with creating immediate jobs in the region. Driscoll already manages a massive public utility system, with 17 generating facilities and 1,550 circuit-miles of transmission lines. This summer, Driscoll helped to open the new Smart Path Connect power transmission project in Massena.<\/p>\n

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\n Suri Duitch<\/p>\n

President, Kingsborough Community College<\/p>\n

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\n Kingsborough Community College<\/p>\n

Suri Duitch brings workforce development expertise to the presidency of Kingsborough Community College. She has been improving workforce outcomes for students and cultivating partnerships with employers and communities throughout Brooklyn. Duitch has also seen CUNY invest $5.6 million into the college\u2019s career-connected learning program. Duitch is launching an Academy for Excellence in Teaching and Learning, and recently opened a new center to support immigrant student success. Prior to joining KCC\u2019s Manhattan Beach campus, Duitch helped to found CUNY\u2019s School of Professional Studies and the CUNY Service Corps.<\/p>\n

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\n Cindy Estrada<\/p>\n

Executive Director, New York City Hispanic Chamber of Commerce<\/p>\n

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\n Emily Estrada<\/p>\n

Cindy Estrada is a staunch advocate for Latino business owners and entrepreneurs across the five boroughs. Estrada, who started her own business at the age of 19, has run the New York City Hispanic Chamber of Commerce since 2015. She recently served on the state Gaming Facility Location Board and voted to confirm three licenses for new downstate casinos. Estrada has also advocated for the state to bring increased transparency to the 340B healthcare program. On her watch, the New York City Hispanic Chamber of Commerce has enjoyed significant growth.<\/p>\n

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\n Joseph Ferrara<\/p>\n

Principal, BFC Partners<\/p>\n

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\n BFC Partners<\/p>\n

Joseph Ferrara is transforming Coney Island and Staten Island\u2019s North Shore. BFC Partners, where Ferrara is a second-generation leader, developed The Pearl, a 270-unit affordable housing complex partially for formerly unhoused seniors on Staten Island. The firm also developed the borough\u2019s West Brighton Houses in partnership with the New York City Housing Authority. In Brooklyn, the firm transformed the former Bedford Union Armory into the Major R. Owens Health and Wellness Community Center. BFC has also worked on projects in Syracuse and Buffalo.<\/p>\n

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\n Nina Flores<\/p>\n

Executive Director, Staten Island Business Outreach Center<\/p>\n

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\n NYC Small Business Services<\/p>\n

Nina Flores is cultivating Staten Island\u2019s economy. Flores, who runs the Staten Island Business Outreach Center, supports entrepreneurs, minority- and women-owned businesses, and thriving commercial corridors across the island. She is implementing an initiative to revitalize Forest and Castleton avenues in West Brighton. Flores also leads the Forest Avenue Business Improvement District, where she is working directly with small businesses on growth programs, beautifying the district and positioning MWBEs for government procurement. She also serves on the New York City Small Business Advisory Commission and the NYC BID Association board.<\/p>\n

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\n Kate Goldmann<\/p>\n

Senior Housing and Planning Analyst, Real Estate Board of New York<\/p>\n

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\n REBNY<\/p>\n

Kate Goldmann is a driving force on industrial policy at the Real Estate Board of New York, an influential industry organization representing 14,000 members. As the lead for REBNY\u2019s Industrial Committee, Goldmann has focused on the city\u2019s indirect source rule for last-mile warehouses. She also partners with the Five Borough Jobs Campaign to advocate for industrial service providers and local entrepreneurs citywide. Goldmann analyses housing and economic development policy and also manages REBNY\u2019s industrial, housing and landmarks committees.<\/p>\n

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\n Tom Grech<\/p>\n

President and CEO, Queens Chamber of Commerce<\/p>\n

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\n Dominick Totino<\/p>\n

Tom Grech is synonymous with business in Queens. Grech, the Queens Chamber of Commerce\u2019s longtime leader, has positioned the borough as a rising sports and entertainment hub that\u2019s the future home of two full-fledged casinos and a professional soccer stadium. This year, he brought hundreds of business leaders to Albany for the annual Queens Day to press state lawmakers on workforce\u00a0development and economic growth. He also created the Queens Innovation Foundation and has stressed regional economic cooperation by co-chairing the Five Borough Jobs Campaign, which advocates for pro-business legislation.<\/p>\n

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\n Lindsay Greene<\/p>\n

President and CEO, Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corp.<\/p>\n

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Lindsay Greene has positioned the 300-acre Brooklyn Navy Yard urban manufacturing campus as the preeminent startup hub in New York City. She expanded Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corp.\u2019s Yard Labs piloting program, adding more companies such as waterfront pilots and expanded outreach to minority- and women-owned startups. Greene, a former official at the New York City Economic Development Corp., has also overseen the expansion of the Brooklyn STEAM Center high school, which doubled the number of students, and the creation of the Yard Opportunity Shop, a retail incubator for small MWBEs.<\/p>\n

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\n Patrick B. Jenkins<\/p>\n

Founder and President, Patrick B. Jenkins & Associates<\/p>\n

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\n Eurila Cave<\/p>\n

Patrick B. Jenkins is a key name to know at the intersection of government, business and economic development. Jenkins has been a player in the casino industry, paving the way for two casinos in Queens and helping to shape sports betting legislation. The well-connected lobbyist\u2019s clients include the Five Borough Jobs Campaign, Turo, American Chemistry Council, Sports Betting Alliance, American Innovators Network, Workers Compensation Alliance, Real Estate Board of New York, New York University, Genting New York, One Fair Wage and the New York Apartment Association.<\/p>\n

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\n Danielle King<\/p>\n

President and CEO, TDC<\/p>\n

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Danielle King
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\n Chris Boire, Boire Benner Group<\/p>\n

Danielle King is growing the North Country economy through TDC, a nonprofit that owns and manages a portfolio of industrial buildings in the Plattsburgh region. King recruits industry players, spurs job growth and advances workforce development initiatives. She secured $1 million to construct a childcare facility in an industrial park and led development of a build-to-suit pharmaceutical warehouse that has facilitated local job growth. She is a former director of the North American Center of Excellence for Transportation Equipment. King was appointed by Gov. Kathy Hochul to the SUNY Plattsburgh University Council this year.<\/p>\n

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\n <\/a>
\n Gary LaBarbera<\/p>\n

President, Building & Construction Trades Council of Greater New York<\/p>\n

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Gary LaBarbera
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\n Alex Kaplan Photography<\/p>\n

Gary LaBarbera is a long-serving labor leader who ensures unions have a seat at the table on major construction projects and policies. He has kept building and construction trades unions involved in such key developments as Atlantic Yards, the Gateway rail tunnel, 2 World Trade Center and new JPMorgan Chase & Co. headquarters. He advocates for safety and fair wages, along with maintaining the state\u2019s Scaffold Law, a construction worker safety statute. He negotiated project labor agreements with New York City late last year that included community hiring requirements and, in March, unveiled a mental health initiative for construction workers.<\/p>\n

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\n <\/a>
\n Kevin Law<\/p>\n

Principal, Tritec Real Estate Co.<\/p>\n

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Kevin Law
\n \/
\n TRITEC Real Estate Company<\/p>\n

Kevin Law is a statewide leader in economic development in his role as board chair of Empire State Development while continuing to advance his home region of Long Island. At Tritec Real Estate Co., Law is focused on the family-owned company\u2019s affordable housing programs and advancing development on Long Island. He chairs the Stony Brook University Council and the Long Island Housing Partnership. He previously led the Long Island Association and the Long Island Power Authority, and he has served as Suffolk County chief deputy executive and on the Metropolitan Transportation Association board.<\/p>\n

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\n <\/a>
\n Randy Levine<\/p>\n

President, New York Yankees<\/p>\n

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Randy Levine
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\n New York Yankees<\/p>\n

It\u2019s not just a ballgame. This year, the New York Yankees\u2019 home games in the Bronx were projected to generate a whopping $500 million of economic impact for New York City. A New York City Economic Development Corp. analysis estimated that the New York Yankees, led by President Randy Levine, would continue to spur spending on tickets, concessions and merchandise as well as transportation and lodging. Levine, who\u2019s also of counsel at the law firm Jackson Lewis, is reportedly in consideration to be President Donald Trump\u2019s next chief of staff.<\/p>\n

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\n <\/a>
\n Virginia Maloney<\/p>\n

Chair, New York City Council Economic Development Committee<\/p>\n

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Virginia Maloney
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\n Katrin Hajagos, Trina Photography<\/p>\n

New York City Council Member Virginia Maloney has hit the ground running as chair of the Economic Development Committee. The Upper East Side lawmaker has made small businesses a priority, leading efforts that prepared them for this year\u2019s FIFA World Cup tournament. Maloney, the daughter of former Rep. Carolyn Maloney, has also focused on workforce development. She worked at the city\u2019s Economic Development Corp. during the Bloomberg and de Blasio administrations and was previously a product manager at Meta, the parent company of Facebook.<\/p>\n

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\n Craig Marcinkowski<\/p>\n

President and CEO, NUAIR<\/p>\n

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Craig Marcinkowski
\n \/
\n Chelsea Schepp, NUAIR<\/p>\n

Craig Marcinkowski took the controls at NUAIR in April, bringing over 25 years of experience in unmanned aerial systems and robotics to the organization fueling growth in New York\u2019s drone industry. Marcinkowski is having a full circle moment in his career, since he helped craft the grant proposal that led to NUAIR\u2019s creation and previously developed the first beyond visual line of sight drone test corridor in Ohio. NUAIR operates the Center of Excellence for Advanced Air Mobility at Syracuse Hancock International Airport and runs programs focused on drone economic development in Central New York.<\/p>\n

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\n <\/a>
\n Matthew McDonough<\/p>\n

Founding Member, McDonough PLLC<\/p>\n

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Matthew McDonough
\n \/
\n Jovia FCU<\/p>\n

Matthew McDonough founded his eponymous law firm with the goal of moving transformative Long Island projects from the drawing table to the construction stage. He serves as counsel to local industrial development agencies and advises companies, developers and local governments on complex development initiatives. His work is paying off, as he was recognized with the 2025 James W. Griffin Rising Star Award from the New York State Economic Development Council. He is a former CEO of the town of Babylon IDA and serves as board chair of Jovia Financial Credit Union.<\/p>\n

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\n Randy Moore<\/p>\n

President, CD&R Foundation<\/p>\n

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Randy Moore
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\n David Teng Photography<\/p>\n

Randy Moore uses philanthropy to spur economic growth through the CD&R Foundation, making strategic investments in nonprofits across the United States and United Kingdom to expand employment opportunities and workforce development. The New York-based foundation, the philanthropic arm of the private equity firm CD&R, awarded $4.5 million to five New York City organizations in June to address homelessness, construction workforce development, mental illness, youth development and technology education. With Moore at the helm, the foundation has awarded $50 million in grants since being founded five years ago.<\/p>\n

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\n Gregory Morris<\/p>\n

CEO, New York City Employment and Training Coalition<\/p>\n

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Gregory Morris
\n \/
\n Gregory Morris<\/p>\n

Gregory Morris is New York City\u2019s leading voice on workforce development. This year, the New York City Employment and Training Coalition partnered with Lyft to provide ride credits to job seekers, which proved so popular that it expanded in weeks. Morris also oversaw NYCETC\u2019s Affordable Climate Economy report, which outlined green economy strategies that could create 360,000 jobs by 2040. NYCETC, which represents 220 organizations serving 200,000 New Yorkers, has also published research on the city\u2019s workforce system and launched an Energy Efficiency Workforce Coalition.<\/p>\n

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\n Dee Dee Mozeleski<\/p>\n

Senior Vice President of the Office of Institutional Advancement, Communications and External Relations, City College of New York<\/p>\n

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Dee Dee Mozeleski
\n \/
\n Leslie Kahan<\/p>\n

The City College of New York has been a driver of economic growth for New Yorkers for 179 years, and Dee Dee Mozeleski is continuing this tradition. She recently launched a new partnership between CCNY and New York Small Business Development Centers to open a regional entrepreneurship and small-business development center on campus, which connects the school with the surrounding Upper Manhattan community. Mozeleski also co-led the creation of the Charles B. Rangel Infrastructure Workforce Initiative, which is a skills-based program for low-income New Yorkers.<\/p>\n

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\n Katie Newcombe<\/p>\n

Director of Economic Development, National Grid<\/p>\n

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Katie Newcombe
\n \/
\n Katie Newcombe<\/p>\n

Katie Newcombe is positioning National Grid as an economic catalyst in New York. Last year, the energy giant\u2019s economic development team completed 151 projects, driving almost $500 million in capital investment while supporting the creation or retention of 4,400 jobs statewide. National Grid is also supporting the $100 billion Micron semiconductor plant outside Syracuse and the $1.2 billion Chobani facility in the Mohawk Valley. Newcombe is a member of the New York State Economic Development Council board and the Capital Region Economic Development Council.<\/p>\n

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\n Anna Nguyen<\/p>\n

Director of Economic Development, CenterState CEO<\/p>\n

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Anna Nguyen
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\n CenterState CEO<\/p>\n

Anna Nguyen and her team are managing a more than $5.6 billion economic development pipeline in Central New York. The region\u2019s rebound is buoyed by the burgeoning semiconductor industry, anchored by a $100 billion Micron plant. By 2034, 1 in 4 American-made chips is projected to be produced within 350 miles of Central New York. Nguyen, who joined the business leadership and economic development organization CenterState CEO last year, also oversees the NY SMART I-Corridor\u2019s Supply Chain Activation Network and supports unmanned aerial systems, advanced materials and agribusiness.<\/p>\n

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\n Mike Oates<\/p>\n

President and CEO, Hudson Valley Economic Development Corp.<\/p>\n

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Mike Oates
\n \/
\n Eileen Walsh<\/p>\n

Mike Oates knows that aviation connectivity is critical to a thriving Hudson Valley. Oates, who has led the nine-county Hudson Valley Economic Development Corp. since 2018, pushed the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to develop a minimum revenue guarantee program for airlines to come to Stewart International Airport, which he argues would reduce risks for airlines and create new nonstop flights. HVEDC is active across Westchester, Putnam, Dutchess, Rockland, Orange, Ulster, Sullivan, Greene and Columbia counties. Oates is also a member of the New York State Tourism Advisory Council.<\/p>\n

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\n Melissa O\u2019Connor<\/p>\n

President and CEO, Retail Council of New York State<\/p>\n

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Melissa O\u2019Connor
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\n Elario Photography<\/p>\n

Melissa O\u2019Connor is the retail industry\u2019s advocate in Albany. This year, she led a coalition of 25 business organizations opposing a new surveillance pricing law, arguing that it will limit the ability of retail businesses to offer discounts and promotions to consumers. At the same time, she stressed that the Retail Council opposes the use of surveillance pricing to raise prices. O\u2019Connor has also been focused on public safety in recent years, pushing for new laws and funding to combat retail theft and helping reduce retail crime in New York.<\/p>\n

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\n Uzoma \u201cZo\u201d Orchingwa<\/p>\n

Co-Founder and CEO, Emerge Career<\/p>\n

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Uzoma \u201cZo\u201d Orchingwa
\n \/
\n Emerge Career<\/p>\n

Uzoma \u201cZo\u201d Orchingwa is putting formerly incarcerated New Yorkers on a path to productive careers. Orchingwa, a co-founder of the workforce development company Emerge Career, has partnered with the New York City Mayor\u2019s Office of Criminal Justice on Next Mile NYC, which provides commercial driver\u2019s license training to people who have been involved with the criminal justice system. Mayor Zohran Mamdani expanded the program to individuals on probation or on Rikers Island. Orchingwa also established partnerships with Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey, the California Board of State and Community Corrections and the Sacramento Employment and Training Agency.<\/p>\n

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\n Nayan Parikh<\/p>\n

President, National Association of Minority Contractors New York Tri-State Chapter<\/p>\n

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Nayan Parikh
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\n Nayan Parikh<\/p>\n

Nayan Parikh is creating opportunities for minority- and women-owned businesses in New York\u2019s construction sector. He leads the National Association of Minority Contractors New York Tri-State Chapter, which has helped the growth of over 50\u00a0minority-\u00a0and women-owned businesses. Parikh has also helped to expand Empire State Development\u2019s Business Growth Accelerator program to Western New York and the Finger Lakes. Parikh is president of Ashnu International, a general contracting and construction management firm that has worked on projects for the New York City School Construction Authority.<\/p>\n

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\n Ashley Ranslow<\/p>\n

New York State Director, National Federation of Independent Business<\/p>\n

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Ashley Ranslow
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\n Mike Groll, Office of Governor Kathy Hochul<\/p>\n

Ashley Ranslow wants New York officials to know that the state\u2019s small businesses mean business. She helped push Gov. Kathy Hochul to pay off the $7 billion unemployment insurance debt, thereby lowering small-business taxes, and backed the governor\u2019s auto insurance reform agenda, which was opposed by the trial lawyer lobby. Ranslow also secured limits on lawsuits against small businesses that pay manual workers biweekly instead of weekly. As New York state director for the National Federation of Independent Business, she represents more than 11,000 small and independent businesses.<\/p>\n

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\n Sarah Reginelli<\/p>\n

Senior Vice President, Ostroff Associates<\/p>\n

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Sarah Reginelli
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\n Joe Putrock Photography<\/p>\n

Sarah Reginelli sees potential in the city of Albany. As a strategic adviser to the city\u2019s Liberty Park Innovation District team, she helped the project achieve master developer status and access up to $40 million from the state Championing Albany\u2019s Potential Initiative. She was previously president and CEO of the Capitalize Albany Corp., where she facilitated $1 billion in private investment in the capital city. As Ostroff Associates, she worked with the New York State Economic Development Council to pass regulatory relief legislation as part of this year\u2019s state budget.<\/p>\n

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\n Robert Rodriguez<\/p>\n

President and CEO, Dormitory Authority of the State of New York<\/p>\n

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Robert Rodriguez
\n \/
\n DASNY Communications<\/p>\n

Robert Rodriguez is one of the state\u2019s master builders. He is overseeing a Dormitory Authority construction portfolio of approximately 1,400 projects valued at over $15 billion, along with an outstanding bond portfolio of about $68.2 billion. He leads a number of Gov. Kathy Hochul\u2019s key capital programs, including the NY SWIMS initiative to invest in public swimming infrastructure, NY BRICKS to build new recreational facilities and NY PLAYS to construct playgrounds. Rodriguez was previously New York\u2019s secretary of state, a role in which he led a number of economic development programs.<\/p>\n

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\n Michael N. Romita<\/p>\n

President and CEO, Westchester County Association<\/p>\n

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Michael N. Romita
\n \/
\n Westchester County Association<\/p>\n

Michael N. Romita kicked off the year by forming the Westchester Economic Alliance, a partnership between his Westchester County Association and county government focused on fueling business growth. The alliance\u2019s first initiative is Blueprint \u201926, which will serve as a planning document to guide long-term local economic development. Romita has continued to emphasize housing development, telling newly elected local officials that it will determine business growth. Romita has led the Connect Westchester initiative to address digital equity, supported the life sciences economy and tackled healthcare workforce shortages.<\/p>\n

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\n Beth Rooney<\/p>\n

Director of the Port Department, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey<\/p>\n

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Beth Rooney
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\n Port Authority of New York and New Jersey<\/p>\n

Beth Rooney keeps one of the downstate region\u2019s oldest economic engines, the Port of New York and New Jersey, sailing smoothly. Rooney has led the port, the East Coast\u2019s largest, through record cargo volumes the past two years while overcoming supply chain challenges. She is advancing a 55-foot harbor deepening project, addressed major terminal infrastructure issues and oversaw roadway improvements. Rooney helped secure $344 million in federal Clean Ports Program funding to accelerate zero-emissions operations and has advanced long-term lease agreements with marine terminal operators.<\/p>\n

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\n Mark Schienberg<\/p>\n

President, Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association<\/p>\n

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Mark Schienberg
\n \/
\n GNYADA<\/p>\n

Mark Schienberg makes sure that the New York City metropolitan area\u2019s franchised auto industry remains one of the region\u2019s key economic drivers. New data from Schienberg\u2019s Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association showed the industry generates $70.7 billion in annual economic activity, supports 69,300 jobs with $6.5 billion in wages and benefits, and provides $3.1 billion in annual state and local tax revenue. The organization\u2019s marquee annual event, the New York International Auto Show, serves as an economic engine in its own right.<\/p>\n

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\n Tokumbo Shobowale<\/p>\n

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Fordham University<\/p>\n

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Tokumbo Shobowale
\n \/
\n NACUBO<\/p>\n

Tokumbo Shobowale is a university chief financial officer who goes beyond accounts payable and receivable. Shobowale is capitalizing on his New York City economic development expertise to bolster Fordham University\u2019s economic impact. He helped launch the Bronx Green Jobs Center, a workforce development engine for the green economy, and an Ethical and Applied AI Hub. Shobowale served in city government as chief of staff to the deputy mayor for economic development and chief operating officer at the city\u2019s Economic Development Corp., and currently is on the boards of the Regional Plan Association and Governors Island.<\/p>\n

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\n <\/a>
\n Ryan Silva<\/p>\n

Executive Director, New York State Economic Development Council<\/p>\n

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Ryan Silva
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\n Patrick Renzi Photography<\/p>\n

Ryan Silva has been on a hot streak this year. The Blueprint for New York, commissioned by the New York State Economic Development Council and the Public Policy Institute, was a catalyst for economic development policy this year. The report recommended having Empire AI review the state\u2019s regulatory environment, modernizing the state environmental review process and appointing a regulatory czar in the governor\u2019s office. Silva also advocated for more funding for several economic and energy programs, and his organization released a report on the economic impact of data centers.<\/p>\n

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\n Kyle Strober<\/p>\n

Executive Director, Association for a Better Long Island<\/p>\n

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Kyle Strober
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\n Judy Walker<\/p>\n

For Kyle Strober, the path to building a better Long Island is a strong economic, housing and regulatory environment. Strober leads the Association for a Better Long Island, a regional real estate trade group representing major developers. He was the Long Island representative in a statewide coalition that successfully advocated for reforming the State Environmental Quality Review Act this year. He also advocated for modernizing local building departments in order to streamline and expedite permitting and pushed for the Long Island Investment Fund to support housing development.<\/p>\n

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\n Milan Tyler<\/p>\n

Partner, Phillips Lytle<\/p>\n

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Milan Tyler
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\n KC Kratt Photography<\/p>\n

Milan Tyler is using his legal chops to strengthen New York\u2019s communities. The Phillips Lytle attorney represents local governments, industrial development agencies and other players at the intersection of government and finance. Tyler\u2019s focus is on navigating federal and state tax legislation related to the issuance of public debt. His expertise includes general municipal obligations, housing development, assisted living facilities for older adults, the energy sector, 501(c)(3) organizations, special public benefit corporations and bonds.<\/p>\n

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\n <\/a>
\n Lisa Vollendorf<\/p>\n

President, Empire State University<\/p>\n

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Lisa Vollendorf
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\n Joseph O’Dea, Empire State University<\/p>\n

Lisa Vollendorf positions higher education as a way to develop a skilled workforce and spur economic growth. She is expanding partnerships between Empire State University and the United Federation of Teachers, Northwell Health and government agencies to build talent pipelines into the workforce. Under Vollendorf, the state\u2019s only online public university has also launched 30 new workforce-aligned academic programs, along with a program to allow working adults to translate their work experience and past learning into credentials.<\/p>\n

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\n Jessica Walker<\/p>\n

President and CEO, Manhattan Chamber of Commerce<\/p>\n

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Jessica Walker
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\n Manhattan Chamber of Commerce<\/p>\n

Jessica Walker is a champion of Manhattan\u2019s small businesses and a foe of vacant storefronts. She has cultivated partnerships with major corporations to fund programs to support the borough\u2019s rebounding small-business community, including a joint effort with Google on a Tech to Table AI accelerator. Walker, who represents more than 125,000 businesses through the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce, recently unveiled Manhattan 2040, a long-term initiative for boroughwide economic growth. Walker serves on the Javits Center board and the New York City Regional Economic Development Council.<\/p>\n

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\n Kristen Wolfe<\/p>\n

Director of Community Relations, Empire State Development<\/p>\n

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Kristen Wolfe
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\n Michael Harrison<\/p>\n

Kristen Wolfe knows the key to successful redevelopment projects is having local voices at the table \u2013\u00a0of every age and economic background. The Empire State Development official recently led extensive community engagement efforts for the Creedmoor Mixed-Use Project, educating local stakeholders and residents on a plan to bring over 2,000 new homes as well as community facilities, retail and open space to eastern Queens. She also has spearheaded local engagement on the Aqueduct Redevelopment Project, which will transform an old horse racetrack in Southeast Queens.<\/p>\n

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\n Ken Zebrowski<\/p>\n

Senior Adviser, Brown & Weinraub<\/p>\n

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Ken Zebrowski
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\n Paulius Musteikis<\/p>\n

Ken Zebrowski has been fostering growth in the Hudson Valley economy for decades. The former Assembly member is now at Brown & Weinraub, the state\u2019s top lobbying firm, where he is advising the One&Only Hudson Valley project, Optimum and a number of local governments in the region. He also serves as president of the Rockland Business Association, where he led a reorganization that has increased the group\u2019s impact. He serves on the Rockland Community College board and the West of Hudson Transit Study advisory group, tackling key economic growth issues.<\/p>\n

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<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Yash Acharya Principal, KPMG Yash Acharya \/ Yash Acharya Yash Acharya has plenty of experience modernizing government operations.…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":390727,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[39],"tags":[5868,9,24,49,63,805,134,136,135,926],"class_list":["post-391766","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-staten-island","tag-economic-development","tag-new-york","tag-new-york-city","tag-new-york-state","tag-nyc","tag-publishers-section","tag-staten-island","tag-staten-island-headlines","tag-staten-island-news","tag-trailblazers"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/391766","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=391766"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/391766\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/390727"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=391766"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=391766"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=391766"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}