{"id":50529,"date":"2025-11-24T17:20:20","date_gmt":"2025-11-24T17:20:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/50529\/"},"modified":"2025-11-24T17:20:20","modified_gmt":"2025-11-24T17:20:20","slug":"the-2025-staten-island-trailblazers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/50529\/","title":{"rendered":"The 2025 Staten Island Trailblazers"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\n Nadia Adam<\/p>\n

President and Executive Director, Staten Island Industrial Alliance<\/p>\n

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Nadia Adam
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\n Ceylon Creative Studios<\/p>\n

Nadia Adam has honored Staten Island\u2019s legacy of industry by ensuring its businesses adapt to a rapidly changing economy. Since joining the Staten Island Industrial Alliance, Adam has promoted green energy, advocated for shipyards and maritime workforce investment, and hosted meet-and-greets with U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand and Zohran Mamdani, now the city\u2019s mayor-elect. Her group worked with the Staten Island Economic Development Corp. on the Transportation and Infrastructure Summit in September, which brought together more than 100 industrial businesses and public officials to discuss the effects of congestion pricing, offshore wind and the future of housing in the borough.<\/p>\n

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\n Louis Alfano<\/p>\n

Fundraising Coordinator, The Madison Rochelle Alfano Foundation<\/p>\n

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Louis Alfano
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\n Louis Alfano<\/p>\n

After losing his 18-year-old daughter in a car crash last year, Louis Alfano established a nonprofit months later in her memory to supplement critical gaps in driver education courses. The Madison Rochelle Alfano Foundation has provided free training to teenagers as well as scholarships and a Breakfast with Santa holiday event in December 2024. This fall, the foundation is launching a mobile driver simulation program that will travel to high schools and colleges in the borough, emphasizing the ethical responsibilities of operating a motor vehicle.<\/p>\n

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\n Brahim Ardolic<\/p>\n

Metro Market President, Northwell Health<\/p>\n

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Brahim Ardolic
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\n Brahim Ardolic<\/p>\n

Brahim Ardolic has transformed Staten Island University Hospital into one of Northwell Health\u2019s jewels since joining its executive ranks seven years ago. The emergency medicine specialist led SIUH\u2019s South Campus rebranding, helped secure $139 million for a women and newborn center, and assisted with a program that uses artificial intelligence to identify and provide services to individuals at risk for drug overdoses. This month, Ardolic welcomed Meagan Sills to be the hospital\u2019s new president as he took on a new role in Northwell\u2019s metro market, which includes Staten Island.<\/p>\n

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\n Claire Atalla<\/p>\n

CEO, Catholic Charities of Staten Island<\/p>\n

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Claire Atalla
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\n Staten Arts Photography LLC<\/p>\n

Claire Atalla has ensured Catholic Charities of Staten Island, one of the oldest nonprofits in the borough, has continued to provide meals, preschool day care and social services for people in need. Since being named CEO of the organization in 2022, Atalla has secured $1.5 million in grants, including funding for emergency food and nutrition programs, and upgraded boilers, security and administrative systems. This year, CCSI launched a $250,000 grant initiative with the National Grid Foundation to help families pay their heating bills.<\/p>\n

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\n Murad Awawdeh<\/p>\n

President and CEO, New York Immigration Coalition<\/p>\n

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Murad Awawdeh
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\n NYIC<\/p>\n

Since President Donald Trump returned to the White House, Murad Awawdeh has sought to protect New York City\u2019s immigrants from violence and deportation. The South Shore leader has pushed for state lawmakers to pass legislation to stop local governments from coordinating with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and led demonstrations against arrests of students at immigration court hearings. This summer, Awawdeh decried a U.S. Supreme Court decision allowing the revocation of migrants\u2019 temporary legal protections and demanded ICE close its detention facility in lower Manhattan.<\/p>\n


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Editor\u2019s note: Murad Awawdeh is a member of City & State\u2019s advisory board.<\/p>\n

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\n Jessica Baker Vodoor<\/p>\n

President and CEO, Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden<\/p>\n

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Jessica Baker Vodoor
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\n Nataki Hewling<\/p>\n

Since becoming CEO of Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden in 2022, Jessica Baker Vodoor has attracted a diverse audience with innovative programs at the 83-acre park. The North Shore campus recently hosted Gangstagrass, a concert blending bluegrass and hip-hop, and Sprinklerfest, which welcomed neighbors to cool off on the grounds. This fall, a new Kissel Avenue entrance, wetlands boardwalk and viewing platform were unveiled. Baker Vodoor was also elected to the New York City Tourism + Conventions\u2019s board this year.<\/p>\n

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\n Linda Baran<\/p>\n

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

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Linda Baran
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\n Flint Gennari<\/p>\n

Linda Baran\u2019s steadfast leadership at the borough\u2019s chamber of commerce has helped hundreds of business leaders fulfill their dreams. As head of the 700-member organization, Baran has discussed workforce development challenges with the state\u2019s labor commissioner and met with U.S. Sens. Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand to advocate for better commuting options for Staten Islanders. She recently celebrated a five-star accreditation from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and is currently managing the 2025 Annual Building Awards for the borough\u2019s best-designed new projects.<\/p>\n

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\n Daniel Bayer<\/p>\n

Board Chair, New York Public Interest Research Group<\/p>\n

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Daniel Bayer
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\n Vivienne Knouse-Frenzer<\/p>\n

Daniel Bayer is helping drive the agenda at the New York Public Interest Research Group, the longtime political advocacy nonprofit. The College of Staten Island student has juggled CUNY courses while guiding the organization\u2019s board meetings and operations in his role as NYPIRG\u2019s chair since June. This year, NYPIRG advocated for the New York HEAT Act, sought to improve voter turnout and opposed a natural gas pipeline off Staten Island that\u2019s advancing. He also founded the Island to Shore Initiative, which seeks to create direct bus links between the borough and New Jersey.<\/p>\n

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\n Joe Borelli<\/p>\n

Managing Director, Chartwell Strategy Group<\/p>\n

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Joe Borelli
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\n Vincent Amassee<\/p>\n

Joe Borelli helped expand the New York City Council\u2019s Republican caucus to six members after a decade in office, but felt increasingly powerless to stop bills sponsored by the body\u2019s Democratic majority. So in January, the South Shore Republican resigned and joined the Chartwell Strategy Group, a lobbying firm that has beefed up its hiring since President Donald Trump\u2019s reelection. Borelli isn\u2019t shy about offering his opinion on NY1 or in New York Post op-eds, where he warned that incoming Mayor Zohran Mamdani will have to contend with a growing budget gap.<\/p>\n

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\n Barbara Brancaccio<\/p>\n

Chief Communications Officer, New York City Housing Authority<\/p>\n

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\n Leticia Barboza, NYCHA<\/p>\n

Throughout her career, Barbara Brancaccio has contributed to New York City\u2019s efforts to improve the quality of life for its most vulnerable residents. After stints with the city\u2019s Department of Homeless Services and the Governor\u2019s Office of Storm Recovery, Brancaccio joined the New York City Housing Authority in 2019. She has promoted NYCHA\u2019s overlooked success stories and also been a key point person explaining the response to challenges like water contamination complaints from tenants, lengthy wait times for unit repairs and the partial collapse of a Bronx building.<\/p>\n

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\n Victor Brown<\/p>\n

Senior Pastor, Mount Sinai United Christian Church<\/p>\n

Bishop Victor Brown\u2019s impact on Staten Island goes beyond serving 300 parishioners at Mount Sinai United Christian Church in the New Brighton and Tompkinsville neighborhoods. He\u2019s a founding board member for both the National Action Network and the Worldwide Fellowship of Independent Christian Churches. Brown is also part of the Commission of Religious Leaders, is a chaplain for the New York City Police Department, teaming up with the NYPD and Richmond County District Attorney Michael McMahon on a Cash for Guns program, and is a palliative care chaplain for Richmond University Medical Center.<\/p>\n

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\n Carol Bullock<\/p>\n

Former Executive Director, Pride Center of Staten Island<\/p>\n

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\n DP Captured Moments<\/p>\n

Carol Bullock hadn\u2019t sought to become the leader of the Pride Center of Staten Island after a long career in sales in 2017, but the move changed her life. Bullock more than doubled the organization\u2019s budget and forged relationships with other community organizations. After years of fighting for inclusion, Bullock and her colleagues finally marched in the borough\u2019s St. Patrick\u2019s Day Parade this year. Bullock recently stepped down from her role, handing the reins to Agatha Vassallo.<\/p>\n

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\n Demetrius Carolina<\/p>\n

Senior Pastor, First Central Baptist Church<\/p>\n

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Demetrius Carolina
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\n Imara Moore<\/p>\n

The Rev. Demetrius Carolina came to the North Shore in 2005 with a mission to help young people in Stapleton. The Baptist pastor helped establish YouthBuild IMPACT, which provides training in the trades for young people, and helped create the Eagle Academy for Young Men of Staten Island. Carolina currently serves on the Interfaith Advisory Council and as treasurer of Nonprofit Staten Island\u2019s board. In March, New York City Mayor Eric Adams joined hundreds of Staten Islanders to celebrate Carolina\u2019s 20th anniversary leading First Central Baptist Church.<\/p>\n

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\n Alfred C. Cerullo III<\/p>\n

President and CEO, Grand Central Partnership<\/p>\n

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Alfred C. Cerullo III
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\n Grand Central Partnership<\/p>\n

Alfred C. Cerullo III\u2019s roles as a business improvement district leader and a commissioner on the New York City Planning Commission have given him significant influence over the city\u2019s rezoning and development efforts. For 26 years, he has helped make Manhattan\u2019s Midtown East friendlier to pedestrians through safety patrols, benches and planters. As commuters returned to Grand Central and its surrounding streets after the COVID-19 pandemic, Cerullo expanded its music programs at Pershing Square West and 601 Lexington Ave. Last year, he voted against the City of Yes housing plan, criticizing its \u201cone-size-fits-all\u201d approach. He previously represented Staten Island in the City Council from 1990 through 1994.<\/p>\n

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\n Cesar Claro<\/p>\n

Executive Director, Richmond County Savings Foundation<\/p>\n

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\n SIEDC<\/p>\n

Few people have improved the livelihoods of Staten Island business leaders as much as Cesar Claro. In the three decades he led the Staten Island Economic Development Corp. before stepping down in 2022, Claro grew its budget from $50,000 to $4 million, launched three business improvement districts and secured millions of dollars in grants. Claro is now running the Richmond County Savings Foundation, which recently awarded $250,000 to Alice Austen House to renovate its grounds. He\u2019s also a consultant for West Shore businesses seeking to prevent idling tractor trailers near Port Liberty New York.<\/p>\n

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\n Joseph Conte<\/p>\n

Executive Director, Staten Island Performing Provider System<\/p>\n

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\n Maya Chang<\/p>\n

Since 2015, Joseph Conte has led the Staten Island Performing Provider System, which has sought to address disparities in health care. The nonprofit provides food assistance, housing support and medical services to Medicaid beneficiaries and uninsured patients. When the state received a Medicaid waiver extension last year, Staten Island PPS developed its Social Care Network to provide social needs screenings and coordinate services in the borough over 19 months. Conte has also partnered with NYC Health + Hospitals to launch a program that treats opioid addiction.<\/p>\n

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\n Michael Cusick<\/p>\n

President and CEO, Staten Island Economic Development Corp.<\/p>\n

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\n SIEDC<\/p>\n

After two decades of service as a member of the Assembly, Michael Cusick took over SIEDC in 2023 after Cesar Claro stepped down. Cusick\u2019s chief role at the local economic development corporation has been to enhance the borough\u2019s economy. The former state lawmaker has also advocated for offshore wind to generate jobs and reduce fossil fuel dependency, and recently co-hosted a summit to discuss how Staten Island could improve bus transit with congestion pricing. He is also overseeing the launch of a Community Development Financial Institution pilot program to expand access to financing for business owners in the borough.<\/p>\n

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\n Carol Decina<\/p>\n

Corporate Affairs Manager, National Grid<\/p>\n

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\n Carol Decina<\/p>\n

For nearly 18 years, Carol Decina has been a key liaison between Staten Island\u2019s residents and community organizations and the energy giant National Grid. Decina has worked to ensure that the natural gas utility\u2019s employees give back to their community through annual volunteer efforts to pick up trash, beautify tree beds and plant gardens in group residential homes. Last year, Decina took on another key role as the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce\u2019s board chair, the fourth woman to hold that role in the business organization\u2019s history.<\/p>\n

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\n Jeff Doggett<\/p>\n

President, Wagner College<\/p>\n

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Jeff Doggett
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When Wagner College needed a dynamic liberal arts leader to replace its retiring president Angelo Araimo, they chose Jeff Doggett. The former Merrimack College executive vice president and chief financial officer has sought to stabilize enrollment by phasing out 21 programs and creating new ones as well as launching programs designed to help students succeed after graduating. Doggett\u2019s curricular reinvention, with a focus on nursing, theater and computer science, has earned praise from the Staten Island Advance. Enrollment is at its second-highest level in a decade with a 650-student class of first-year students and graduate students.<\/p>\n

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\n Srinivas Duvvuri<\/p>\n

Senior Medical Director, Mount Sinai Health Network on Staten Island<\/p>\n

Dr. Srinivas Duvvuri isn\u2019t just an esteemed cardiologist with 40 years of experience keeping Staten Island hearts healthy. The Mount Sinai Health Network on Staten Island senior medical director helped the health network expand its facilities by opening a multispecialty practice last year. The 18,000-square-foot expansion includes two new floors for cardiology and other offices. Duvvuri has also helped maintain the Richmond University Medical Center\u2019s standard of excellence for treating heart attack patients, one of 400 hospitals to be recognized by the American College of Cardiology in 2023.<\/p>\n

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\n Kevin Elkins<\/p>\n

Political Director, New York City and Vicinity District Council of Carpenters<\/p>\n

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\n New York City District Council of Carpenters<\/p>\n

Kevin Elkins has ensured New York City\u2019s carpenters union punches above its weight in political brawls. Since helping Democrat Max Rose win a Staten Island congressional seat, the veteran political operative has mobilized unionized carpenters to assert their voices in local politics through its RISE campaign. In February, the carpenters union endorsed Andrew Cuomo for mayor while Elkins joined Cuomo\u2019s campaign, rallying other labor unions to support him. He departed after Cuomo lost the primary and focused on candidates in other races.<\/p>\n

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\n Charles Fall<\/p>\n

Chair, Staten Island Democratic Party<\/p>\n

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\n Celeste Sloman<\/p>\n

Since he was elected to the state Legislature in 2018, Charles Fall has ascended to the top ranks of state and borough politics. Last month, Fall became the deputy majority leader in the Assembly, giving him more responsibility over public safety, transportation and education legislation. Then in October, Fall was elected chair of the Staten Island Democratic Party after Laura LoBianco Sword stepped down over her mayoral endorsement of Zohran Mamdani. Fall has promised to build a stronger party while reaching out to the borough\u2019s young leaders.<\/p>\n

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\n Ciro Galeno Jr.<\/p>\n

Outgoing Executive Director, Noble Maritime Collection<\/p>\n

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\n Megan Beck<\/p>\n

Ciro Galeno Jr.\u2019s dedication to arts education is unparalleled. The Noble Maritime Collection leader has provided 3,000 children with free arts education programs and implemented pay-as-you-wish admissions. Galeno unveiled an exhibit this spring dedicated to the stories of Sailors\u2019 Sung Harbor\u2019s residents and workers. This fall, Noble Maritime became one of five new members to join the city\u2019s exclusive Cultural Institutions Group, enabling the museum to utilize more funding. In early December, Galeno will be departing for a new role as treasurer of the Caddell Dry Dock and Repair Co. shipyard on Staten Island.<\/p>\n

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\n David Gaskin<\/p>\n

President and CEO, Seamen\u2019s Society for Children and Families<\/p>\n

David Gaskin brought a corporate sensibility to the Seamen\u2019s Society for Children and Families when he became its president and CEO in 2017. Gaskin helped the social services nonprofit launch a counseling initiative for children with mental health struggles and recently welcomed four new board members with grant management, information technology and educational expertise. This spring, the organization awarded $30,000 in scholarships to 21 students in foster care. Gaskin also helped organize fundraisers, such as a family fun day and the annual Hope Gala that nearly 250 guests attended in October.<\/p>\n

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\n Katia Gordon<\/p>\n

Project Manager, Con Edison<\/p>\n

For more than two decades, Katia Gordon has been a Con Edison point person on Staten Island, spearheading its public and community affairs efforts before managing its borough electric operations. She has worked on Con Edison\u2019s plans to put its Reliable Clean City transmission lines in the outer boroughs and helped restore power to ratepayers during storms and heat waves this summer. Last year, Gordon was one of six recipients of Con Edison\u2019s Living Our Values award given to recognize exemplary employees.<\/p>\n

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\n Nancy Hagans<\/p>\n

President, New York State Nurses Association<\/p>\n

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\n NYSNA<\/p>\n

Nancy Hagans led New York nurses through the nation\u2019s greatest public health crisis in more than a century and fought for improved staffing legislation to reduce their workloads. Now the New York State Nurses Association president is denouncing Congress\u2019 steep Medicaid cuts, which she warned would force many patients to forgo care and put their lives at risk. Hagans has continued to advocate for better working conditions and oppose layoffs in hospitals as she prepares to negotiate a new contract for 17,000 private sector nurses.<\/p>\n

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\n Christine Hanley<\/p>\n

Field Liaison, United Federation of Teachers Teacher Center<\/p>\n

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Christine Hanley
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\n Christine Hanley<\/p>\n

Christine Hanley has dedicated her career to helping Staten Island\u2019s students learn while empowering the educators who teach them. After starting her career as a substitute teacher and serving as a math teacher at I.S. 7, Hanley has become a top field liaison for the UFT Teacher Center. She has supported the opening of 11 teacher center sites in the borough and has designed citywide professional learning programs to support educators implementing the city\u2019s new math and reading curricula.<\/p>\n

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\n Matthew Janeczko<\/p>\n

Executive Director and CEO, Sisters of Charity Housing Development Corp.<\/p>\n

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Matthew Janeczko
\n \/
\n James Rowe<\/p>\n

Since joining the Sisters of Charity Housing Development Corp. in 2019, Matthew Janeczko has managed 1,500 affordable and transitional units in Staten Island, Manhattan and Rockland County. The nonprofit housing developer operates seven properties in the borough for seniors, homeless individuals and people with mental disabilities. Janeczko warned that the Trump administration\u2019s proposed 44% cut to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development would prevent his organization from providing below-market housing to people in need. He has also advocated for funding the city\u2019s Emergency Housing Voucher Program.<\/p>\n

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\n <\/a>
\n Steven Klein<\/p>\n

Chair, President and CEO, Northfield Bank<\/p>\n

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Steven Klein
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\n Amesse Photography<\/p>\n

For more than two decades, Steven Klein has ensured that Northfield Bank has remained a trusted pillar while other community banks have struggled. In December, Klein was elected to the board of directors of the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York, which helps lenders provide mortgages to families of all income levels. He is also a trustee of the Northfield Bank Foundation, which donated $50,000 to Staten Island University Hospital to expand health care training and education across the borough.<\/p>\n

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\n Clifton Kyle<\/p>\n

Commander, U.S. Army 353rd Civil Affairs Command<\/p>\n

Fort Wadsworth hosted a changing of the guard last year, when the 353rd Civil Affairs Command welcomed its new commander, Col. Clifton Kyle, and thanked Brig. Gen. Dean Thompson for his leadership. Kyle honed his leadership skills when he was deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq during Operation Enduring Freedom and was later stationed in South Korea before leaving active duty in 2006 and joining the U.S. Army Reserve. The 353rd Civil Affairs Command deploys to Africa and Europe and is largely staffed by local reservists.<\/p>\n

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\n Nick Lembo<\/p>\n

Founder and Managing Member, Monadnock Development<\/p>\n

Nick Lembo understands the affordability crisis facing the borough\u2019s working families. Since founding Monadnock Development, his company has developed and rehabilitated 8,000 units. The affordable housing developer recently partnered with the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development and others to build 360 affordable homes with social and health programs for seniors on a city-owned waterfront site in Stapleton. Monadnock has called for the city to set aside 15% of homes in city-subsidized projects for municipal employees.<\/p>\n

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\n Orit Lender<\/p>\n

CEO, Jewish Community Center of Staten Island<\/p>\n

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Orit Lender
\n \/
\n Bill Higgins<\/p>\n

Orit Lender will soon celebrate her 25th anniversary at the Jewish Community Center of Staten Island, which she has positioned as a thriving center of Jewish life in the borough. The JCC\u2019s first woman CEO has helped develop innovative programs, including partnering with the UJA-Federation of New York to create a Hillel of Staten Island serving students at Wagner College and the College of Staten Island. Lender has also worked to secure the funding necessary to upgrade the JCC\u2019s building security. Last month, Lender helped launch a recreation program for people with Parkinson\u2019s disease and their caregivers.<\/p>\n

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

CEO, NYC Health + Hospitals\/Sea View<\/p>\n

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Matthew Levy
\n \/
\n Roland Pugh<\/p>\n

Matthew Levy has spent more than six years running NYC Health + Hospitals\/Sea View, a comprehensive rehabilitation therapy and long-term skilled nursing care facility located on Staten Island. On Levy\u2019s watch, Sea View has earned top ratings from the federal government and high rankings on other lists. The longtime hospital executive has emphasized inclusivity within the institution, which this year earned distinction as a leading LGBTQ+ provider. Sea View is also a pioneer in providing post-acute care for traumatic brain injuries. Levy was previously chief operating officer at Progressive Care Solutions, a New York managed services organization.<\/p>\n

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\n Michael McMahon<\/p>\n

Richmond County District Attorney<\/p>\n

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Michael McMahon
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\n Richmond County District Attorney’s Office<\/p>\n

Richmond County District Attorney Michael McMahon has become one of the state\u2019s leading voices for discovery and bail reform, driven in part by his experience tackling the opioid crisis. As leader of the District Attorneys Association of the State of New York from April 2024 through June 2025, he argued bail reform hindered his office\u2019s efforts in providing treatment to those dealing with addiction. McMahon won some key discovery rollbacks in this year\u2019s state budget negotiations, like giving judges more discretion over dismissals, which went into effect in August. His office regularly provides services for the community, including free document shredding and gun buyback events.<\/p>\n

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\n <\/a>
\n Daniel Messina<\/p>\n

President and CEO, Richmond University Medical Center<\/p>\n

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Daniel Messina
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\n Alex Lutz<\/p>\n

Since becoming president and CEO in 2014, Daniel Messina has helped the Richmond University Medical Center expand its facilities to meet the needs of Staten Islanders. Messina helped secure $67 million in New York City Council capital funding since 2016, including $1.4 million for a new ambulatory services building in this year\u2019s deal. He also accepted $1.52 million in funding from the Staten Island Borough President\u2019s Office for neurological imaging equipment and embarked on a new partnership with the College of Staten Island to enhance its athletic care.<\/p>\n

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\n Frank Morano<\/p>\n

New York City Council Member<\/p>\n

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Frank Morano
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\n Celeste Sloman<\/p>\n

Frank Morano jumped at the chance to represent South Shore residents in the New York City Council when Republican Joe Borelli resigned in January to become a lobbyist. The Eltingville native hosted a nationally syndicated radio show before defeating two candidates in an April special election with 59% of the vote. Morano has since left his show, and in the council he has sought to block a homeless shelter and proposed a bill exempting some businesses from the city\u2019s trash containerization policy. Morano supported the mayoral campaign of his former radio colleague, Curtis Sliwa, but found more luck with his own reelection bid.<\/p>\n

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\n Ericker Onaga<\/p>\n

Executive Director, Community Health Action of Staten Island<\/p>\n

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Ericker Onaga
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\n Carter Tippins Photography<\/p>\n

Ericker Onaga officially took the reins of Community Health Action of Staten Island last year when longtime leader Diane Arneth retired after 32 years at the helm of the nonprofit. Onaga, a lifelong Staten Islander, had served as program director for three years, creating its Data and Quality Department and instituting a new management policy to support CHASI\u2019s 140 workers and 19,000 clients. This year, Onaga helped organize a Denim Day rally against sexual assault at Borough Hall and partnered with the Staten Island Community Alliance to help throw the borough\u2019s fifth annual Juneteenth festival at Snug Harbor.<\/p>\n

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\n Ilene Pappert<\/p>\n

Director, Goodhue Community Center, Children\u2019s Aid Society<\/p>\n

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Ilene Pappert
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\n Ashley Watkins<\/p>\n

After spending nearly a half century dedicated to the Goodhue Community Center\u2019s mission to help Staten Island\u2019s children and families in need, Ilene Pappert is preparing to retire. The center\u2019s veteran director has ensured Goodhue\u2019s 42-acre campus provides food and after-school programs for campers each summer. The longtime Staten Islander started out as a summer day camp counselor in 1976 and as a junior program supervisor in 1977 and took over as director of the Goodhue Community Center in 1992. She\u2019s also an administrative supervisor for the I.S. 61 William A Morris After-School and Camp Program.<\/p>\n

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\n Vito Pitta<\/p>\n

Co-Managing Member, Pitta Bishop & Del Giorno LLC<\/p>\n

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Vito Pitta
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\n Turi Productions<\/p>\n

Vito Pitta has cultivated close ties to City Hall and has helped position his firm, Pitta Bishop & Del Giorno, as a Top 10 lobbyist in New York state. Pitta is one of several key players at the firm, along with his father, Chair and Managing Member Vincent Pitta. The younger Pitta notched a key victory this year advising Bally\u2019s, whose Bronx casino bid is one of just three remaining in the competition for up to three full casino licenses. Pitta also helped secure $8 million in capital funds in fiscal year 2026 for the Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden on Staten Island.<\/p>\n

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\n James Prendamano<\/p>\n

Owner and CEO, PreReal Prendamano Real Estate<\/p>\n

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James Prendamano
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\n Prendamano Real Estate<\/p>\n

For James Prendamano, real estate runs in the family. For years, he worked at his mother\u2019s firm, Casandra Properties. In 2022, Prendamano launched his own firm, then set about to sell the South Shore Commons shopping center. Over the years, he has closed more than 1,500 deals, had a hand in more than $1 billion in transactions and has leased more than 1 million square feet of commercial space. The firm recently established an investment division in New Mexico, buying up land in Sierra County for a 1,300-home planned community.<\/p>\n

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\n Bianca Rajpersaud<\/p>\n

Associate Director, Government Relations, Davidoff Hutcher & Citron<\/p>\n

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Bianca Rajpersaud
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\n Davidoff Hutcher & Citron<\/p>\n

Bianca Rajpersaud is an integral member of one of New York City\u2019s premier government affairs firms and a top Democratic leader in the borough. At Davidoff Hutcher & Citron, which is marking its 50th anniversary this year, Rajpersaud has helped secure state funding for vertical farming initiatives in underserved communities, advocated for fair procurement practices and worked on advancing electric air taxis to operate in the city. She\u2019s a district leader for Assembly District 63, a member of the North Shore Democratic Club and a former state Senate candidate.<\/p>\n

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\n Tatiana Sabatelli<\/p>\n

Executive Director, Nonprofit Staten Island<\/p>\n

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Tatiana Sabatelli
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\n DPCapturedMoments<\/p>\n

Tatiana Sabatelli moved to St. George after college and found her community among the borough\u2019s close-knit nonprofit world. After working with organizations that provided social services and workforce development resources, she joined Nonprofit Staten Island, then known as the Staten Island Not-for-Profit Association, in 2022 with a mission to help groups retain staff and stabilize their funding. Sabatelli has since spearheaded the organization\u2019s rebranding, led discussions on the value of diversity on Staten Island and organized an annual community service awards banquet attended by nearly 300 people. Her Staten Island wedding was even covered by the Staten Island Advance earlier this year.<\/p>\n

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\n Michael Tannousis<\/p>\n

Chair, Staten Island Republican Party<\/p>\n

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Michael Tannousis
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\n New York State Assembly<\/p>\n

Since Assembly Member Michael Tannousis was elected in 2020, Staten Island\u2019s Republican Party membership has risen by about 8,000 voters while Democrats have lost 7,000. Although Democrats still slightly outnumber Republicans in the borough, as chair of the Staten Island Republican Party, Tannousis has helped ensure the GOP retained control of three out of the four Assembly seats and two out of the three City Council seats while widening President Donald Trump\u2019s and Rep. Nicole Malliotakis\u2019 margins of victory last year. Tannousis has advocated for public safety legislation in Albany, including rollbacks to bail reform and discovery laws.<\/p>\n

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\n Henry Thompson<\/p>\n

CEO, Community Health Center of Richmond<\/p>\n

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Henry Thompson
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\n LifeMosaic Photography<\/p>\n

Henry Thompson developed a reputation in Florida as a financial turnaround expert before relocating to New York and becoming CEO of the Community Health Center of Richmond in 2010. Since then, Thompson has helped the nonprofit quadruple its staff to 112 people and conduct 41,000 visits annually. Thompson has also expanded the center\u2019s footprint with the addition of two new facilities in Port Richmond and New Dorp, with a combined $20 million budget to offer primary and behavioral health services. This year, CHCR launched the Thrive Tour to provide new families with access to maternal health resources.<\/p>\n

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\n James Thomson<\/p>\n

Owner and Attorney, Thomson Law<\/p>\n

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James Thomson
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\n Joseph Giovinazzo<\/p>\n

After nearly 15 years working in real estate law at one of the borough\u2019s largest firms, James Thomson established his own firm in 2021. He has been directly involved with the borough\u2019s Republican Party, serving as an executive committee member, as legal counsel to New York City Council Member David Carr and as a member of the Republican Judicial Election Initiative that has increased the number of GOP judges. Thomson also is a founding board member for the Anthony M. Varvaro Believe Foundation, which honors his late brother-in-law, a Port Authority police officer, by supporting youth sports.<\/p>\n

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\n Yanni Trittas<\/p>\n

Senior Vice President, Constantinople & Vallone Consulting<\/p>\n

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Yanni Trittas
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\n William Alatriste<\/p>\n

Yanni Trittas came to Constantinople & Vallone Consulting in 2020 after serving three years as a key staffer in the Assembly and as a New York City Council fellow. Trittas has distinguished himself in the firm\u2019s energy and environmental practice, where he has specialized in clean and renewable energy, emerging technologies, autonomous vehicles and electric vehicle charging, and telecommunications. Trittas has also worked on more than a dozen political campaigns and remains active in Democratic politics in the borough.<\/p>\n

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\n Terry Troia<\/p>\n

President and CEO, Project Hospitality<\/p>\n

The Rev. Terry Troia has dedicated her life to providing food and shelter for Staten Islanders in need. Since 1985, the venerable pastor has led Project Hospitality, an interfaith organization that serves people living with HIV\/AIDS, dealing with homelessness or suffering from substance use. Troia\u2019s four decades of dedication and advocacy for the less fortunate was recognized at the St. Joseph\u2019s Day Dinner this spring and honored this fall at an annual gala for CareStar, a citywide coalition of health care organizations.<\/p>\n

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\n Agatha Vassallo<\/p>\n

Executive Director, Pride Center of Staten Island<\/p>\n

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Agatha Vassallo
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\n HGV<\/p>\n

Throughout her career, Agatha Vassallo has been committed to providing allyship and making New York a more inclusive community. Vassallo was elevated to executive director of the Pride Center of Staten Island after Carol Bullock retired earlier this year and helped organize a \u201cFlannel Farewell\u201d fundraiser in March. She has also expanded the center\u2019s services, strengthened community partnerships and helped Bullock make history when the Pride Center was permitted to march with its own banner at the borough\u2019s annual St. Patrick\u2019s Day Parade for the first time in 60 years.<\/p>\n

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\n Laura Jean Watters<\/p>\n

Executive Director, The Staten Island Foundation<\/p>\n

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Laura Jean Watters
\n \/
\n Craig Manister<\/p>\n

Laura Jean Watters has admirably continued Betsy Dubovsky\u2019s legacy of giving at The Staten Island Foundation. Watters took the helm of the charity after its longtime leader died from pancreatic cancer in 2021 and has since given fellowships to social workers in Dubovsky\u2019s memory. This year, the foundation launched a matching grant program to local nonprofit groups in honor of its founding board member Alice Diamond and partnered with the Jewish Community Center of Staten Island to establish a fellowship to help community leaders tackle religious discrimination and conflict resolution.<\/p>\n

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\n Justin Wood<\/p>\n

Director of Policy, New York Lawyers for the Public Interest<\/p>\n

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Justin Wood
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\n Reuben Kleiner<\/p>\n

Over the past decade, Justin Wood has led countless campaigns to make Staten Island a cleaner, safer and more accessible place to live. The New York Lawyers for the Public Interest policy director advocated for restoring ferry service between Staten Island and Brooklyn and rallied against a proposal to install a gas pipeline running near the borough\u2019s shoreline. Wood has played a key role reforming the city\u2019s commercial waste system and making more of the city\u2019s taxis and ride-hailing vehicles wheelchair accessible.<\/p>\n

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<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Nadia Adam President and Executive Director, Staten Island Industrial Alliance Nadia Adam \/ Ceylon Creative Studios Nadia Adam…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":50530,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[39],"tags":[9,24,63,805,134,136,135,926],"class_list":{"0":"post-50529","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-staten-island","8":"tag-new-york","9":"tag-new-york-city","10":"tag-nyc","11":"tag-publishers-section","12":"tag-staten-island","13":"tag-staten-island-headlines","14":"tag-staten-island-news","15":"tag-trailblazers"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/50529","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=50529"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/50529\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/50530"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=50529"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=50529"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=50529"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}