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BUSINESS
FINANCE
AWARDS
&
MAJOR SPONSOR
CONTRIBUTING SPONSORS
NONPROFIT SPONSORS
Adelphi University proudly congratulates Long Island Business News (LIBN) Business and Finance Award winner James J. Perrino, executive vice president of finance and operations at Adelphi University. Adelphi University’s commitment to supporting and serving its students, faculty, staff, alumni and the local community is exemplified by the financial expertise and visionary leadership of our executive vice president of finance and operations, James (Jim) Perrino. Garden City-based Adelphi University contributes more than $500 million to the New York state economy, according to a recent report by the Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities in New York (CICU). Adelphi is a valued partner to Long Island businesses and organizations and an important part of the local economy. Since joining Adelphi in 2017, Perrino has overseen critical University operations and projects, including the recent renovation of the Ruth S. Harley University Center, while spearheading initiatives to increase the University’s financial and organizational strength. Thanks to his expert leadership, Adelphi has maintained a firm financial footing despite the global pandemic, as validated by Standard & Poor’s reaffirmation of the University’s A– bond rating in February 2021. For his exemplary performance in financial and operational leadership, Perrino is exceptionally deserving of the LIBN Business and Finance Award.
The Business & Finance Awards recognize financial professionals for
their outstanding performance as stewards of Long Island’s
corporations, government and nonprofit organizations.
2021 HONOREES
4 CHRISTOPHER D. CAPORALE 10 MARK KRAVIETZ 18 RICHARD A. PERSAUD
The Long Island Coalition Against Bullying ALINE Wealth, Hightower Advisors ACRES Capital Corp.
4 LAURA CONDULIS 11 BONNIE MANN FALK 18 ANTHONY RUSSO
Island Harvest Food Bank Berdon LLP Long Island Board of Realtors, Inc.,
Metro Realtors Federal Credit Union
5 ELIZABETH CUSTODIO 12 STEPHEN MCCARTHY
People’s United Bank Federation of Organizations 19 MARK STONE
Sales Tax Defense LLC
6 GREGORY N. FERRARIS 12 DENISE MCGLONE
GNFerraris CPA LLC Teachers Federal Credit Union 20 BRITTANY (STUMP) HANDELSON
J.P. Morgan Private Bank
6 HARLAN FISCHER 13 BILLY MUEGER
20 JOE TEDESCO
Branch Financial Services, Inc. Ernst & Young LLP
Ocean Financial Federal Credit Union
7 COLETTE FREY-BITZAS 14 KATHY O’BRIEN 21 NICK THEOS
PPS Advisors, American Portfolios Jefferson’s Ferry Life Plan Community UHY LLP
8 ROB GILMAN 15 JOHN PELLITTERI 22 MARY ANN VASSALLO
Anchin Accountants and Advisors Grassi Advisors & Accountants Family and Children’s Association
9 JAKE IVRY 16 JIM PERRINO 22 JAMES WEBSTER
Esquire Bank, N.A. Adelphi University ROK Financial
9 RHONDA KLCH 16 JOSEPH PERRY 23 PATRIZIA ZANABONI
Equity First Consultants Marcum LLP Sea Tow Services International
President Charles Lefkowitz and
Past President Michael Ardolino and
Board of Directors
CONGRATULATE OUR 2nd VICE PRESIDENT
COLETTE FREY-BITZAS,
MBA, CFP
And All The Honorees of the Business
and Finance Awards Class of 2021
Nassau Suffolk Law Services would like to
congratulate Advisory Council Member
Jacob Ivry,
Esquire Bank
On being recognized as a 2021 LIBN’s
Business and Finance Award Honoree
WWW.3VCHAMBER.COM Thank you Jake for all you do for NSLS.
4 I LONG ISLAND BUSINESS NEWS BUSINESS
FINANCE &
AWARDS
CHRISTOPHER D.
CAPORALE
TREASURER
THE LONG ISLAND COALITION AGAINST
BULLYING
L
ong Island native Christopher D. for the NYU Cogen Expansion Project, he
Caporale has spent more than a guides a project that adds power genera-
decade turning accounting toward tion and distribution capabilities across
the areas in life that he is most New York University’s campus. He has also
passionate about. As a child he was always worked on multiple projects for New York
in search of a project, and worked along- Presbyterian Hospital and the renovation
side his father as an electrical apprentice. of Madison Square Garden. In addition
He graduated Cum Laude from Fairfield to his CPA license, Caporale also has a
University with a bachelor of science in certificate in building electrical systems
accounting. He also served as the univer- design from New York University and is a
sity’s Accounting Club president, and was licensed New York State home inspector.
honored with the IAA Outstanding Audit Caporale’s passion for giving back to the
Student of the Year. Following graduation, Long Island community helped lead him
Caporale spent the next two years as an to the Long Island Coalition Against Bul-
audit associate at PricewaterhouseCoopers lying, where he has served as treasurer for
LLP in Manhattan. the last four years. LICAB emphasizes the
After earning his CPA license, Caporale importance of bully-free communities on
decided to combine his accounting skills Long Island through education, increased
with his love of projects, and launched his awareness, and therapeutic outlets. As
career at Turner Construction Company, LICAB is funded entirely by private dona-
where he currently serves as a project tions, Caporale’s role is crucial in ensuring
superintendent. For the last 10 years that the programs provided by LICAB are
Caporale has had a hand in some of the properly funded.
most important construction projects in Caporale lives on Long Island with his
New York City. As project superintendent fiancée Francine and their Pomsky, Lucky.
LAURA CONDULIS ,
CPA
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
ISLAND HARVEST FOOD BANK
L
aura Condulis, CPA, began her capital campaign with the purchase and
career in public accounting in the moving to a new 43,000-square-foot
construction and hospitality indus- facility in Melville. The additional space
tries and for several not-for-profit will enable the food bank to expand its
organizations. She joined Island Harvest social services-related initiatives, including
Food Bank in 2017 as vice president of workforce development programs, nutri-
finance, rising to the food bank’s chief tion education, benefits assistance, and
financial officer. programs aimed at targeted populations –
Condulis takes pride in providing older adults, children, and veterans.
Condulis directs all financial admin-
timely and accurate data and support to all
istration and oversees a team of six. She
organizational stakeholders, internally and
has created mutually beneficial partner-
externally.
ships with financial institutions and other
The COVID-19 pandemic forced Island
external organizations, and internally, with
Harvest to pivot its service model to meet
stakeholders to ensure that the operational
the unprecedented needs of the commu- and strategic goals of the organization
nity, and also caused the hunger-relief are met. She is lead executive on the food
organization to change its business model bank’s budget process and prepares and
from a donation-based supplier of food communicates monthly, quarterly, and
support to a purchaser to keep up with annual financial statements for the senior
the demand. Under Condulis’ financial leadership team, the Board of Directors,
guidance, Island Harvest Food Bank and its finance committee. In addition, she
increased service to the most vulnerable works closely with the Human Resources
Long Islanders by over 70 percent. at Island Harvest and is lead executive on
Condulis in 2020 also led the team risk management analysis and communi-
that secured the financing, and eventual cation with outside insurance providers
closing on Island Harvest Food Bank’s to ensure the organization maintains its
new building, culminating a five-year standard of coverage.
&
BUSINESS
FINANCE
AWARDS
LONG ISLAND BUSINESS NEWS I 5
ELIZABETH
CUSTODIO
VICE PRESIDENT, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
& CRA OFFICER
PEOPLE’S UNITED BANK
L
ongtime Stony Brook resident and Custodio possesses a profound awareness
Bronx native Elizabeth Custodio of the needs and concerns of economically
embarked on her banking career disadvantaged and socially challenged
with then-Manufacturers Hanover communities — but also the transfor-
Trust Co., and in those formative years was mative power that comes from access to
first introduced to the vital importance of opportunity. She excels in exploring, cre-
true customer service. Today, Custodio is ating, and developing synergies between
still driven by that defining principle, with business, industry, academia, government,
skills now honed by over 40 years of dedi- and key community-based organizations.
cated banking experience — most recently She helped secure PPP loans and finan-
at People’s United Bank, where she serves cial assistance for companies and orga-
as vice president of community develop- nizations refocused on supporting their
ment and CRA officer for New York. Her communities, which proved life-changing
responsibilities include economic and during the pandemic. Fluent in Spanish
community outreach, while ensuring the and raised in the inner city, Custodio is
bank continues to comply with all local, informed and imbued by a broad, inclusive
state, and federal regulatory requirements. perspective of ‘community,’ with an innate
Previously, Custodio held a similar role sensitivity to diversity, multiculturalism,
at Suffolk County National Bank as well and evolving socio-economic dynamics
as at Astoria Bank, both of which came at — materia prima for building an indis-
the heels of an extensive tenure at HSBC, pensable network: including the LI His-
where she led its community business panic Chamber of Commerce, the Long
development officers throughout the orga- Island Regional Planning Council, and
nization’s national footprint. other community-focused organizations.
6 I LONG ISLAND BUSINESS NEWS BUSINESS
FINANCE &
AWARDS
GREGORY N.
FERRARIS, CPA
PRINCIPAL
GNFERRARIS CPA LLC
G
regory N. Ferraris, principal Sag Harbor, specializing in not-for-profit
at GNFerraris CPA LLC, has over organizations, CIRA’s, high net worth
28 years of experience providing individuals, and closely held businesses.
tax, audit, and advisory services Ferraris has built a firm that is staffed by
to a diversified client base throughout the experienced individuals to handle needs
general metropolitan area; its audit prac- of these specialized industries in which his
tice provides an emphasis on not-for-profit expertise has thrived.
organizations, Common Interest Realty Ferraris graduated from Long Island
Associations, and innovative startup ven- University with a bachelor of science
tures. GNFerraris provides tax and adviso- degree in accounting. His commitment to
ry to the closely held service and hospi- the community is evidenced by his tenure
tality industries, which are most prevalent on numerous charitable and civic orga-
in the Hamptons, as well as private equity nizations, which include president and
funded ventures and high net worth treasurer of the Donal Reutershan Educa-
individuals located throughout the U.S’. tional Trust; president and treasurer of the
Ferraris believes his firm’s success stems Sag Harbor Community Housing Trust;
from the relationship-building process and treasurer and member of the board of
with clientele that results in long-standing directors of Peconic Landing of Southould
commitments. Inc. He also served as mayor of the Village
Prior to forming GNFerraris CPA, of Sag Harbor from 2006 to 2009.
Ferraris was a tax and audit manager at Among his accolades, Ferraris has
Boston, MA-based Creelman & Smith PC, received awards and designations pertain-
where he provided services to a number of ing to civic activities, including 2020 New
well-known not-for-profit organizations York Trustee of the Year – Leading Age
and broker/dealers in the securities in- New York, and 2019 Person of the Year –
dustry. This experience became invaluable Sag Harbor Partnership.
as it enabled him to start his own firm in
HARLAN FISCHER
PRESIDENT
BRANCH FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.
A
s president of Setauket-based organization’s highest honor.
Branch Financial Services, Inc., He was president of the Board of Di-
Harlan J. Fischer has participat- rectors of the Smithtown Township Arts
ed in the growth of one of Long Council from 1992-1997 and was the
Island’s most respected financial services 1997–1998 President of the Smithtown
organizations since 1974. A graduate of Rotary Club. Fischer also served as vice
Northeastern University, Fischer earned president of the board of trustees of the
his Chartered Life Underwriter and Char- Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum and
tered Financial Consultant professional Planetarium. Fischer also served as chair
designations from the American College of the Walnut Street Securities Repre-
in 1983. He also holds the Registered sentative Advisory Council, and in 2006
Financial Consultant and Certified Re- received its prestigious “Distinguished
tirement Counselor designations. He is a Partner” award.
registered representative and investment Fischer is the president emeritus of the
advisor representative of Cetera Advisor Metropolitan Contemporary Glass Group,
Networks LLC. Fischer has taught courses where he served as president for eight
on investments and insurance and has lec- years, and was president of the Art Alli-
tured nationally on these subjects as well ance for Contemporary Glass from 2011
as financial strategies and estate planning. through 2016, and served on its executive
He has also been quoted in insurance and board through 2020. Fischer served as
financial industry publications. president of the board of the Art League of
Fischer is a member of The Financial Long Island in 2018 and 2019, and is cur-
Planning Association and was a past rently the chairman of the Planning Board
president of the Suffolk County chapter of of the Village of Head of the Harbor,
the American Society of Financial Service Fischer and his wife are founding mem-
Professionals, where he is still an active bers of The Ennion Society at The Corning
member. In June 2000, Fischer received Museum of Glass and are members of the
the Rudolf Stegeman “Total Professional director’s advisory circle at the Long Island
Award” from the Suffolk Association of Museum, where he and his wife received
Insurance and Financial Advisors – the the “Patron of the Arts” award in 2018.
&
BUSINESS
FINANCE
AWARDS
LONG ISLAND BUSINESS NEWS I 7
COLETTE
FREY-BITZAS
DIRECTOR OF FINANCIAL PLANNING
PPS ADVISORS, AMERICAN PORTFOLIOS
C
olette Frey-Bitzas joined Hol- of the council. Frey-Bitzas also serves as
brook-based PPS Advisors in the second vice president on the board of
2010 as the director of financial directors for The Three Village Chamber
planning. She is passionate about of Commerce, and additionally serves as
helping her clients grow and protect their a member of the Stony Brook Hospital
wealth, and at PPS Advisors she develops compliance and audit committee of the
strategic financial plans and offers wisdom governing body.
in wealth management through education An avid student of her profession, Frey-
and self-empowerment. Bitzas received her bachelor of science
In the face of financial devastation trig- degree in finance and economics from St.
gered by the COVID-19 pandemic and John’s University in 1983 and the profes-
its resulting restrictions, Frey-Bitzas was sional designation as a certified financial
recognized by colleagues for her ability planner in 1990 by meeting the educa-
to effectively pivot her thriving business, tion, examination, experience, and ethics
not only assisting her existing clients in standards established by the Certified
navigating uncharted territory bu also Financial Planners Board of Standards.
expanding her business’s reach to assist Furthering her education, she went on to
others facing a troubled economy. As co- receive an MBA in international finance
chair on the executive board of the Three and business from Hofstra University in
Village Business Advisory Council, she 1991. Frey-Bitzas is also an approved New
successfully spearheaded the continuation York State insurance department monitor
of the chamber’s small business program and instructor, an adjunct professor at
of events, directed to assist a range of Molloy College and is actively involved in
businesses throughout the Long Island the local community.
community. Frey-Bitzas also regularly In her free time, Frey-Bitzas enjoys bik-
offers resources to assist in the recovery ing and participating in outdoor activities
of the small business community as part with her three adult children and two
grandchildren.
The proud employees of
Branch Financial Services, Inc.
would like to congratulate
Harlan J. Fischer
on this well deserved award!
Branch Financial Services, Inc.
A REGISTERED INVESTMENT ADVISOR
Proudly Serving the Community Since 1974
Integrity – Insight – Independence
“You Can’t Hug an 800 Number” ™
www.branchfinancialsrvcs.com
21 Bennetts Road, Suite 201
Setauket, NY 11733
Phone: (631) 979-6000
ROB GILMAN
ANCHIN ACCOUNTANTS AND ADVISORS
R
obert S. Gilman, CPA, CGMA, is and timely information. These alerts are
an accounting and audit partner accessible to anyone in the industry and
at Anchin and co-leader of the provide succinct updates which have been
firm’s real estate group. He has especially important not only for land-
extensive experience serving real estate lords, but also their tenants, throughout
owners, developers, and operators in both the pandemic.
the commercial and residential sec- Additionally, Gilman has been involved
tors. Gilman advises his clients on day-to- in the process of establishing Anchin’s
day operations, tax saving opportunities, Long Island office, and was a key player
and transactional support that includes from the beginning of the office’s plan-
due diligence on the acquisition and ning pre-COVID. He has been on the
disposition of real estate, 1031 exchanges, ground at the office since it opened to
and opportunity zones. His experience ensure smooth and safe operations.
extends to tax structuring on deals, secur- Gilman is recognized for his depth of
ing financing, reviewing, and analyzing industry knowledge, reliability, and most
operating agreements and assisting with recently leadership skills in the wake of
client investor relations for both domestic COVID-19. He has been instrumental
and international investors. Gilman also in curating webinars for staff and clients
advises clients on financial and estate alike on various relief funding and critical
planning, budgeting, tax planning, and information to help support clients.
cash flow strategies. Many of his clients’ Gilman is a member of the American
projects are built from the ground up and Institute of Certified Public Accountants,
require intensive reviews of construction the New York State Society of Certified
and ancillary costs. He also consults on Public Accountants, and the Real Estate
compliance, accounting, and tax issues Board of New York. He is involved with
that impact the real estate industry. many real estate industry and Long Island
During one of the most complex years based organizations, such as REBNY and
in recent history, the Anchin Real Estate the LIA.
group was successful in making sure its Gilman has been recognized on Crain’s
clients were able to operate. During the 2021 New York’s Notable in Real Estate
pandemic, Gilman provided his clients list, as well as Globe St.’s 2021 Best Bosses
with simplified access to critical informa- award, among other achievements over the
tion by creating and distributing topical last year.
Robert Gilman
CPA, CGMA
Congratulations!
The partners, colleagues, and clients of
Anchin would like to congratulate
Rob Gilman, Partner and Co-Leader of
Anchin's Real Estate Group, for being
honored as one of the Long Island
Business News Business & Finance
Award honorees for 2021.
Long Island New York City For more information, please contact
50 Charles Lindbergh Blvd 1375 Broadway Robert at robert.gilman@anchin.com
Uniondale, NY 11553 New York, NY 10018
anchin.com
JACOB IVRY
SENIOR MANAGING DIRECTOR
ESQUIRE BANK, N.A.
J
acob Ivry is a senior managing Finding tailored lending and deposit solu-
director at Esquire Bank, and has tions for his clients provides Ivry with the
spent three decades in the finan- greatest satisfaction.
cial services industry. He brings Ivry obtained his bachelor of arts in eco-
a wealth of expertise in working with nomics from Hunter College. He holds a
professional services with an affinity to certificate in advanced credit analysis from
contingency fee law firms. Ivry has a Jon A. Stroble & Associates.
keen understanding of what it takes for a When he is not busy helping law firms
law firm to grow and thrive in a rapidly grow their business, Ivry enjoys giving
changing market. He works closely with back to his community by working on be-
half of various not-for-profit organizations
clients to help them think strategically
on Long Island. He has been a member
about the use of capital in their law firms,
of Nassau Suffolk Law Services’ advisory
so that they can accelerate the growth of
council and government affairs committee
their firm’s net worth and maximize their
since 2017, assisting the organization in its
professional liquidity.
mission to help qualifying Long Islanders
Esquire Bank is a full-service, publicly
in need exercise their rights under the
traded commercial bank dedicated to law. From veterans to seniors, to families
serving the needs of the legal industry. to people with disabilities, NSLS provides
For more than a decade, Esquire Bank has free legal support and access to the civil
been focused on designing products and justice system on Long Island.
services around the legal industry’s unique Ivry supports the annual fundraiser,
financial needs. The Esquire team is com- Commitment to Justice Reception, and in
prised of bankers and lawyers who offer 2019 joined the NSLS government affairs
unparalleled knowledge of the litigation committee, currently serving as its chair.
industry and the needs of a contingency While the pandemic posed many chal-
fee law firm. lenges to doing business and also had a
Ivry has a strong understanding of the negative effect on the not-for-profit sector,
financial functions of business organiza- Ivry believes that when reflecting on the
tions across the United States, including things we are grateful for, we should not
a business concentration on both coasts. forget those who are less fortunate than us.
RHONDA KLCH
EQUITY FIRST CONSULTANTS
R
honda Klch, managing partner ates strategic alliances, and establishes
at Equity First Consultants, has relationships with decision makers and
a vast background in credit and elected government officials as well as
financial solutions. Launching media outlets. She is plays a critical role in
her career at Equity First in 2004, she has developing program concepts, implemen-
assisted thousands of clients in the areas tation and program data to ensure future
of credit, mortgage modification, student development.
loans, business solutions and more. She Klch is also host of her own weekly
has an extensive background working radio show, where she invites regional
with high net worth clients who invest in business leaders to share their expertise
real estate, commercial assets and other and offer insight to the community. She is
also the founder of The Angel Awards, a
portfolio assets.
Long Island-based recognition program
Klch’s approach to creating financial
highlighting empowering women in busi-
solutions is rooted in a comprehensive,
ness who make an impact in the commu-
easy-to-follow plan, whereby she quarter-
nity through their business or volunteer
backs with clients’ wealth management
efforts.
team to achieve optimal results. Her list
Klch has received numerous honors
of high net worth clients include Grammy within the community, including the
award winning musicians, actors, fran- LIBN Executive Circle Award, LICBW
chise owners, as well as bankers and fund Achiever Award, Top Female Executive,
managers. and CHI Heroes Award. She has also been
Alongside her husband, Stephen, the highlighted in the Who’s Who Excellence
couple is also avid real estate investors. in Business. Klch is affiliated with organi-
Together they also founded Equity First zations that include BOOM Business Net-
Foundation – a not-for-profit that provides work, HIA-LI, and Elite Referral Group.
financial education to schools, community In addition to her professional and
centers and groups of all stages, ages and philanthropic endeavors, Klch is also the
abilities. Klch serves as executive director proud mother of five boys – what she
of the organization, where she manages considers to be her most important role.
budgets, maintains donor information, Her two eldest sons have followed in her
establishes funding opportunities, cre- footsteps as budding young entrepreneurs.
10 I LONG ISLAND BUSINESS NEWS
&
BUSINESS
FINANCE
AWARDS
MARK KRAVIETZ,
CIMA®, CFP®, CEPA®
MANAGING PARTNER, FOUNDER
ALINE WEALTH, HIGHTOWER ADVISORS
M
ark Kravietz, CIMA®, CFP®, Kravietz holds the Certified Finan-
CEPA® is the managing part- cial Planner designation, as well as the
ner and founder of ALINE Certified Investment Management Analyst
Wealth. Kravietz offers finan- designation from the Wharton School of
cial solutions with a decidedly human Business. He specializes in exit planning
touch. He brings a consummate invest- and achieved the accreditation of Certified
ment acumen to the full range of clients’ Exit Planning Advisor from the University
challenges, supplemented by considerable of Chicago’s Booth Business School. He is
insight in exit strategy. His knowledge of a founding member and president of the
financial, investment, and exit planning New York Chapter of the Exit Planning
has helped clients through difficult eco- Institute. In 2016, Kravietz received the
nomic and market cycles. Kravietz enjoys 2016 Leader of the Year Award at the Exit
helping clients every step of the way in Planning Institute’s International Confer-
their success, from building it to sharing ence, and in 2014 was honored with the
it with their loved ones when that time Excellence in Planning and Volunteer of
comes. the Year Award.
As managing partner at ALINE Kravietz was named among the top
Wealth, Kravietz helps the team grow 31 wealth advisors in New York State in
assets under management to nearly $1 2019, 2020, and 2021 by Forbes Magazine.
billion dollars while transitioning the He has been the subject of articles in a
team to work fully remote. He has worked variety of publications and has made radio
tirelessly to find innovative ways to engage appearances. Kravietz also has a podcast
clients and prospects during these tough about how to successfully exit your busi-
times. Kravietz has also started a You- ness called “Find Your Exit.” Engaged in
Tube series called, “Coffee With Krav” to nonprofit efforts, he is a board member for
provide his clients with thoughtful and the Long Island American Heart Associ-
engaging content through the pandemic. ation.
Long Island Business & Finance Honoree
CONGRATULATIONS
STEPHEN MCCARTHY
On behalf of Federation of Organizations’
Board of Directors and staff, we
congratulate Stephen McCarthy and
all of the award recipients.
You lead by example in your communities
and we applaud your strength, leadership,
creativity and innovation. You continue
to be an inspiration to all!
LONG ISLAND OFFICE NYC OFFICE
One Farmingdale Road 116-06 Myrtle Avenue
West Babylon, NY 11704 Richmond Hill, NY 11418
631.669.5355 718.850.7099
FedOfOrg @Fedororg | fedoforg.org&
BUSINESS
FINANCE
AWARDS
LONG ISLAND BUSINESS NEWS I 11
BONNIE MANN FALK
PARTNER
BERDON LLP
B
onnie Mann Falk is a partner in technical proficiency and the application
the quality control department of new standards and procedures; working
of Berdon LLP, bringing nearly with firm leaders to incorporate new
30 years of experience in public technologies for the audit process; and
accounting and expertise in a variety of elevating the Berdon brand awareness and
areas including quality management, reputation for technical expertise. During
compliance, and risk management. As a the unprecedented pandemic, she served
QC partner, Mann Falk advises the firm as an accounting and auditing technical
on policies and procedures to enhance resource which enabled Berdon to contin-
quality, increase efficiency, and elevate ue to provide the highest level of quality
communication. She also determines the service to clients.
impact of new and developing standards Prior to joining Berdon, Mann
Falk spent a year as the iartner in charge
and assists in ensuring compliance with
of quality control at another New York-
accepted standards and policies. Mann
based CPA firm. She also spent 13 years on
Falk has worked with clients in a variety of
the quality and risk management and
industries including real estate, financial
financial services teams at the U.S. arm
services, manufacturing and distribution,
of a global accounting firm. While in this
professional services, food and beverage, role, Mann Falk not only serviced clients
not-for-profit, and more. reporting under U.S. GAAP and IFRS in a
In her role at Berdon, Mann Falk’s respon- number of industries—including domes-
sibilities include performing technical tic and international publicly traded and
reviews of attest engagements; providing privately held companies, international
updates and guidance on accounting and banks, registered investment advisors,
auditing technical pronouncements; devel- investment companies, broker/dealers,
oping and monitoring the assurance prac- and digital assets — but also served as the
tice; providing technical consultations on representative on six CAQ task forces as
complex accounting and auditing matters; well as the Q&RM lead for the Long Island
training staff on best practices to enhance market.
congratulations
Kathy O'Brien This award recognizes financial
Controller experts whose exemplary performance
as a steward of Long Island’s
and all of honorees of the 2021 business community has made a
LI Business News - significant impact in the personal and
Business & Finance Awards! professional lives of others.
LONG ISLAND’S PREMIER LIFE PLAN COMMUNITY
One Jefferson Ferry Drive, South Setauket, NY 11720 | (631) 675-5550 | jeffersonsferry.com12 I LONG ISLAND BUSINESS NEWS BUSINESS
FINANCE &
AWARDS
STEPHEN
MCCARTHY
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
FEDERATION OF ORGANIZATIONS
I
n Stephen McCarthy’s first job at Fed- financing. He also acts as chief technology
eration of Organizations, he emptied officer for the agency, which has grown to
wastepaper baskets and vacuumed the employ about 475 people and provides an
floors. At the time, he was a 15-year- ever-expanding array of residential, clini-
old high school student, and the human cal, and supportive services to about 7,000
services agency, which is now based in individuals with mental illness, substance
West Babylon, had about 10 employees. use issues, seniors, and other vulnerable
McCarthy went on to college where he populations on Long Island and in New
earned a bachelor of business administra- York City.
M
tion from Niagara University. McCarthy has long been part of the
cCarthy held senior posi- executive team that has brought large-scale
tions in public accounting projects to fruition – from switching over
for over 11 years at firms to electronic health records to the con-
located in Manhattan and struction of the large Irving Berkowitz and
on Long Island, where he specialized in Frank Padavan 6th Street multi-unit resi-
the fields of taxation and auditing before dences, which provides supportive hous-
returning to the growing agency in 2001 ing to Federation clients and were built
as its controller. As Federation of Organi- from gut renovations of vacant structures.
zations continued to expand, his respon- Currently, the organization is in the early
sibilities grew and he was subsequently stages of developing two new major resi-
promoted to chief financial officer, a role dential projects from the ground up, Mc-
he still holds today. As CFO, McCarthy Carthy was also instrumental in ensuring
oversees a $50 million budget and is operations continued without interruption
responsible for all aspects of the agency’s in the wake of COVID-19, coming in to
finances, including accounting and finan- the office each day to navigate staffing and
cial reporting, contract and grant admin- coordiating operations from from both a
istration, business systems, and real estate financial and technological standpoint.
DENISE MCGLONE
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
TEACHERS FEDERAL CREDIT UNION
D
enise McGlone is chief finan- Glone’s guidance, Teachers Federal Credit
cial officer at Teachers Federal Union selected Moody’s Analytics as its
Credit Union, one of the largest Current Expected Credit Loss, Asset and
credit unions in the United States Liability Management, and Stress Testing
with $8.3 billion in assets and more than solution to improve risk and treasury pro-
350,000 members. Since joining the credit cesses. This investment will help the credit
union in 2020, she has quickly made an union improve its operational process and
impact on the organization by implement- therefore further benefit its members in
ing new forms of internal governance, the future.
growing the financial team, and introduc- McGlone embodies Teachers Federal
ing new transactions to solidify the bank’s Credit Union’s core values of member-fo-
strong liquidity and capital. Her hard work cus and working to ensure members are
allowed Teachers Federal Credit Union to sound. In response to the pandemic, she
begin Q1 2021 with $8.5 billion in assets, a helped members navigate challenging
21% increase from the prior year. financial situations by working alongside
As a senior member of the leadership the leadership team to offer more than
team, McGlone is directly responsible for 8,000 loan extensions and forbearances
controllers, treasury, and enterprise risk and helped facilitate more than $12 mil-
management, which includes compliance, lion in PPP loans for small businesses. Mc-
insurance, security, risk assessment, and Glone effectively combines her extraor-
risk reporting. In her role, she implements dinary financial acumen with leadership
new products and tools to actively manage skills that help develop her staff to reach
the balance sheet and ensure consistent their full potential. With her leadership,
return on risk, ample liquidity, financial Teachers Federal Credit Union was able
performance, compliance, and service to to lend to members when they needed it
members. most and provide a safe haven for their
In the last year, McGlone has made large deposits. McGlone has a knack for fusing
strides in enhancing risk management humor into her expansive technical knowl-
strategies and helping the organization edge to achieve results.
build the infrastructure it needs. With Mc-&
BUSINESS
FINANCE
AWARDS
LONG ISLAND BUSINESS NEWS I 13
BILLY MUEGER
AUDIT PARTNER
ERNST & YOUNG LLP
B
illy Mueger is an assurance part- from multinational public enterprises to
ner in Ernst & Young’s Jericho private equity-backed portfolio companies
office. With nearly 18 years of with a Long Island presence.
experience, Mueger oversees audit A passionate member of Long Island’s
engagements for clients across industries, accounting community, Mueger is a Certi-
including technology, consumer, and fied Public Accountant in the State of New
industrial products and the life sciences York, a member of the American Institute
sector. of Certified Public Accountants, and a
A graduate of the University of Rich- member of the New York State Society of
mond, Mueger joined EY in 2003 in an Certified Public Accountants. Outside of
entry-level role. He quickly became known his professional role, Mueger is dedicated
throughout the Long Island office as a to bringing Long Island’s rising talent to
EY. He proactively interviews students at
dedicated professional, and swiftly rose
Long Island universities including Hofstra
through the ranks, taking on increasingly
and Adelphi, encouraging them to consid-
more responsibilities. In 2018, Muenger at-
er a career at EY.
tained the senior role of partner, and today
Since 2017, Mueger has served on the
leads client engagement teams for some of
board of directors of the Boy Scouts of
Long Island’s largest companies. America’s Suffolk County Council. Ad-
Muenger has been noted for his ability ditionally, Mueger is the local executive
to foster long-term relationships with sponsor for the EY Entrepreneur of the
many of his clients at EY – including a Year program across Long Island. Now in
17-year relationship with Melville-based its 35th year, this program celebrates un-
Canon U.S.A., where he has built valu- stoppable entrepreneurs whose ambitions
able connections with the firm’s senior deliver innovation, growth, and pros-
leadership. Muenger enjoys sharing new perity that transform our world. In this
developments in accounting, from thought role, Mueger oversees the nominations and
leadership to emerging technologies, with selection process for Long Island-based
all of his clients. His hands-on approach entrepreneurs.
enables him to service companies ranging
Congratulations to
MARY ANN VASSALLO
VP & CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
LIBN BUSINESS & FINANCE
AWARDS HONOREE
Your continued hard work and
dedication make a difference every day
and allow FCA to continue to support
Long Island’s most vulnerable.
FCALI.org info@FCALI.org
FamilyAndChildrensAssociation
@fca_daily @fca_daily14 I LONG ISLAND BUSINESS NEWS BUSINESS
FINANCE &
AWARDS
KATHY O’BRIEN
CONTROLLER
JEFFERSON’S FERRY LIFE PLAN COMMUNITY
B
usiness and finance are not all the expansion will bring with additional
about money for Kathy O’Brien, residents and staff.
as she believes it also includes COVID-19 brought its own set of
connection and caring. As the challenges to Jefferson’s Ferry’s accounting
controller of Jefferson’s Ferry, a Life Plan team, but they successfully accessed fund-
community with more than 360 residents ing sources to help meet COVID-related
in independent living, assisted living, and expenses, including a PPP loan, various
skilled nursing, and over 300 employees, CARES Act funding and managing the
O’Brien not only brings 30 years of not- subsequent reporting and audit prep for
for-profit accounting expertise to her role, funding agencies.
F
but also a remarkable ability to connect. O’Brien joined Jefferson’s Ferry during
rom department heads who a transitional time; former CFO Bob
come to her with questions about Caulfield had just been named presi-
budgets, financial statements, dent and chief executive officer and was
and vendors to the workers who interviewing to fill the CFO and control-
provide the highest level of care to resi- ler positions. From her initial interview,
dents, O’Brien has forged relationships Caulfield expressed he had had no doubt
that foster an exceptional level of commu- O’Brien would be the right fit.
nication between staff and management. O’Brien’s many accomplishments can be
She is a trusted and respected problem credited to her expertise and her strong
solver of the highest order, who also relationships. She was part of a team that
knows her way around the complexity of identified a new payroll provider and
financial management. administrated a smooth transition that
Jefferson’s Ferry is currently in the thick automated processes such as integrated
of a $90 million expansion and renova- scheduling, compliance, paid time off, and
tion project to its campus and healthcare family leave. In December 2020, her team
facilities. In addition to stepping up her took over the skilled nursing unit’s Med-
knowledge of bond financing while assist- icaid, Medicare, and third-party insurer
ing Chief Financial Officer Brian Amt- billing from an outside provider. O’Brien’s
mann, O’Brien is preparing her staff to says doing work that positively impacts the
handle the increased volume of work that lives of others is her true reward.
Marcum llp
congratulates one of our own:
Joseph Perry
For his selection among the top business
and finance leaders on Long Island.
marcumllp.com&
BUSINESS
FINANCE
AWARDS
LONG ISLAND BUSINESS NEWS I 15
JOHN PELLITTERI
PARTNER; HEALTHCARE, CANNABIS AND
ACCOUNTING SERVICES LEADER
GRASSI ADVISORS & ACCOUNTANTS
P
artner at Grassi Advisors & clients and colleagues. He has spoken at
Accountants John V. Pellitteri the AICPA Cannabis Conference; NYSS-
possesses more than 30 years of CPA Cannabis Conference; industry
experience in accounting, audit- panel discussions hosted by Long Island
ing, tax planning, and business consulting. Business News and NJBIZ; and Opal’s
A lifelong Long Island resident, Pellitteri Family Office Winter Forum. He has also
received his bachelor of business adminis- presented for the New York State Bar As-
tration from Hofstra University. sociation and the Institute of Management
Pellitteri wears many hats at Grassi as Accountants.
accounting services leader, healthcare Pellitteri is the author of articles on
practice leader, cannabis practice leader, cannabis taxation, regulatory compliance,
and mentor to his staff. Pellitteri is always and risk management. His insights have
ready to take on the next leadership chal- appeared in Tax Stringer, The Trusted
lenge to help his clients and the business Professional, and other publications. He
community grow. regularly supports the industry by sharing
Already head of the firm’s healthcare his experience and advice on webinars and
practice and accounting services group, podcasts, including Grassi’s own Canna-
Pellitteri’s entrepreneurial drive led him Talk podcast, and is a member of the Long
to spearhead Grassi’s expansion into the Island Cannabis Coalition.
medicinal cannabis space at the forefront An active supporter of the annual Mar-
of the industry’s growth. The practice has ijuana Business Conference and Cannabis
continued to expand under his leadership, Expo, the Cannabis World Congress &
helping business owners and investors take Business Exposition and CannaGather,
advantage of new opportunities in states Pellitteri is passionate about helping en-
where recreational adult use has been trepreneurs and investors understand this
legalized. burgeoning industry and make knowl-
Pellitteri always stays ahead of industry edgeable and confident decisions about the
developments and changes that affect his roles they want to play within it.
CONGRATULATIONS
NICK
THEOS
ON BEING NAMED A
BUSINESS & FINANCE AWARDS HONOREE
BY LONG ISLAND BUSINESS NEWS
58 S. Service Road, Suite 115
Melville, NY 11747
www.uhy-us.com
@UHYAdvisorsNY16 I LONG ISLAND BUSINESS NEWS BUSINESS
FINANCE &
AWARDS
JIM PERRINO
VICE PRESIDENT OF FINANCE AND
OPERATIONS
ADELPHI UNIVERSITY
J
im Perrino is the executive vice financial footing during the pandemic as
president of finance and operations evidenced by Standard & Poor’s reaffirm-
at Adelphi University where he ing Adelphi’s bond rating of A- with a
oversees a wide number of criti- stable outlook. S&P representatives noted
cal areas including finance and budget, that Adelphi was much better prepared
treasury management, information for Fall 2020 than many of its peers in the
technology, facilities, human resources, Northeast.
employee relations, and risk management. Starting in Spring 2020, Perrino expertly
Since arriving at Adelphi in 2017, he has led Adelphi’s planning for an expected
led numerous efforts that have increased drop in revenue. He served as a leader in
university’s financial and organizational the development of a strong cost-contain-
strength. These efforts include completing ment program that included plans to limit
two tax-exempt bond refundings, imple- hiring, offer an early retirement program,
menting a cost-containment program, and and strategically reorganize units. He
outsourcing the chief investment officer produced a range of revenue forecasts and
function. financial scenarios with his team to better
Perrino has made his mark on the inform decisions for tuition, fees, and
university’s operations as the head of two residence hall rates.
councils he helped establish – the Oper- While monitoring this year’s expen-
ational Excellence Council and the Risk ditures and working on the 2021–2022
Management Council. A proponent of budget, Perrino is also engaged in efforts
Six Sigma, he works with the councils to to ensure Adelphi’s financial stability for
implement best practices in cost-effective- the years to come. He is currently in the
ness, improve efficiency, engage in risk process of refinancing some of Adelphi’s
mitigation, and promote innovation and tax-exempt bonds and replacing them
transparency in all the university’s func- with bonds that carry a lower interest rate.
tions and departments. Under Perrino’s The transaction is expected to save the
leadership, Adelphi has maintained a solid University about $2.6 million over the life
of the bonds.
JOSEPH PERRY
TAX & BUSINESS SERVICES LEADER
MARCUM LLP
J
oseph J. Perry is Marcum’s national in individual and corporate taxation, ac-
tax and business services leader and counting for income taxes, compensation,
a member of the firm’s executive and mergers and acquisitions. He has an
committee. Perry provides tax con- in-depth background working with public-
sulting and compliance services to clients ly traded companies, serving on the board
in various industries, including publicly of Dime Community Bancshares, Inc., as
traded and closely held companies with lo- chairman of its risk committee, and as a
cal, national, and international operations. member of its audit committee.
As an integral member of Marcum’s In March 2020, mere weeks before client
senior management team, Perry oversees tax returns were due to the IRS, the firm
nearly 600 professionals in offices through- was shut down because of the pandemic.
out the U.S., sharing his knowledge, vision, Perry’s work to propel the firm’s invest-
and strategic planning expertise to ensure ment in technology delivered on its prom-
that Marcum’s national tax department ise – to keep Marcum on the cutting edge
delivers exceptional client service. He has of client service delivery. Perry’s priority
helped propel the firm’s investment in was also to continue to develop tax content
technology to keep Marcum on the cutting to inform and educate the firm’s clients
edge of tax law changes and client service about changes in tax law. At the onset of
delivery. the pandemic, he was instrumental in
Under Perry’s leadership, as the firm’s setting up the firm’s invaluable Coronavi-
capabilities and geographic footprint have rus Task Force, which was responsible for
expanded, so has the service lines and keeping the community informed during
tax offerings available from Marcum’s tax the pandemic. He also orchestrated a
department, including specialized ser- series of national webinars to answer ques-
vices in international taxation, state and tions about programs like the Paycheck
local tax, research & development credits, Protection Program.
cost segregation, and transfer pricing – to A recognized tax expert, Perry has been
name a few. interviewed by national and regional me-
With nearly 30 years of experience, Per- dia, including CNBC, Fox News, The Wall
ry offers his clients considerable expertise Street Journal, and The New York Times.GET THERE FROM HERE
ACRES congratulates
Richard Persaud
Chief Financial Officer, ACRES
and all of the 2021 Business & Finance honorees
who help their organizations
Get There From Here.
F I N A N C I N G F O R A L L S TA G E S
O F C O M M E R C I A L R E A L E S TAT E
CONSTRUCTION BRIDGE PERMANENT
8 6 5 M E RRI C K AV E N U E , S U I T E 2 0 0 S , W E ST B U RY, N Y 1 1 59 0 ● (516 ) 535- 0015
ac re s c ap.co m18 I LONG ISLAND BUSINESS NEWS BUSINESS
FINANCE &
AWARDS
RICHARD A.
PERSAUD
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
ACRES CAPITAL CORP.
R
ichard A. Persaud is the chief structure and poise ACRES for continued
financial officer of ACRES Capital growth.
Corp., a Westbury-based com- A dedicated volunteer, Persaud’s pri-
mercial real estate middle-market mary focus is to give back to the commu-
lender and SEC-registered investment nity as a mentor to share his experience
adviser. In this role, Persaud is responsible and help guide those looking to further
for leading the ACRES financial team in their careers in accounting and finance.
the accounting, financial reporting, tax, Teaming with the human resources de-
servicing, and treasury functions. partment, Persaud brought his passion for
mentoring to ACRES through a devel-
Persaud joined the firm in June 2020,
oping partnership with Mentor NY – an
when ACRES was working remotely while
organization that partners elementary
in the midst of acquiring the manage-
school through graduate students with
ment contract of a public mortgage REIT
mentorships, both individual and corpo-
– Exantas Capital Corp. (now known as
rate, to ensure that more young people
ACRES Commercial Realty Corp.). Al- will have access to mentors and mentoring
though Persaud joined ACRES at a critical relationships.
time, he proved to be a vital leader of its Prior to joining ACRES, Persaud spent
overall business strategy, diving headfirst 12 years in public accounting at Ernst &
into his new role and provided key strate- Young LLP where volunteering, diversi-
gic and operational support. ty, equity, and inclusion remained at the
Persaud is instrumental in helping the forefront of his day-to-day. Persaud also
team develop an innovative strategy for volunteered with the Volunteer Income
growth both during the ACR acquisition Tax Assistance to prepare taxes free of
and now through the post-pandemic charge for local communities.
economy. With executive management, A New York native, he currently resides
he is helping to change the way business is in Valley Stream with his wife and
operated to ensure a sustainable infra- daughters.
ANTHONY RUSSO
DIRECTOR OF ACCOUNTING, LONG ISLAND
BOARD OF REALTORS, INC.
PRESIDENT & CEO, METRO REALTORS FEDERAL
CREDIT UNION
A
nthony A. Russo serves as reporting, budgeting and forecasts. As his
director of accounting for the job is always evolving, he attributes his
Long Island Board of Realtors, success at the organization to its CEO,
Inc. and president & CEO of Tessa Hultz, and Kathleen Kennedy, vice
Metro Realtors Federal Credit Union. president of accounting and finance.
He began his career working as an intern Russo has always had a passion to
during college for a record manufacturer help people – and what better way than
that produced vinyl records for major to provide financial services to them. In
label companies across the country. Upon 1990, he became involved with Metro Re-
graduating from Dowling College with altors Federal Credit Union, starting as a
a bachelor of business administration in volunteer working on committees until he
accounting, he worked at a small CPA was named a director in 1996. In 2006, he
firm, where he honed his craft in both tax was elected president and CEO, and was
and private accounting. Russo later took the first non-realtor to hold that title in its
that knowledge with him to a major frozen existence. During his leadership, the assets
food company, where he worked for five of Metro Realtors Federal Credit Union
years. have increased by 105% and membership
In 1988 Russo joined the Long Island has grown 50% by adding more services to
Board of Realtors, Inc. and its subsidiaries, become a full-fledged credit union.
working his way up from staff accountant A passionate member of the community,
to now director of accounting. The Long Russo has participated in multiple projects
Island Board of Realtors, Inc. is a 28,000- with Habitat for Humanity and Rebuilding
plus member not-for-profit trade associ- Long Island Together. His company was
ation that serves real estate professionals also instrumental in organizing a collec-
throughout Nassau, Suffolk, and Queens tion of toys for the holidays on behalf of
Counties. Russo’s duties entail financial nonprofit You Gotta Believe,&
BUSINESS
FINANCE
AWARDS
LONG ISLAND BUSINESS NEWS I 19
MARK STONE
FOUNDER, MANAGING PARTNER
SALES TAX DEFENSE LLC
M
ark L. Stone is the managing ing firms such as Raich Ende Malter LLP
partner and founder of Sales and The Marcum Group LLP.
Tax Defense LLC, a role he’s When he opened his own firm in 2008,
held since 2008. He is recog- he was also an adjunct graduate school
nized across Long Island, New York City, professor at Long Island University C.W.
and beyond as one of the top sales and use Post Campus. He encouraged his students
tax professionals in the industry. His firm to start getting involved in profession-
specializes in sales, use and transaction al organizations such as the Institute
taxes. Services include sales and use tax of Management Accountants, National
consulting, audit defense, settlement nego- Conference of CPA Practitioners, Accoun-
tiation, and preparing and filing sales tax tant/Attorney Networking Group, and the
returns in multiple states. He represents New York State Society of Certified Public
companies and individuals before state Accountants.
taxing authorities and through the appeals Amidst a global pandemic, Stone was
process. Stone has testified as an expert committed more than ever to helping
witness in sales and use tax court cases hundreds of businesses during their tax
as well as assisted attorneys and other ac- struggles. He has written articles in several
countants in their representation of clients publications such as LIBN, New York
in criminal investigations. State Society of CPAs Nassau Chapter
Stone is committed to being the best Newsletter, Daily News, and Long Island
source for sales and use tax help to busi- Pulse Magazine. He is a frequent speaker
nesses and fellow professionals. Addi- and has spoken for the New York State
tionally, Stone has created a positive work Society of CPAs, the Nassau County Bar
space with a relaxed and productive atmo- Association, and the Suffolk County Bar
sphere, commitment to excellence, and a Association.
supportive and empowering environment. Sales Tax Defense, supports a various
Stone began his career as a sales tax au- number of foundations, including ACLD
ditor for the New York State Department Foundation, Ronald McDonald House,
of Taxation and Finance. After gaining ex- St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Temple Beth
perience working for the State, he moved Torah, Tree of Life Synagogue Victims,
on to work at several prominent account- Wounded Warrior Project and more.
We are proud to support the
Long Island Business News
Business & Finance Awards
Congratulations to our own, Elizabeth Custodio & all of the Honorees
Let’s Talk.
Elizabeth Custodio
Community Development & CRA Officer
631 416 3539
elizabeth.custodio@peoples.com
©2021 People’s United Bank, N.A. | Member FDIC20 I LONG ISLAND BUSINESS NEWS BUSINESS
FINANCE &
BRITTANY (STUMP)
AWARDS
HANDELSON
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
J.P. MORGAN PRIVATE BANK
B
rittany C. (Stump) Handelson is rising talent.
an executive director and senior Through mentorship, education, and
banker with JPMorgan Private partnership, Handelson works with team
Bank’s Long Island team. In her members who are focused on develop-
role, Handelson works with many of ing their careers. She is also engaged in a
Long Island’s most prominent high-net- number of efforts focused on advancing
worth individuals and families, helping women in finance. Over her career, she has
them achieve their goals by providing invested in the mentorship, promotion,
thoughtful advice across investments, and hiring of female financial talent. Han-
delson is also involved in the Private
lending, trust and estate planning, and
Bank’s Women & Wealth group – an
balance sheet management. Handelson has
internal effort focused on curated events
extensive experience working with private
and professional partnership, launched last
business owners, non-profit organizations,
year amid the pandemic to better foster
health care professionals, and corporate
connection and collaboration. Handel-
executives. Handelson is a founding son is committed to engaging women in
member of the Long Island Private Bank growing and preserving their wealth while
team established in 2018, and has been a emboldening them to live their best lives
driving force behind its success, helping as leaders, philanthropists, and self-advo-
to grow the business by over 60% since cates.
launching. Handelson joined JPMorgan Born and raised on Long Island, Han-
Chase in 2007 and has spent the last 14 delson is actively involved in the commu-
years building her career through talent nity. She works closely with Long Island
development programs, promotions, and Cares Inc. as a committee member and
leadership responsibilities. Most recently, serves as the partnership lead for JPMor-
she was promoted to executive director gan Chase. She is also an avid supporter of
and has taken on the additional responsi- programs that help our country’s Veterans.
bility of managing the Long Island team’s
JOE TEDESCO
PRESIDENT/ CEO
OCEAN FINANCIAL FEDERAL CREDIT UNION
J
oseph Tedesco was appointed rejuvenated a team of long-time employ-
president of Ocean Financial ees to offer new services and financial
Federal Credit Union in May 2019. opportunities and infused the office with
As a versatile and visionary senior his personal brand of community-minded
executive with a broad perspective, Tedes- care and compassion.
co has a proven record of both building Previously, Tedesco served as senior vice
and executing strategic initiatives which president and regional retail director for
transformed the organizations he has the Atlantic Region of KeyBank, covering
served, leading to the consistent delivery 118 branches located in Eastern Pennsyl-
of bottom-line objectives. vania, Hudson Valley, Westchester County,
Tedesco led OFFCU through the and Fairfield County in Connecticut.
There, he oversaw 36 percent growth in
challenges and opportunities presented
PPNR, 5.6 percent deposit growth, best
by COVID-19, including keeping services
in key investment revenue growth of 16
available to members through COVID via
percent YOY 2017/2018. Small business
drive-up transactions and electronic bank-
overall productivity grew 38 percent YOY
ing, expanding access through the use of
2017/2018.
e-services such as Zelle, and empowering Tedesco is a past board member
his team to help members take advantage of Philabundance, which helps deliver
of opportunities through services such food to people in need, of North Penn
as PPP loans, mortgage refinancing, and Valley Boys & Girls Club, and the YMCA
more. OFFCU successfully processed $6 of Greater Brandywine, PA. He is also a
million in PPP loans in 2020 and also member of the Catholic Charities Board
helped the Diocese of Rockville Centre as of Trustees and Knights of Columbus (3rd
it faced unprecedented challenges to its Degree Knight).
finances as a result of the pandemic. Tedesco is a graduate of Kutztown Uni-
In the brief time since his arrival at versity of Pennsylvania and has held senior
OFFCU in 2019, Tedesco has successfully positions at First Niagara Bank, East West
driven the credit union to new levels of Bank, and spent 18 years at Wachovia
customer service and satisfaction. He has Bank.You can also read
