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Major Sponsor Awards Sponsor Contributing Sponsor Nonprofit Sponsors
Executive Circle Awards is a Long Island Business News Event
Inspiring
Leadership.
Extraordinary
Vision.
People Who
Reimagine Care.
Congratulations to Gurwin Healthcare System
President and CEO Stuart B. Almer, Executive
Circle Awards honoree, whose leadership and vision
inspire the Gurwin team to not only deliver 5-star
care today, but also to create innovative solutions
for the needs of Long Islanders tomorrow.
We also congratulate Lee Brodsky, our Fountaingate
Gardens board secretary, on his Executive Circle Award.
Healthcare System
631.715.2000 Caring for Generations Gurwin.org
Our
Ourfamily
familyofofhealthcare
healthcare Long-term Care Advanced Care Palliative & Hospice Care Ventilator/Respiratory Care
services includes:
services includes: Short-term Memory Care Adult Day Programs On-site Dialysis & Infusion Therapy
Rehabilitation Home Care Assisted Living Fountaingate Gardens Independent Living Community
GUR136_ExecutiveCircleAwards_10x13.875.indd 1 4/22/21 3:46 PM
Congratulations to Jerry Balentine, D.O., New York Institute of Technology executive vice president and chief operating officer, and to all of this year’s Long Island Business News Executive Circle honorees. NYIT.EDU/LIBN
Congratulations
LISA GATTI
On Your
Executive Circle Award!
There could not be
a more deserving recipient –
we’re so happy for you!
With Love and Pride,
Your Board of Directors
829 Old Nichols Road • Islandia, NY 11749
631-348-1389 • www.pal-o-mine.org
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Laura Ahearn, Esq.............................................................................................................8
Nicholas Aldorisio..............................................................................................................8
Stuart B. Almer..................................................................................................................9
Cristian Anghel..................................................................................................................10
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Jerry R. Balentine...............................................................................................................10
Fred Berk...........................................................................................................................11
Ali Jabbour Lee Brodsky.......................................................................................................................12
Michael Brown..................................................................................................................12
EDITOR & ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Randell Bynum..................................................................................................................14
Brad Calhoun.....................................................................................................................14
Joe Dowd David Chauvin...................................................................................................................15
Victoria Cohen...................................................................................................................16
EVENTS MANAGER Nancy Costopulos..............................................................................................................16
Dr. James R. Dolan Jr.........................................................................................................17
Jenna Natale Ronald Eagar.....................................................................................................................18
Eileen Egan........................................................................................................................18
ACCOUNT MANAGERS Mark Fogel........................................................................................................................19
David Frisch.......................................................................................................................20
Barbara Pescuma, Jackie Douglas, Robin Burgio Graziela De Paula Penna Fusaro.......................................................................................20
Lisa Gatti...........................................................................................................................22
Matt Goker........................................................................................................................22
Writer
Ron Gold............................................................................................................................23
Teddy Haggerty.................................................................................................................24
Janice Costa
Suzan Johnson Cook..........................................................................................................24
Kathleen Kennedy..............................................................................................................26
GRAPHIC DESIGNER Janet Koch.........................................................................................................................26
Rob Mannino.....................................................................................................................27
Sloan Marion Donato Nicolo...................................................................................................................28
Kevin O’Connor..................................................................................................................29
AD DESIGNER Theresa Regnante.............................................................................................................30
Steven Santino...................................................................................................................31
Abigail Wilhelm Karen Schwartz..................................................................................................................32
Lee Silberman....................................................................................................................32
The Board of Directors
and Staff congratulate our CEO,
Randell M. Bynum
and all the Honorees of the
Long Island Business News’ Join the Girl Scout Network of Nassau
County, a powerful community of adults—
Executive Circle Award. Girl Scout alums and supporters—who
believe that girls need Girl Scouts now more
than ever while preparing them to be leaders
of the future. Enjoy opportunities to volun-
teer, socialize, fundraise, mentor and learn.
Connect or reconnect with us by emailing
gsnetwork@gsnc.org
GIRL SCOUT NETWORK ❧
For Alums and Supporters
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
Michael Dowling Kevin S. Law
President & CEO, Northwell Health Partner & Executive Vice President, Tritec
Past President & CEO, Long Island Association
clinical, academic and In his role with the LIA,
research enterprise with Law focused on economic
a workforce of more than development and creating a
75,000 and annual revenue better business climate on
of $14 billion. Long Island to strengthen it
Dowling has received as a place to live, work and
numerous awards, including do business. He is credited
the Ellis Island Medal of with helping secure more
Honor and a number of than $1 billion to the Long
honorary degrees from Island region for infrastructure
Fordham University, investments and led efforts to
University College Dublin create a research corridor to
(Ireland) and the prestigious help establish an innovation
Queen’s University Belfast. economy on Long Island.
In 2017, he was served as Previously, Law was president
the Grand Marshal of the and CEO of the Long Island
Patrick’s Day Parade in NYC Power Authority. Law had also
and he chairs the Institute for served as a LIPA Trustee and
Healthcare Improvement. was appointed by Governor
Prior to joining Northwell Eliot Spitzer as Chairman of
in 1995, Dowling served in its Board beginning in January
New York State government 2007. During his tenure at LIPA,
for 12 years, including he was a member of the Large
leadership roles as director of Public Power Council.
health, education and human He previously served in roles
services, commissioner including Managing Partner
Michael Dowling is one of health care’s of social services, deputy After serving as president and CEO of the of Nixon Peabody LLP’s Long
most influential voices, taking a stand on secretary and a chief adviser to former Long Island Association for over a decade, Island office; Director of Real Estate for the
societal issues such as gun violence and Governor Mario Cuomo. Earlier, he was a Kevin S. Law in Spring 2021 announced his Suffolk County Department of Law; and as
immigration that many health system professor of social policy and an assistant move to East Setauket-based real estate a legislative assistant in the New York State
CEOs shy away from. As president and dean of Fordham’s Graduate School of development firm Tritec as a partner and Assembly, among many other notable
CEO of Northwell Health, he leads a Social Services. executive vice president. roles.
Community Mainstreaming Associates
congratulates our Executive Director and all
the 2021 Executive Circle Award recipients
At Community Mainstreaming (CMA), we believe people are defined by what they can do — not by what they can’t. We’re a
Long Island non-profit organization committed to helping those with intellectual and developmental disabilities lead more
meaningful and productive lives within their communities by:
• Providing personalized services to help those with intellectual and developmental disabilities maximize their potential
at home;
• Offering customized vocational training and support to assist them in pursuit of employment; and
• Creating opportunities to enjoy recreational activities and socializing opportunities with their peers.
CommunityMainstreaming.org (516) 683-0710
1 Adelphi University proudly congratulates LIBN Executive Circle Award winner, Graziela Fusaro, Director of the Innovation Center at Adelphi University Adelphi University has always been committed to serving Long Island’s business community. Our ability to do that is greater than ever now, thanks to the opening of our Innovation Center and the outstanding leadership of its director, Graziela Fusaro. Ms. Fusaro is bringing the academic world and the business world together by developing partnerships that bene�it both. The Innovation Center projects she has developed give interdisciplinary teams of students invaluable career experience helping companies and nonpro�its solve pressing business challenges. For helping prepare the rising generation of businesspeople and her support of local business, Ms. Fusaro richly deserves her Executive Circle Award. To learn more about Adelphi’s Innovation—and to become a partner—visit adelphi.edu/innovationcenter.
Laura A. Ahearn
Executive Director, attorney and social worker, The Crime Victims Center
L
aura Ahearn, Esq., LMSW, executive director Never content to work within a flawed
of the Crime Victims Center, has dedicated system, she has helped support and draft local,
her life to protecting and fighting for our state and federal legislation to strengthen
most vulnerable citizens. A not-for-profit and community and victims’ rights and give law
New York State Certified Rape Crisis Center, the enforcement and prosecution the tools they
Crime Victims Center provides comprehensive need. Ahearn worked closely with the U.S.
prevention education, Megan’s Law community Justice Department to address Megan’s Law
law enforcement support and victim support and equip parents with the tools they need to
services for child and adult victims of sexual protect themselves and their children.
assault, victims of domestic violence, human Ahearn’s efforts to make Suffolk County safer
trafficking, gang violence, terrorism, survivors of have been recognized by the U.S. Department
homicide and other violent crime, and elderly, of Justice and the U.S. Congress, as well as the
minor and disabled victims of crime. New York State Senate.
Ahearn’s vision and leadership has A Suffolk County native, Ahearn holds a
transformed the delivery of criminal justice bachelor’s degree in business administration,
support services to protect victims and non- a Masters of Social Work from SUNY Stony
offending family members in a trauma informed, Brook, which she earned while on a fellowship,
culturally sensitive and compassionate manner. and a Juris Doctor from Touro Law, where she
She founded the not-for-profit over two decades graduated at the top of her class. She was the
ago from her home; today, the Crime Victims recipient of the Martin Schwartz Award for
Center is a multi-million-dollar agency with Excellence in Civil Rights for her community
nearly 30 full-time employees. Together, they work. Ahearn also maintains a law practice
implement programs developed by Ahearn, representing victims of sexual assault and
including the Suffolk County Community violent crime.
Protection Act, comprehensive community- Ahearn is an avid angler and is often seen
based crime prevention programs and the fresh or salt-water fishing in Suffolk County
National Association of Counties award-winning and can be found on any number of boats in
Crime Victim Services programs. Port Jefferson, Center Moriches, the Hamptons
Ahearn also serves as the chair of the legal or Montauk; her biggest catch-and-release to
systems subcommittee of the Suffolk County Task date is a 300-pound blue marlin in Mexico.
Force to Prevent Family Violence, and implements She resides in Port Jefferson with her husband,
the problems solving court and law enforcement Jack, and their Havenese, and has two adult
training series programs. She also served on the daughters.
Suffolk County Hate Crimes Task Force.
Nicholas R. Aldorisio
Chief Financial Officer, Aurora Contractors, Inc.
N
icholas R. Aldorisio, chief financial prides himself on being at the forefront of
officer of Aurora Contractors, Inc., risk management concepts, and he often
began his career in the public functions as an ad hoc attorney for the
accounting sphere in 1991. He initially company as well.
worked for a firm on Long Island that had Aldorisio has strong communication skills
a very high concentration of construction that have served him and the company well,
company clients, and throughout his 10 particularly during the recent challenges of
years in public accounting, Aldorisio grew to the COVID-19 pandemic. With the economic
appreciate the challenges that accompanied and social uncertainties that presented
working in the construction and real estate themselves during the pandemic, Aldorisio
industry. stepped up, acting as a steadfast leader
Aurora Contractors, Inc. was one of his for his firm. Not only did he dive into the
clients. At the time, the company was in the various economic relief opportunities and
process of transitioning from a carpentry protect the company’s financial position, he
subcontractor into a general contractor, and was also able to provide a calming influence
Aldorisio saw an opportunity to be a part of that buoyed the staff, helping to prevent the
this exciting transition. In 2001, he joined loss of morale that plagued so many other
Aurora and it quickly became clear that he companies during this difficult period.
had made the correct choice. The decision Aldorisio is involved with numerous
to take on this new position would not only community-related organizations: He works
change the trajectory of his career, it would closely with Contractors for Kids, a not-for-
also help to define his future and put him on profit corporation founded for the purpose
the road to even greater success. of providing assistance to families impacted
Two decades later, he is still excited to by the sickness, injury or death of a child,
be part of Aurora. Through his 20-year and he is also very involved with the Aurora
tenure with the company, Aldorisio has seen Cares program. The Aurora Cares committee
Aurora progress substantially, and under finds charities that Aurora can actively
his leadership as chief financial officer, participate in, such as Christmas Toy Drives
the company is now among the largest and the Andrew McMorris Memorial Walk-a-
construction management firms on Long Thon.
Island. Aldorisio is married to his wife, Adrienne,
Aldorisio’s role at Aurora comprises all and is the proud father of four children:
of the duties normally associated with Nicholas, Melena, Alexander and Sabrina.
the position he holds. However, he also
8A I LONG ISLAND BUSINESS NEWS I Executive Circle Awards 2021 I LIBN.COM
Stuart B. Almer
President and CEO, Gurwin Healthcare System
S
tuart B. Almer is president and chief on the board of IPRO and its newly formed
executive officer of the Gurwin Healthcare Cybersecurity and Audit Committees. Almer
System, Gurwin Jewish Nursing & previously held the position of vice president of the
Rehabilitation Center, Gurwin Jewish ~ Fay J. Board of Managers of Logiqual, an IPRO subsidiary.
Lindner Residences, Gurwin Home Care Agency, A board member of the Healthcare Executives’
Gurwin Jewish Healthcare Foundation and Club, and a past member of the Healthcare Financial
Fountaingate Gardens. Management Association and the American College
Prior to joining Gurwin in 2015, Almer served of Healthcare Administrators, Almer serves on the
as executive vice president and chief operating Advisory Committee of the Lend a Hand Project,
officer at Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and and is also a member of the Long Island Professional
Rehabilitation, and prior to that as vice president, Resource Association.
Operations, at Peninsula Hospital Center. Almer has After receiving his undergraduate degree from
also held senior management positions at Syosset SUNY College at Purchase, he earned his MBA in
Community Hospital, Brookdale University Hospital Hospital Management from Adelphi University.
Medical Center and Huntington Hospital. Almer also holds a Certificate Degree from Molloy
Almer is an adjunct professor in the Masters in College, and is a New York State licensed nursing
Health Administration Program at Hofstra University, home administrator and Fellow of the American
and previously served in a similar capacity in College of Healthcare Executives.
Hofstra’s Gerontology Program. He often lectures Almer was recently named a 2020 Long Island
to community and civic organizations on quality, Business News “Power 30 in Healthcare” winner.
leadership, the status of long-term care and the In 2019, he was a named a MoXY Awards Honoree
overall state of the healthcare system, and has been by the Moxxie Mentoring Foundation, and in 2018,
a frequent media source for local nursing home he was honored by the Alzheimer’s Foundation of
industry information related to COVID-19. America and the Guardian Brain Foundation. Almer
Almer is the chair-elect of the 2020 LeadingAge received the Distinguished Service Award from the
New York Board of Directors. He is also a member of Brooklyn United Methodist Church Home in 2017,
the Continuing Care Retirement Community Cabinet, and was presented with an award by the same title
and the board of directors of the Association of in 2012 by the Healthcare Executives’ Club.
Jewish Aging Services, for which he served as chair of Almer grew up on the South Shore of Long Island
the organization’s 2019 conference. He also serves on and currently resides in Plainview. He is a health
the Hofstra University School of Health Professions and wellness advocate, an avid reader and a huge
and Human Services Dean’s Advisory Board. baseball and basketball fan. He is extremely proud
He sits on the Parent Board of Directors for of his entire family, all of whom are now in the
Brooklyn United Methodist Church Home, and healthcare field.
Cristian Anghel
Market Executive, JPMorgan Chase & Co.
C
ristian Anghel serves as an executive challenging time for Anghel and his team, it
director with JPMorgan Chase Commercial also provided them with an opportunity to
Banking. In his capacity as market examine ways that they could become better
executive for the Long Island and Queens at what they do, both professionally and as
region, Anghel leads a team of bankers focused a positive force within the Long Island and
on the specific needs of middle market clients. Queens business community. To that end,
He has spent more than 14 years in banking, Anghel says he is extremely proud of his team
helping Long Island businesses meet their members for how they adapted to this unique
diverse business goals. situation. Their focus and resolve was—and
During his career, Anghel has worked remains—exemplary, and he believes this
with a wide range of clients to provide has helped him to become a better leader.
tailored financial solutions for both simple Additionally, COVID-19 has served as a
and complex problems, including credit and catalyst for helping JPMorgan Chase’s clients
financing, treasury and payment services, pivot to new digital solutions.
international banking and more. He has He explains that many of those who were
successfully built meaningful long-term previously hesitant to make changes have
strategies with clients to help build out their now embraced technology wholeheartedly,
operations, accelerate their growth and including digital payment solutions, to
differentiate them from their competition. adapt to a suddenly decentralized work
Like most businesses, JPMorgan was greatly environment, enabling these clients to keep
impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and their businesses moving ahead, despite these
Anghel notes that COVID-19 has changed how novel and unprecedented challenges.
his team works and how it comes together. Anghel obtained his bachelor’s degree from
He explains that his team has spent many Boston University and his MBA degree from
evenings on Zoom calls, and while they St. John’s University. He currently resides
work hard, they have also had fun adapting in East Islip. He is particularly grateful to
to this new technology and new way of his mentor, Rebecca O’Connell, Long Island
communicating. Indeed, through this new way and Queens region head of JPMorgan Chase
of doing business, team members have gotten Commercial Banking and a member of the
glimpses into each other’s lives and have firm’s Long Island Market Leadership team,
welcomed children, families and pets into which works to make an impact in the local
many meetings, providing some much-needed community.
levity during stressful times.
Although COVID-19 served as an incredibly
Dr. Jerry R. Balentine
Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, New York Institute of Technology
J
erry R. Balentine, D.O., is executive vice executive vice president of St. Barnabas Hospital
president and chief operating officer at and Healthcare System in the Bronx, N.Y., and
the New York Institute of Technology. As as a hospital medical director, emergency
chief operating officer, Dr. Balentine evaluates department director and residency director.
new opportunities for university growth and A graduate of Philadelphia College of
expansion, especially in the area of faculty Osteopathic Medicine, Balentine completed his
research, and oversees strategic resource internship at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Philadelphia
allocation. His areas of responsibility also and his emergency medicine residency at Lincoln
include the School of Health Professions, Medical and Mental Health Center in the Bronx,
the New York Institute of Technology College where he also served as chief resident. He earned
of Osteopathic Medicine, two Academic his undergraduate degree from McDaniel College
Healthcare Centers as well as the Center for in Westminster, MD.
Global Health, the Center for Sports Medicine, Dr. Balentine has authored and edited a
the Ehlers-Danlos Center and the Parkinsonism variety of web and textbook chapters and was
Center. the medical editor of newyorkmedicaljournal.
Dr. Balentine joined the New York Institute of org. He is also a medical author for the
Technology as vice president for Health Sciences WebMD network, which includes MedicineNet,
and Medical Affairs in 2014, and has been a eMedicineHealth, RxList and WebMD.
faculty member of the New York Institute of His areas of research focus on non-academic
Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine interventions with medical students in order
since 2009. He also served as dean of the to help them increase empathy and decrease
medical school from 2018 to 2020. During his burnout; his most recent work relates to
deanship, the New York Institute of Technology eSports and the role medical providers can play
College of Osteopathic Medicine grew its in preventing chronic and acute injuries.
research output in several areas, added a Ph.D. The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound
program in Biological and Medical Sciences, impact on all aspects of academia, forcing each
expanded programs at the New York Institute of department and individual to find ways to adapt
Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine’s and come up with best practices for continuing
Arkansas site in partnership with Arkansas to serve the needs of the academic community.
State University and created a variety of award- For Dr. Balentine, the pandemic forced him
winning health and wellness programs for to rethink educational practices, shifting his
medical students. attention to moving medical education online
Dr. Balentine’s distinguished career has and establishing safe, protocol-driven ways of
included serving as chief medical officer and teaching medical skills in a hybrid model.
10A I LONG ISLAND BUSINESS NEWS I Executive Circle Awards 2021 I LIBN.COMFrederick R. Berk, CPA
Co-Managing Partner, Friedman LLP
F
rederick R. Berk serves as Friedman LLP’s trust subsidiaries, strategies for tax efficiently
co-managing partner and is a member restructuring portfolios and real estate
of the firm’s executive committee. In investment trust formation.
addition to his management responsibilities, Berk participates in discovery and calculating
Berk is a CPA and chair of the company’s Real damages relating to losses from various
Estate Group, and he maintains numerous investments, and has expertise in the area
client relationships. of analyzing the tax ramifications relating to
Since the emergence of COVID-19, Berk debt restructuring or transferring of distressed
has been constantly engaged in reaching real estate, foreclosure, deed in lieu and
partners and staff to nurture and strengthen bankruptcy from a borrower and lender
Friedman’s community, in spite of the isolation perspective.
of its individual members. Berk and fellow co- He is also adept at identifying new business
managing partner, Harriet Greenberg, have opportunities to enhance client development
led regular virtual town halls to deliver insight and increase revenue, as well as performing
into the firm’s operational resilience, while acquisition due diligence for business and real
providing reassurance to employees and clients estate companies.
that the firm is growing even stronger by facing Additionally, his skillset includes developing
this crisis together. strategies and handling complex tax
Berk is involved with commercial and examinations at the federal and state level.
residential real estate owners and developers, Berk is active in a wide variety of
real estate investment trusts, real estate professional and community organizations, and
leasing and brokerage organizations, his affiliations include the American Institute of
facility maintenance organizations, service Certified Public Accountants, the International
organizations and owners and operators in the Council of Shopping Centers, the National
hospitality arena. Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts,
His wealth of expertise has served the firm the Real Estate Board of New York and the
well, and he has a broad base of skills and Urban Land Institute, among others. He was
specialty areas. That includes specializing in a former board member at the Huntington
the tax aspects of partnerships and passive Foundation for Excellence in Education and the
loss regulations, including partnership profit Young Mortgage Bankers Association, and is a
and loss allocations and distributions, as well former member of the New York State Society
as counseling clients on real estate investment of Certified Public Accountants, Large- and
trust-related mergers and acquisitions, UpREIT Medium-Sized Firms Practice Management
contributions, taxable real estate investment Committee and Real Estate Committee.
Congratulations
DR. JAMES R. DOLAN, JR.
Executive Director of the Charles Evans Center
on this distinct honor
Thank you for your ongoing leadership,
dedication and support of
Charles Evans Center patients
The Charles Evans Center Board of Directors
Anne Emmerson, EdD, Chairperson
www.charlesevanscenter.orgLee J. Brodsky
Chief Executive Officer, BEB Capital
L
ee J. Brodsky is the chief executive Brodsky is a strong advocate of giving
officer of BEB Capital, a privately held, back to the community, and he is active in
multifaceted real estate company a wealth of philanthropic organizations in
that was formed in 2013. In addition to the New York area. He currently maintains
its industrial portfolio, BEB owns and a number of other roles and responsibilities
manages numerous multifamily assets and in the community, including serving as
development sites in New York City and the a board member at the ALS Association,
surrounding region. Since the company’s Greater NY Chapter; serving as a board
formation, Brodsky has led BEB to become member at UJA Federation of NY, Emerging
an institutional-grade owner and operator Leaders and Philanthropists; serving as a
of industrial assets all along the East Coast. board member at The Joseph Gurwin CCRC
In his position as chief executive office, Development Board, and serving as a board
Brodsky oversees the overall direction of member for the Alzheimer’s Foundation
BEB and spearheads strategic planning for of America. He is active with the Young
the business, including the execution and Presidents Organization – Metro Chapter
management of key partnerships. Under and is also a member of the Energeia
Brodsky’s leadership, BEB launched its Partnership.
lending division in March of 2020, which Brodsky holds a Bachelor of Business
has been a significant component to the Administration from Goizueta Business
firm’s growth since its inception. School at Emory University.
Brodsky serves on the company’s
Investment Committee, which makes
continuous contributions to drive BEB’s
growing real estate and investment
portfolio. In addition to his contributions
on the investment side of the business,
he leads all asset management-related
functions.
Prior to joining BEB, Brodsky worked as a
corporate real estate advisor at Newmark
in its Manhattan headquarters, and the
knowledge he gained there continues to
enhance his capabilities in his current
position at BEB.
Michael N. Brown
Chief Executive Officer, Fellow Health Partners
M
ichael N. Brown is chief executive officer of Another choice was outsourcing to “mom and
Fellow Health Partners, a Long Island-based pop” billers who did their work with a high degree
medical business solutions company. of personal attention to the client. However,
He oversees a rapidly growing local (and national) as a doctor’s practice grew and became more
success story that is changing the way that doctors, complicated, many couldn’t scale to handle the
hospitals and medical facilities are supported in their growth.
operations, operational strategy, billing and growth. Finally, there were the “factory billing” companies
Before starting Fellow Health Partners, Brown which had little personal contact with doctors and
worked for over 10 years in the business consulting couldn’t help them grow their practices or give them
industry at Loughlin Management Partners + Co and personal attention.
PWC, where he left at the director level. Brown saw an opportunity to provide a service
In his roles, he helped large companies find that was customer-focused but that could also grow
solutions to resolve financial or operational trouble. smoothly with doctors, facilities and hospitals.
He worked to help identify and solve their specific As he developed his vision, he was determined
problems, earning the praise of those he helped. The to keep the headquarters on Long Island so that he
work was challenging and exciting, giving Brown a could provide jobs and help support the community
taste for developing and running his own operation. where he grew up, and where he’d returned to raise
Brown earned a BA in Accounting and an MBA at his family.
the Dolan School of Business at Fairfield University. Since its inception in 2016, Fellow Health Partners
This strong practical and academic grounding would has grown from a handful of employees to over 100,
prove valuable in every aspect of his career. while the business has grown to over a $1 billion in
Fellow Health Partners was started in 2016 when client charges.
Brown saw an unfilled need in the medical billing Brown lives on Long Island, is married with two
space and filled it by forming a new company to children and is active in local philanthropy. When
meet that need. Until that time, most doctors, he’s not in the office, he can often be found on his
hospitals and medical facilities had only three choices “workboat,” a passion he’s had since childhood.
for their billing – each one coming with its own set of He currently sits on the advisory board at the
drawbacks. Egan School of Nursing at Fairfield University and
One choice was a do-it-yourself-type model called the Board of the Small Heroes Foundation, and
“in-house billing.” The doctors or hospitals did the is slated to teach “Healthcare Reimbursement
billing themselves, which was sub-optimal because and Organizational Performance” in the graduate
of the amount of skill and time necessary to keep up program at Fairfield University’s School of Nursing in
with all the rules and changes in the field, especially the coming months.
as organizations expanded.
12A I LONG ISLAND BUSINESS NEWS I Executive Circle Awards 2021 I LIBN.COMEmpowering Hard Working Families to Achieve the
Dream of Home Ownership in Suffolk County.
The many ways to help BUILD the story of home.
Sponsor a home, make a donation, get involved in our programs, donate and
shop at Suffolk ReStore or volunteer to help Habitat for Humanity of Suffolk
partner with local families to BUILD safe and affordable homes in Suffolk
County. At Habitat, we BUILD because we believe that everyone deserves a
safe, healthy and affordable place to call home.
Learn how you can get involved and BUILD the story of home.
Contact dawnmarie@habitatsuffolk.org.
Don't miss the opportunity to be part of 2021 CEO Build!
Help raise the walls on a Habitat home alongside C-suite level executives on Long
Island. For more information, visit habitatsuffolk.org.Randell Marie Bynum
Chief Executive Officer, Girl Scouts of Nassau County
R
andell Marie Bynum, LMSW, is the chief consistency and sustainability. Prior to that,
executive officer for the Girl Scouts she was the publishing director of Family and
of Nassau County. A third-generation Community Engagement at Scholastic Inc.
Girl Scout herself, Bynum brings decades of In that position, she was responsible for the
experience working with the youth population development of all resources that support
and enhancing the efforts of nonprofit engagement for schools and community
organizations to the position. organizations that ensure continued student
Early in her career, Bynum served as the achievement.
director of Program and Adult Development Before her work at Scholastic, Bynum was
at Girl Scouts of Nassau County, and that the senior director, Outreach and Partnerships,
experience served her well as she was forced to at Sesame Workshop. That position included
rethink the organization’s programming during managing all engagement activities for Sesame
the recent pandemic. Workshop’s Emmy Award-winning The Electric
Girl Scouts of Nassau County serves roughly Company. Her work encompassed managing
14,000 girls and 5,000 adults, many of whom community events, partnerships and the
faced profound social isolation when COVID-19 development of literacy materials for both
caused the shut down of schools and after- children and educators.
school activities. Bynum led the organization Bynum has over 20 years of experience
through the pandemic by ensuring that these working with youth and families in a wide
girls had access to the Girl Scouts organization variety of settings. She has also worked at
when they needed it the most. The organization the Girl Scouts of the USA, where she was
pivoted to virtual programming, which allowed responsible for the implementation of The Dove
girls to connect with each other and participate Self-Esteem Fund corporate partnership and the
in a re-imagined Girl Scout experience, development of the Girl Scout/Dove self-esteem
maintaining much-needed social connections program. She is the co-author of “Dove’s True
during a tremendously challenging time. You! Sometimes I Feel Ugly and Other Truths
Before returning to Girl Scouts of Nassau About Growing Up” workbook for mothers and
County four years ago, Bynum was a daughters.
content designer and editor for a variety of Bynum received a Master of Social Work
organizations, media entities and corporations. with a program planning, administration
As an independent contractor, she was tasked and research concentration from Stony
with elevating content to best meet the needs Brook University. She also holds a B.A. from
of the target audience, as well as supporting Binghamton University.
professional development efforts and ensuring
Brad C. Calhoun
President and CEO, Teachers Federal Credit Union
B
rad C. Calhoun is president and chief branches across eight states. In addition,
executive officer of Teachers Federal he directed a number of major marketing
Credit Union, one of the nation’s largest initiatives for the company and spearheaded
credit unions, which boasts over $8.5 billion the redesign and strategy for all of its
in assets. The organization serves some branches, transforming the organization’s
355,000 members at 32 full-service branch member experience while simultaneously
locations throughout the New York metro creating greater member value.
area. Prior to his position with First Tech Federal
Since joining Teachers Federal Credit Credit Union, Calhoun held several roles
Union in June of 2019, Calhoun has led at Bank of America, most recently as area
the organization through a full rebranding executive senior vice president for the bank’s
initiative, facilitated multiple strategic Pacific Northwest Region.
partnerships and overseen the credit union’s Calhoun is passionate about serving his
growth in assets from $7.3 billion to its community and displays this commitment
current $8.5 billion. through his steadfast involvement with Junior
Through the COVID-19 pandemic, Calhoun’s Achievement, a nonprofit committed to
leadership allowed for the credit union to preparing youth for financial success. Prior
safely remain open to serve its members, to making the move to Long Island, Calhoun
while ensuring that proper social distancing served as chairman of the board for Junior
and safety measures remained in place. His Achievement Washington.
ability to pivot quickly during the crisis and Additionally, he regularly participates in
lead more than 800 employees into a “new a variety of other philanthropic events and
normal” allowed Teachers Federal Credit activities, and is an active supporter of Island
Union to achieve unprecedented growth in a Harvest and Habitat for Humanity. He feels
year where most organizations struggled. so strongly about supporting these two
Calhoun has over 25 years of leadership organizations’ missions, he has made this a
experience in banking and credit unions. focus for the entire Teachers Federal Credit
Before joining Teachers Federal Credit Union, Union organization.
he served as chief retail and marketing Calhoun has a B.A. in Business
officer of Beaverton, Or-based First Tech Administration from California Baptist
Federal Credit Union, where he led the University. A native of Southern California,
strategic direction of the organization and he now calls Long Island home, where he
was responsible for nearly half of the more lives with his wife, Danielle, and their three
than 1,400 employees who work out of 42 daughters.
14A I LONG ISLAND BUSINESS NEWS I Executive Circle Awards 2021 I LIBN.COMDavid A. Chauvin
Executive Vice President, ZE Creative Communications
A
s executive vice president for ZE Creative Today, Chauvin oversees the company’s new-
Communications, David A. Chauvin business pipeline and supervises the firm’s
brings almost two decades of corporate, day-to-day operations.
government and political communications While Chauvin’s expertise is in strategic
experience to the position, including an communications and crisis management,
extensive background in crisis management. what truly separates him from others in the
He is responsible for running the firm’s day-to- industry is his mentorship efforts. In between
day operations and leading the firm’s strategic his conference calls and meetings, he is always
business initiatives. eager to help teach young professionals about
Prior to joining ZE, Chauvin served as the ins and outs of the industry, including
communications director for the Town of North everything from larger-scale communication
Hempstead, press secretary for Tom Suozzi strategies to simple things like how to speak
for Governor, deputy press secretary for the to reporters on the phone and how important
Nassau County Executive’s office and executive it is to read the newspaper every day. Chauvin
director for the Nassau County Democratic is always encouraging interns and employees
Party. Additionally, he has also held positions in to take advantage of opportunities to further
the Nassau County Legislature as a legislative advance their careers and professional
aid and policy advisor. All of these positions networks. Whenever he is asked to speak to
have strengthened his communication and students, Chauvin always finds time to make
media skills, helping to drive his continued this a priority, and he is a regular sponsor of
success. the Hofstra PRSSA Professional Networking
Since joining Zimmerman/Edelson, Inc. in Dinner.
2007, Chauvin has helped to take the agency He was recognized by the Public Relations
to new heights by breaking into new industries Professionals of Long Island organization last
and finding new services to offer clients in year when he was honored with the Howard
order to keep pace with the evolving media M. Blankman PRPLI Mentor of the Year Award.
landscape. In 2012, Chauvin became the Chauvin received his bachelor’s degree in
agency’s first partner since its inception in English from Hofstra University. In 2009 he was
1988, helping to lead the company into the named to Long Island Business News’ annual
future. He was the guiding force behind the list of “40 Under 40,” and he currently serves
company’s rebrand from Zimmerman/Edelson, on the board of the Waldorf School of Garden
Inc. to ZE Creative Communications, matching City and the advisory committee of the Child
the new ways the company provides solutions Care Council of Nassau County.
to clients’ unanticipated challenges.
Opening hearts, doors and minds...
For 50 years.
Life’s WORC has provided comprehensive services and support to people with
developmental disabilities and autism and their families in Queens, Manhattan,
Nassau and Suffolk Counties for the past 50 years. Today, we support more than
2,000 people across our residential locations, community programs, Trust Services
and The Family Center for Autism.
Congratulations Janet Koch, CEO
and to all of this year's Executive Circle honorees.
www.LifesWORC.org 516.741.9000 1501 Franklin Ave., Garden City, NYVictoria Cohen
Executive Director, Long Island Alzheimer’s and Dementia Center
V
ictoria “Tori” Cohen has been the executive services will have access to them.
director of the Long Island Alzheimer’s Cohen was a former hospital senior social
and Dementia Center since 2015; however, worker at NYU Medical Center and has 24 years
her history with the organization goes back to of experience in geriatrics. Her past employment
2003, when she began as a social worker with history also includes work in a mental health clinic
the organization (then called the Long Island with dual diagnosed clients and in a dialysis unit.
Alzheimer’s Foundation). She received her master’s degree in Social
Under her leadership, the Long Island Work from Simmons College and her bachelor’s
Alzheimer’s Foundation became the Long Island degree from Syracuse University, and is currently
Alzheimer’s and Dementia Center, representing the a member of the National Association of Social
organization’s continuing evolution to meet the Workers as well as a licensed clinical social worker
changing needs of the ever-increasing population in New York. She is also a member of the LIPN,
of Long Island residents affected by Alzheimer’s Central Nassau Rotary and the LIA.
disease and dementia. The Long Island Alzheimer’s and Dementia
Cohen is a zealous advocate for the Long Island Center has long served as an anchor for those with
Alzheimer’s and Dementia Center and a sought- memory issues, providing much-needed social
after thought leader on issues affecting those opportunities and a sense of consistency. With
with memory loss; she has been interviewed by the challenges of social distancing, however, the
numerous publications and broadcasts, including organization has retooled its in-person programs
WBAB, Newsday and Long Island Business News. into intimate and engaging online programs,
Cohen takes this role seriously, using her position continuing to offer help, hope and respite to
as a springboard to create meaningful partnerships families confronting Alzheimer’s disease.
with other organizations and potential funders. Early on in the pandemic, Cohen recognized
Additionally, Cohen spearheaded the Long Island the need for a central source for information
Alzheimer’s and Dementia Center’s efforts to about the impact of COVID-19 on families affected
create a program for mental health professionals by dementia. Together with Lori Malvadir of
for which they can earn continuing education Dayhaven, Tori started a roundtable to bring
credits. Because of the relationships she has built together most of the area providers on Alzheimer’s
with local hospitals, the organization will soon and social model day programs to share ideas
initiate caregiver education programs at both and to discuss the ever-changing (and sometimes
Northwell Health Orzac Center for Rehabilitation conflicting) guidance on protocols and procedures
in Valley Stream and Huntington Hospital so that from the state and county. This roundtable is now
this expertise in patient and caregiver support can an invaluable collaborative resource for those who
reach a wider base of affected families. Thanks serve this vulnerable population.
to her persistence, the Center’s new mental Cohen credits her staff’s dedication to the
health counseling services were approved for organization’s mission as the true secret to its
reimbursement by Medicaid, ensuring that those ongoing success.
who might otherwise be unable to afford these
Nancy Costopulos
President & CEO, Old Westbury Gardens
N
ancy Costopulos is the president and nature to the public.
chief executive officer of Long Island’s During the COVID-19 pandemic, she found
beloved Old Westbury Gardens, one that all of the sudden changes meant she, and
of the few remaining historic Long Island the organization as a whole, needed to think
estates open to the public, and one of the differently—about business, and about life
best preserved of its kind in America. Old in general. Leading in a time of uncertainty
Westbury Gardens welcomes some 80,000 is always challenging, and she believes this
visitors each year to enjoy its formal gardens, requires empathy, collaboration and flexibility.
woodlands, ponds and lakes, and offers Because people often struggled with
tours of the historic Westbury House, as well depression during the pandemic, many Long
as a variety of special community events. Island residents saw an increased desire
From guided bird watching tours, children’s to be close to nature. While initially closed
crafting, live music, “storybook strolls” and during the pandemic, Old Westbury Gardens
winter “owl prowls” to holiday wreath making continued to provide inspiration through
workshops, floral design classes, afternoon the beautiful photography showcased on its
teas and the ever-popular “dog days” and pet website, and upon its reopening, provided
fair, Old Westbury Gardens offers a wealth a safe, outdoor escape from the ongoing
of activities designed to engage people of all stresses of living in a COVID-19 world.
ages and interests, while providing a serenely She notes that while the pandemic is not
beautiful backdrop for walking, relaxing and fully behind us yet, what will be written about
just enjoying all the wonderful aspects of in the future will shine a light on leadership
being close to nature. and how it needed to adapt.
Costopulos has 30 years of experience When she’s not working at Old Westbury
working in the nonprofit sector. Formerly, she Gardens, Costopulos is active in her
was chief marketing officer of the Chicago- community, and is currently vice-chair of the
based American Marketing Association. She board of Discover Long Island.
also served as director of annual giving and Passionate about all things nature related,
membership at the Chicago Botanic Garden, she loves the great outdoors; some of her
as well as at the Los Angeles Zoo. favorite hobbies including cycling, cooking,
She first joined the Old Westbury Gardens beekeeping and gardening.
team in December 2015, and immediately
began to grow the organization’s community
reach, hosting numerous events to bring the
joy and beauty of the wonderful oasis of
16A I LONG ISLAND BUSINESS NEWS I Executive Circle Awards 2021 I LIBN.COMJames R. Dolan, Jr.
Executive Director, Charles Evans Center
D
r. James R. Dolan, Jr. is the executive director and developmental disabilities service system.
of the Charles Evans Center. In this capacity, As a Doctor of Social Work with over 40 years
he oversees the delivery of a wide range of of experience in the field, he taught as an adjunct
integrated medical, dental and behavioral health professor at the Adelphi University School of Social
services to individuals lacking access to high-quality Work. He began his career as a Vista volunteer
health care. where he helped people with developmental
The Charles Evans Center specializes in serving disabilities transition from institutional life into the
people who have a developmental disability, as community. He worked on rehabilitation projects
well as persons with mental health and substance with individuals who were recently discharged
use concerns. This is accomplished by providing an from long-term stays in psychiatric centers, and he
assortment of clinical interventions that are tailored directed a mental health clinic that operated within
to the needs of each individual. The Charles Evans a New York City homeless shelter.
Center also offers various housing options to those Dolan was also a caseworker for Child Protective
who benefit from living in an environment with Services, and as one with extensive clinical
built-in supports. Additionally, the Charles Evans experience, he maintained a private psychotherapy
Center plays a prominent role in administering practice for 25 years where he provided individual,
COVID-19 vaccines to people with special needs, family and couples counseling. He has had a
as well as health care providers and community number of articles published addressing mental
members who meet the high-priority criteria. health and chemical dependency issues, and has
As an early advocate for the delivery of delivered numerous presentations on this topic
integrated and co-located health care, Dolan has to professionals, elected officials and community
not only advanced this best practice at The Charles members. He also hosted the “Recovery Road”
Evans Center, but he was also instrumental in its radio show for three years.
implementation on a county-wide basis. As an avid athlete, Dolan participated in
Dolan was previously the acting commissioner of numerous competitive sporting events, including
the Nassau County Department of Human Services. multiple triathlons and a marathon. He was also
In that role, he oversaw the Office of Mental very involved with youth athletics where he
Health, Chemical Dependency and Developmental coached basketball and baseball for many years.
Disabilities; the Office for the Aging; the Office for Additionally, he is active in his local parish where he
Youth Services, and the Office for the Physically is a trustee.
Challenged. This entailed administering contracts Dolan and his wife, Janet, have been married
with 130 community-based agencies. In his dual for 40 years. They have six children and four
role as director of community services, he was grandchildren.
responsible for the county-wide behavioral health
Congratulations to Ronald Eagar
and all of the
Executive Circle Award Honorees
Ronald J. Eagar, CPA, CCIFP
Partner, Chief Operating Officer
grassicpas.comRonald J. Eagar
Partner and Chief Operating Officer, Grassi Advisors & Accountants
R
onald J. Eagar is a partner and the chief addition to his larger corporate clients, Ron advises
operating officer at Grassi Advisors & closely held family businesses and high-net-worth
Accountants and a member of the firm’s individuals with a personalized approach to solving
executive committee. He brings decades of business challenges and meeting their financial
experience in public and private accounting and objectives.
has advised clients in the construction, real estate, As chief operating officer at Grassi, Eagar oversees
manufacturing, distribution, transportation and and makes strategic decisions about many of the
nonprofit industries. Eagar is a sought-after speaker firm’s core functions. His responsibilities extend to
and author on topics related to compliance, taxation, oversight of the firm’s internal finance department.
operational efficiencies and business growth As a member of the firm’s executive committee,
strategies. Eagar helps to shape the strategic vision of the firm
Eagar has dedicated much of his career to advising and develop strategies to achieve it. During his
construction contractors and subcontractors tenure, the firm has made several successful strategic
across Long Island, throughout New York State and acquisitions, experienced high levels of organic
nationally. He helped to grow Grassi’s construction growth, built a robust suite of value-added consulting
practice into one of the nation’s largest, and was services, innovated new service lines to help clients
instrumental in developing the technologies used by through the COVID-19 pandemic and implemented
the firm’s construction consulting professionals to progressive work-life employee policies that have
help contractors grow and succeed. earned Grassi the recognition of being one of the
In addition to his CPA licensure, Eagar holds the best places to work on Long Island.
distinction of being one of the first in the country Eagar also makes time to support his community
to earn the exclusive designation of Certified by serving philanthropic organizations. He has
Construction Industry Financial Professional. He is an served on the board of directors for Mercy Haven,
active member and past treasurer of the Long Island a nonprofit located in Islip Terrace, for 20 years,
Chapter of the Construction Financial Management and has held the position of treasurer for the last
Association and regularly contributes speaking 15 years. In this role, he provides financial and
engagements and authored articles to the New York operational advice that helps the organization fulfill
Electrical Contractors Association and the Sheet its mission to provide housing to mentally challenged
Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National individuals across Nassau and Suffolk counties. Eagar
Association. also participates in a variety of charitable initiatives
Eagar also uses his extensive knowledge of internal that benefit organizations such as Toys for Tots,
controls and financial procedures to guide public and Ronald McDonald House, Leukemia & Lymphoma
not-for-profit organizations through the stringent and Society, Long Island Cares and more.
rigorous process of Sarbanes-Oxley compliance. In
Eileen Egan
Executive Director and CEO, Community Mainstreaming Associates
E
ileen McDonald Egan is the executive director the late ‘70s, when she visited, student taught and
and chief executive officer of Community even resided at state institutions in New York and
Mainstreaming Associates. For over 40 Connecticut. During her studies, she simultaneously
years, Egan has supported the underserved Long worked at Nassau AHRC, which provided beautiful
Island community of people with intellectual and group living opportunities for individuals, in stark
developmental disabilities through her work in a contrast to other institutions at the time.
variety of positions throughout Long Island and the A strong believer in providing person-centered
greater New York area. For the past eight years, support, Egan is leading Community Mainstreaming
she has led Community Mainstreaming Associates, Associates toward offering unique and
based in Westbury, as executive director. individualized services that address the specialized
Community Mainstreaming Associates’ programs needs of each person who needs the organization’s
include 14 residential group homes, supported assistance. The agency received its accreditation
employment, Medicaid service coordination from the Council on Quality Leadership in 2016, and
and day and community habilitation programs. was re-accredited this year.
In addition, Egan is an active advocate for Egan received her Master of Public Health
individuals in New York State with intellectual and degree from Yale University. She is also a certified
developmental disabilities. special education teacher in New York State, having
During her tenure with the organization, received her bachelor’s degree from Southern
Community Mainstreaming Associates has Connecticut State University and master’s degree
opened five new group residential homes in from SUNY Stony Brook. She has taught at both
Nassau and Suffolk counties, representing a 58% Nassau Community College and Queens College.
increase in beds for a total of 86 adults who now Egan serves on several boards of directors. These
have safe and supportive homes. Community include: The Foreseeable Future Foundation, which
Mainstreaming Associates also runs day and provides funding and support for children and
community habilitation programs for 180+ people adult athletes who are blind; Advance of Greater
geared toward teaching skills, developing work New York, a provider association of metropolitan
readiness and ultimately increasing an individual’s nonprofits serving people with intellectual or
independence. developmental disabilities, and the Alliance of Long
Prior to working at Community Mainstreaming Island Agencies. She is a founding national board
Associates, Egan worked in several other non- member of the Yale Alumni Non-Profit Alliance
governmental organizations on Long Island (YANA), where she also served as chair of the
and in New York City. She has been passionate organization’s Mentorship Committee.
about providing high-quality, inclusive homes for
individuals with developmental disabilities since
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