Upstate
The 2024 Hudson Valley Power 100
Movers and shakers from Westchester County to Ulster County.
City & State presents the 2024 Hudson Valley Power 100. Spencer Platt/Getty Images
The Hudson Valley is known for its quaint riverfront enclaves and leafy neighborhoods, its historic mansions and estates, its cultural and culinary attractions. But in the political world, it’s first and foremost a crucial battleground in the war for control of Congress. Reps. Marc Molinaro and Mike Lawler are among the most vulnerable Republican incumbents seeking reelection this year, while another first-term lawmaker, Democratic Rep. Pat Ryan, is facing a tough reelection battle of his own.
Of course, the region’s suburban and exurban communities have long played an outsized role in state and local politics. It’s no coincidence that state Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins hails from Westchester, or that one of the country’s most high-profile House primaries – in which Westchester County Executive George Latimer ousted Rep. Jamaal Bowman of “the Squad” – took place here. Local elected officials on both sides of the aisle were among the loudest opponents of congestion pricing, contributing to the governor’s decision to pause it indefinitely.
City & State’s inaugural Hudson Valley Power 100 identifies the region’s most influential figures. While there is some debate of what exactly constitutes the Hudson Valley, this list covers seven counties: Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester. Read on to meet the public officials, business owners, hospital executives, college and university presidents, and others shaping the future of the Hudson Valley.
1. Andrea Stewart-Cousins
The first Black woman to lead a legislative chamber in New York history, state Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins is hoping to see Vice President Kamala Harris break the ultimate glass ceiling this year, while praising Harris’ campaign for its “flawless execution.” In New York, Stewart-Cousins is focused on maintaining and expanding her majority, including with a leadership PAC, along with dealing with the top policy issues facing the state including housing, the future of financing the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and education.
2. George Latimer
George Latimer may be preparing his final budget as Westchester County executive and other details of running the county, but other issues including which House office building he prefers, committee assignments and Washington, D.C., real estate are on his mind. Latimer defeated Rep. Jamaal Bowman in a closely watched congressional primary in June to capture a seat representing Westchester and the Bronx. The primary became a proxy fight over U.S. policy toward the Israel-Hamas war and U.S. policy in the Middle East among other issues.
3. Mike Spano
Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano is in an unprecedented fourth term leading the state’s third largest city – and could be a contender for Westchester County executive next year, assuming George Latimer wins his congressional race. Earlier this year, Spano pledged to invest more in public schools, spur economic development and tackle crime. After data showed dangerous shootings were down locally, he declared Yonkers the “safest big city in New York.” Spano is touting a new film television magnet school and increased film and television production in Yonkers and state funding to build the city’s first new school in over two decades.
4. Jamaal Bailey, Nathalia Fernandez, Pete Harckham, Michelle Hinchey, Shelley Mayer & James Skoufis
As chair of the Education Committee, state Sen. Shelley Mayer has been in the thick of debates over everything from school funding to hate speech. Mayer opposed Gov. Kathy Hochul’s budget proposal on the state’s Foundation Aid formula and championed a study of the complicated school funding process that’s been underway this year. Mayer has also served on the influential Senate Working Rules Group.
State Senate Agriculture Committee Chair Michelle Hinchey had an active year, with 29 of her bills passing both houses. This includes the state’s short-term rental registry bill, a hotly debated measure, and her bill to make menstrual products free at SUNY and CUNY.
Environmental Conservation Committee Chair Pete Harckham is tackling urgent environmental issues, calling on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to oversee a full clean-up of PCBs in the Hudson River. He has opposed efforts to reopen the Indian Point nuclear power plant.
State Sen. James Skoufis has been seen as a potential congressional contender, but this fall, he is focused on winning a competitive general election contest to keep his current seat. Skoufis, who chairs the Committee on Investigations and Government Operations, is facing a rematch against Republican Dorey Houle after a nail-biter in 2022.
Two other lawmakers straddle New York City and Westchester: Jamaal Bailey and Nathalia Fernandez. While best known for his work leading the Bronx Democrats, Bailey’s state Senate district covers parts of the northernmost borough and the Hudson Valley’s southernmost county. The chair of the powerful Senate Codes Committee, Bailey has prioritized making phone calls from state prisons free. In December he announced $3.1 million in capital grants for Mount Vernon. He also has served on the powerful Senate Working Rules Group. Alcoholism and Substance Use Disorders Committee Chair Nathalia Fernandez, who also represents parts of the Bronx and Westchester, has made closing the voluntary intoxication loophole in sexual assault cases a top priority. She is also focused on issues related to vaping and sponsored legislation to regulate third-party restaurant reservation apps.
5. Amy Paulin
Several headline-making bills under debate in the state Legislature this year came from Assembly Health Committee Chair Amy Paulin. The Scarsdale Democrat sponsored the Harvey Weinstein bill, which would allow prosecutors to cite past sexual offenses as evidence in criminal trials to establish a pattern of behavior. Paulin also secured Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie’s critical support for her Medical Aid in Dying Act, which would let doctors prescribe medication to terminally ill New Yorkers to end their lives. Paulin routinely ranks as one of the state’s most prolific lawmakers.
6. Pat Ryan
Rep. Pat Ryan was elected to his swing district seat in 2022 and this year is facing a challenge from Republican Alison Esposito. Ryan, a combat veteran and vice ranking member of the House Armed Services Committee, spoke at the Democratic National Convention about veterans’ issues. After a yearslong push from Ryan, the state Public Service Commission recently reached a $60 million settlement with Central Hudson Gas & Electric over bad billing practices, an issue he began tackling while Ulster County executive. A West Point alum, Ryan now represents the academy in Congress and serves on its board of visitors.
7. Marc Molinaro
Rep. Marc Molinaro’s reelection battle may look familiar to voters in the purple 19th Congressional District. He’s facing a rematch against Democrat Josh Riley next month, but this time, Molinaro is the one defending his seat. The stakes are high for Molinaro, a former Dutchess County executive whose 2022 win was crucial to delivering the House majority to Republicans that year. Molinaro has touted his passing 54 bipartisan bills and having 12 measures signed by President Joe Biden, along with federal funds he obtained. The sprawling district includes parts of the Hudson Valley, along with Binghamton and Ithaca.
8. Mike Lawler
Mike Lawler made headlines when he defeated former Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney and hasn’t stayed quiet since. Lawler has positioned himself as one of the most bipartisan members of Congress, helpful for a swing district lawmaker. That includes teaming up with Bronx Democratic Rep. Ritchie Torres on a bill to boost the Secret Service presence for presidential candidates. Lawler was a significant voice in advocating against congestion pricing. In his bid for a second term against former Democratic Rep. Mondaire Jones, Lawler has picked up key union endorsements and kept the GOP base happy by backing Donald Trump. Yet photos recently surfaced of Lawler wearing blackface while dressed as Michael Jackson at a 2006 Halloween party in college.
9. Catherine Rinaldi
Transit veteran Catherine Rinaldi has steered the Metro-North Railroad through major crises, from Superstorm Sandy to the COVID-19 pandemic. The commuter rail system has recovered tremendously since the pandemic began, hitting its highest ridership levels since then earlier this year. Rinaldi has also touted the Metro-North’s on-time performance and success in getting riders across the Hudson Valley to their destinations. Until last year, Rinaldi also served as interim head of the Long Island Rail Road.
10. Kevin Byrne, Ed Day, Jen Metzger, Steve Neuhaus & Sue Serino
A law enforcement veteran, Ed Day was first elected Rockland County executive in 2013 after serving in the county legislature. The NYPD veteran has proposed a series of new fire safety bills for Albany to take up, has been a vocal opponent of congestion pricing and led many county governments in blocking migrants heading north from New York City.
Since he took office in 2014, Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus has been focused on a number of issues, from bridge improvements to partnering with other officials in the region to bolster public safety. He has taken on leadership roles in state and national county government groups.
Several other Hudson Valley county executives cut their teeth serving in the state Legislature. New York’s youngest county executive, Kevin Byrne, traded a seat in the Assembly for Putnam County’s top job at the end of 2022. Byrne has merged county administrative functions into a new Department of General Services, saw Putnam named the country’s eighth-safest county and saw the American Legislative Exchange Council adopt several of his ideas as model policies.
A former state Senate Agriculture Committee chair, Jen Metzger was elected Ulster County executive in 2022. Metzger has asked state officials to amend the climate plan for the central Hudson Valley, spoke at a White House conference about climate and infrastructure issues and was critical of the police response to protests at SUNY New Paltz.
Sue Serino was elected Dutchess County executive last year after serving in legislative roles at the town, county and state levels. The former state Senate Aging Committee chair has made housing, shared services and affordability top issues on her agenda.
11. Ken Jenkins
After almost seven years as Westchester County Executive George Latimer’s right-hand man, Ken Jenkins is on the verge of succeeding Latimer in the county’s top post. Jenkins is considered the favorite to be appointed acting county executive should Latimer leave for Congress and would likely run in a special election a few months later for the remaining year of Latimer’s term. Jenkins is already a statewide power broker and served as the chair of the commission that redrew the state’s congressional districts.
12. Ed Domingo
Ed Domingo is managing Empire City Casino at a pivotal time. The MGM Resorts site in Yonkers is widely expected to secure one of the three coveted full downstate casino licenses to be awarded by state officials and is already gearing up for the possibility. In July, MGM Resorts announced a partnership deal with the New York Yankees that would allow for Empire City Casino to host special events and current and former players.
13. Marsha Gordon & John Ravitz
When Westchester businesses are seeking guidance or experts in the policy sphere, they rely on Marsha Gordon and John Ravitz. The influential duo shapes the priorities of the Business Council of Westchester. This year, that has included convening industry leaders to talk about artificial intelligence’s impact on business and launching its Clean Energy Action Coalition to represent businesses’ interests as the state’s energy landscape evolves. Gordon has headed the council for 23 years; Ravitz previously served in the Assembly for 12 years.
14. Arvind Krishna
Artificial intelligence has been top of mind for Arvind Krishna this past year. IBM has sought to monetize its machine learning models for businesses, but the Armonk-based company faces plenty of competition from Microsoft, Google and other tech juggernauts. Still, Krishna is optimistic that IBM will succeed by taking a more flexible approach to AI. In March, Gov. Kathy Hochul named Krishna a co-chair of her new Emerging Technology Advisory Board. He is also a member of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s board of directors.
15. Leonard Schleifer
Dr. Leonard Schleifer is a co-founder and head of Regeneron, a biotech powerhouse based in Westchester County. Under his purview, the company’s main facility is undergoing a $1.8 billion expansion spanning nearly 1 million square feet that will bring in 1,000 new employees over five years. The pharmaceutical company is also spreading its reach to other parts of the Hudson Valley. At the end of last year, the company purchased Avon’s former research and development site in Rockland County to the tune of $39 million.
16. Didi Barrett, Aileen Gunther, Steven Otis & J. Gary Pretlow
Assembly Energy Committee Chair Didi Barrett fended off a threat from the left in the June primary, with challenger Claire Cousin complaining that the incumbent was not a sponsor of the NY HEAT Act, which would limit natural gas expansion. Barrett saw her state clean energy mapping legislation signed into law this year and was recently appointed to the state Energy Planning Board.
Amid a battle for three downstate casino licenses, Racing and Wagering Committee Chair J. Gary Pretlow is expecting selections to be made next year. Pretlow sees revenue from new casinos helping to plug holes in funding the Metropolitan Transportation Authority capital budget following the pause on congestion pricing.
Assembly Science and Technology Committee Chair Steven Otis is devising policies to address the growth of artificial intelligence and setting state policy to keep up with technological innovations, including enacting guardrails around automated decision-making by state government.
After two decades in Albany, Mental Health Committee Chair Aileen Gunther is retiring this year. The veteran lawmaker has sought to expand mental health services and has touted
the Resorts World Catskills casino as an economic anchor for the region.
17. Thomas Roach
More than a decade into Thomas Roach’s tenure as mayor of White Plains, housing development remains at the top of his agenda. Thousands of apartments have been approved for construction under his watch, boosting the capacity of a city of nearly 60,000 residents. One major project on the horizon: a transformation of the Galleria Mall into a 3,200-unit apartment complex. Roach said the redevelopment would continue to boost the city’s downtown and its local businesses.
18. Shawyn Patterson-Howard
Mount Vernon Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard is the first incumbent in her position to coast to reelection in two decades, speaking to her accomplishments so far in office. Under her leadership, the city piloted a guaranteed income program that gave 200 families $500 of unrestricted cash a month. Though the city’s budget is too limited to continue it, Patterson-Howard hopes the data gathered through the pilot can make a case for additional support from county, state and federal officials.
19. Nick Spano
Real estate developers, police unions and hospitals across Westchester County have relied on Nick Spano’s government expertise and connections. As head of Empire Strategic Planning, Spano offers a wide range of clients guidance on everything from lobbying public officials to navigating regulations. This work is informed by his extensive career in state government, having served as a state senator for 20 years, after first being elected to the Assembly at the age of 25.
20. Michael Israel
After almost two decades leading the Westchester Medical Center, Michael Israel is set to retire from his position at the end of next year. When he first joined the medical center, it had been in financial trouble and in need of major restructuring. He steered it through the crisis and transformed it into a health network that includes nine hospitals with almost 1,800 inpatient beds. Under his direction, the Westchester Medical Center played a pivotal role in coordinating COVID-19 vaccine distribution across the Hudson Valley.
21. Yadira Ramos-Herbert
During New Rochelle Mayor Yadira Ramos-Herbert’s first State of the City address this spring, she touted the city’s strong economy. Since then, she has sought to build on that, looking to provide grants to small businesses and create more pedestrian-friendly open spaces. She made history in January when she became the first woman mayor of New Rochelle, taking on the role after serving as a New Rochelle City Council member. She succeeded former Mayor Noam Bramson, who had held the post for 17 years.
22. Chris Burdick, Dana Levenberg, Nader Sayegh, MaryJane Shimsky & Sarahana Shrestha
Assembly Member Dana Levenberg made the move from Ossining supervisor to the state Legislature last year, succeeding her old boss, Sandy Galef. Levenberg’s measure to stop the discharge of nuclear waste from the old Indian Point nuclear power plant into the Hudson River was signed into law last year. She announced $16.2 million in state funding for a wastewater treatment plant in Peekskill and supports efforts to rename Donald J. Trump State Park.
Just a few years after becoming an American citizen, Assembly Member Sarahana Shrestha was elected to the Assembly in 2022, becoming the first Democratic Socialists of America member elected to the state Legislature outside of New York City. She has been an outspoken advocate for legislation to build public energy sources, arguing that recent rate hikes by Central Hudson Gas & Electric demonstrate the need to move away from for-profit energy. She has introduced legislation to create a Hudson Valley Power Authority and supports local governments adopting the state’s new “good cause” eviction law. Shrestha easily defeated a more moderate Democratic primary challenger in Gabi Madden this year. Another Democratic incumbent who survived a primary challenge this year is MaryJane Shimsky, who had a rematch with Thomas Abinanti after knocking him out of office two years ago.
A former Bedford supervisor, Chris Burdick has served in Albany since 2021, and he serves as chair of the Employment Opportunities for People with Disabilities Subcommittee. He has also been focused on a number of Hudson Valley public works projects. Students with Special Needs Subcommittee Chair Nader Sayegh has made education issues a top focus of his during his time in Albany. Outside of education policy, Sayegh had a package of emergency management bills signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul in 2022.
23. Susan Fox
White Plains Hospital is undergoing a major expansion set to increase its capacity to care for patients. Susan Fox is leading the hospital through this construction, which will create a 10-story hospital tower with a new emergency department and additional patient rooms. Fox has over 25 years of experience in health care and health management administration. She joined White Plains Hospital as executive vice president in 2011 and was elevated to president in 2013. She became CEO of the hospital in 2015.
24. Suzanne Berger
This year’s election in the 17th Congressional District, pitting Rep. Mike Lawler against Democratic nominee Mondaire Jones, is significant not just for Westchester County, but for the entire nation. Suzanne Berger is dedicated to supporting efforts to flip the seat blue as Democrats aim to retake the House of Representatives. The Dobbs Ferry resident has led the Westchester County Democratic Committee since 2022. A commercial litigator, she serves as of counsel at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner.
25. Ramon Laguarta
Ramon Laguarta leads one of the largest corporations to call Westchester County home. He has served as CEO of PepsiCo since 2018 and as chair of its board since 2019, leading the Purchase-based company’s many brands, including Lay’s, Cheetos, Pepsi-Cola and Mountain Dew; the company netted more than $91 billion in revenue last year. Beware Coca-Cola, Laguarta’s vision for PepsiCo is set on the pillars of making the company “faster, stronger and better” and to create a world leader in beverages and convenient food.
26. Michael N. Romita
Stimulating economic development and supporting businesses in Westchester is top of mind for Michael Romita. Romita led a new Westchester County Association program to fill 1,000 jobs locally, connecting applicants and employers, particularly in the health care industry. He played a role in advocating for the state’s 7.5% increase in Medicaid funding for fiscal year 2024, advocated for the passage of legislation to increase simulation use in nursing education and instituted new programs to grow the region’s housing stock and to involve the business community in environment policy.
27. Ross Pepe
The Construction Industry Council of Westchester and Hudson Valley is a go-to trade association for more than 600 contractors, suppliers, consultants and other construction professionals and businesses in the region. Longtime President Ross Pepe has managed the group’s efforts negotiating labor agreements, advising and educating members and lobbying government officials for additional capital funding. The association is keeping an eye on everything from a $1.9 billion water tunnel project that broke ground in Mount Pleasant in July to congestion pricing.
28. Lakisha Collins-Bellamy
Lakisha Collins-Bellamy made history as the first Black person and first woman of color to be elected the president of the Yonkers City Council in 2021. Her ascension to that position was precipitated by years of public service. The lifelong Yonkers resident has served as a trustee on the Yonkers Board of Education and as an attorney for the Yonkers Municipal Housing Authority, in addition to maintaining a private law practice.
29. Mark Weingarten
Owners and developers of commercial and residential properties in the Hudson Valley often rely on Mark Weingarten’s counsel. As a partner at the firm, he brings expertise in land use, zoning and government relations. Recently, Weingarten has been occupied representing three developers planning to construct the Hamilton Green project in White Plains, which will include 860 apartments across four buildings as well as retail, restaurant and office space.
30. Steve Noble
Kingston has been making news across the Hudson Valley and beyond under Mayor Steve Noble’s leadership. The Ulster County city of 24,000 made headlines in 2022 for adopting rent stabilization – the first in the region to do so – and Noble has doubled down in making housing a priority. He has sought to establish tax credits for affordable housing development, with a goal to approve 1,000 housing units over the next five years.
31. Cristyne Nicholas & George Lence
This communications duo brings their skills to clients seeking to amplify their message and shape policy. Cristyne Nicholas has plenty of PR and marketing know-how, having previously spearheaded tourism revitalization efforts in New York City in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. George Lence offers complementary expertise in government and public affairs and serves as chair of governmental affairs for the Business Council of Westchester. Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts and Playland Park in Rye are just a few of their Westchester clients.
32. Jeffrey Cohen, Robert Spolzino & David Imamura
Abrams Fensterman’s White Plains office includes these three powerhouse attorneys with varied experience. Jeffrey Cohen served as an associate justice in the state Supreme Court Appellate Division for over a decade before joining the firm, and Robert Spolzino spent more than eight years as a justice of the state Supreme Court. David Imamura, who became a partner at the firm in July, filed the first lawsuit under the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Act of New York in January.
33. Joseph DeStefano
Middletown Mayor Joseph DeStefano is a longtime political leader in the Orange County city, which has a population of 30,000. The Middletown native first served as mayor between 1993 and 2005, before returning to the office again in 2009 and has remained mayor since then. During his latest State of the City address, DeStefano highlighted Middletown’s efforts to support local businesses, create jobs and boost development in the city.
34. Vivian McKenzie
Over the past two years, Mayor Vivian McKenzie has been busy making changes in Peekskill. In addition to instituting a new Civilian Complaint Review Board – designed to improve relationships between local police and residents – she has worked to improve quality of life in the city of 25,000. Before becoming mayor, McKenzie served on the Peekskill Common Council and was a local restaurant owner. She also is a member of the African American Mayors Association, New York Conference of Mayors and Westchester Black Women’s Political Caucus.
35. Timothy M. Jones
Robert Martin Company’s development spans across Westchester County and Connecticut, boasting a portfolio that includes more than 6 million square feet of multifamily, office, retail and industrial properties. The real estate firm’s reach can be credited to CEO Timothy M. Jones, who has managed its investment, growth and existing assets. Before the Rye resident joined Robert Martin Company, he previously served as president of Mack-Cali Realty Corp.
36. Martin Ginsburg
Martin Ginsburg is a titan in Hudson Valley real estate. Over the course of 60 years, his Valhalla-based firm has built a wide range of luxury residential buildings and mixed-use developments across Westchester and Rockland counties. His impact on the landscape of the region is so significant that Yonkers named a park after him last year. Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano has also credited the longtime developer with revitalizing underused land in the city.
37. John Fareri
Fareri Associates may be based in Greenwich, Connecticut, but its impact is visible across the nearby Lower Hudson Valley. Under John Fareri’s direction, the real estate firm develops, owns and manages commercial, industrial and residential properties from Valhalla to Mount Pleasant. Fareri and his companies have developed, repositioned or currently own about $1.5 billion in real estate to date. In March, Fareri Associates officials celebrated the mental health company Release Recovery’s new facility in Purchase.
38. Tracy Brown
Once a polluted waterway, the Hudson River has come a long way in water quality. Tracy Brown took the top spot at Riverkeeper in 2021, after leading water protection efforts at Save the Sound, which works on issues regarding the Long Island Sound. Since joining Riverkeeper, Brown expanded the organization’s water quality monitoring efforts through a new water quality collaborative, added to its boat fleet, pushed lawmakers to pass legislation to ban the discharge of radioactive waste from the former Indian Point nuclear power plant into the river and, this summer, formed the Westchester Coalition for Clean Water.
39. Yvonne Flowers
Poughkeepsie Mayor Yvonne Flowers’ historic 2023 victory – which made her the city’s first Black mayor – was hard-fought. She narrowly defeated three candidates in last year’s Democratic primary, boosted by her eight years of experience on the Poughkeepsie Common Council. Upon entering office in January, she pledged to prioritize public safety and address the housing crisis. Her journey into politics was inspired by her late father, who encouraged her to run for her previous seat when she became concerned about gun and drug violence.
40. L. Todd Diorio
As head of the Hudson Valley Building & Construction Trades Council, L. Todd Diorio and advocates for the needs of construction workers across the region as they take on new infrastructure projects. The union leader secured a labor agreement last year for the construction of Sullivan County Airport’s new terminal. Leading up to this year’s elections, the Hudson Valley Building & Construction Trades Council is backing candidates across the political spectrum, including both Democrat Rep. Pat Ryan and Republican Rep. Mike Lawler.
41. Louis Cappelli
Louis Cappelli is busy completing new developments across Westchester. In August, his firm topped off a $650 million transformation of the former White Plains Mall into a mixed-use residential development that will deliver thousands of apartments to the city. Cappelli’s eponymous development company is also responsible for the construction of other major local institutions, including the City Center at White Plains and Trump Plaza New Rochelle.
42. Samantha Rosado-Ciriello
Samantha Rosado-Ciriello joined New York politicians at this year’s Democratic National Convention, rubbing shoulders with Westchester County Executive and Democratic congressional nominee George Latimer and U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand. Rosado-Ciriello is fighting on behalf of Yonkers teachers at a critical time. School staffers were at risk of being laid off this year, which was averted thanks to the Yonkers Federation of Teachers and intervention from city and state officials.
43. Derek Anderson & Beata Mastalerz
These health care executives lead Northwell Health’s premier hospitals serving the Hudson Valley. Derek Anderson runs the day-to-day operations at Northern Westchester Hospital in Mount Kisco, spearheading plans to expand emergency services and maternal health care and bringing with him experience at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset. Beata Mastalerz, meanwhile, has led efforts at Phelps Hospital in Sleepy Hollow since January, managing its medical care and growth.
44. Denise George, Susan Browning and Mark Hirko
Northwell is merging with Nuvance Health, a major health care system in the Hudson Valley and Western Connecticut that has several hospitals operating across Putnam and Dutchess counties. Denise George first joined the system’s Northern Dutchess Hospital in 1999 and, as president, has steered the 84-bed institution through two major expansions. Further down in Poughkeepsie, Susan Browning heads the 349-bed Vassar Brothers Medical Center, becoming president last year after holding a leadership role at Northwell Health. Meanwhile, Mark Hirko is in his fourth year at the helm of the 164-bed Putnam Hospital in Carmel.
45. Torrance Harvey
A history teacher and avid poet, Newburgh Mayor Torrance Harvey is in his sixth year leading the city of nearly 29,000. Harvey first entered public office in 2016, when he joined the Newburgh City Council, but was appointed to replace the late-Mayor Judy Kennedy just two years later. During his tenure, he has introduced efforts to combat crime, such as a video surveillance program, and collaborated with the Obama Foundation on an initiative to help young men of color locally.
46. Paul Dunphey & Philip J. Wilner
NewYork-Presbyterian relies on Paul Dunphey and Philip J. Wilner to provide quality health care to Westchester and Hudson Valley patients. Dunphey, who has been with the system since 1990, holds dual roles managing the operations of both NewYork-Presbyterian Westchester and NewYork-Presbyterian Hudson Valley Hospital, the latter of which he is president. Wilner similarly manages Westchester Behavioral Health, a 250-bed psychiatric facility in White Plains, in addition to his broader work handling behavioral health services across all NewYork-Presbyterian sites.
47. Robert P. Weisz
When Robert P. Weisz first arrived in the United States from Uruguay in 1977, he had plans to make his mark in the furniture industry. Instead, he ended up pivoting to real estate, and today, he leads one of the top real estate companies in the Westchester area, which holds more than 3 million square feet of holdings. Among those holdings are the former Philip Morris Companies’ property in Rye and IBM’s former headquarters at 1133 Westchester Ave. in White Plains.
48. Marvin Krislov
Marvin Krislov is using his voice to push for a more equitable higher education system. One priority of his has been calling for colleges to replicate Pace University’s efforts to ensure incoming students have the necessary guidance in applying for federal financial aid. As head of a university that educates 14,000 students across its New York City and Westchester campuses, he has also urged for more pathways for students to access higher education.
49. Cristle Collins Judd
Cristle Collins Judd’s time serving as president of Sarah Lawrence College has been marked by some of the biggest issues the school has ever had to confront. Over the course of seven years, she steered the Bronxville-based college through the COVID-19 pandemic, supported a major campus expansion and secured a $20 million gift – the largest donation in the college’s history. Judd, a music scholar, served as dean of academic affairs at Bowdoin College in Maine and as a program officer with the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation before joining Sarah Lawrence.
50. Seamus Carey
Iona University has undergone a transformation under Seamus Carey’s direction. Two years ago, the New Rochelle-based institution petitioned to become a university, a move that Carey said better reflects Iona’s growth and academic chops. He also managed the acquisition of a new Bronxville campus in 2021 – which includes a new school focused on health sciences – and launched a campus abroad in Ireland this year.
51. Tony Alfano, Scott Edelman, Regginald Jordan, Daniel Maughan & Mark Geller
Montefiore is headquartered in the Bronx, the home of its flagship Moses campus and the affiliated Albert Einstein College of Medicine, but much of the health care system’s footprint extends to the north in the Hudson Valley. In southern Westchester County, Tony Alfano and Regginald Jordan play a key role in delivering health care to local residents. For more than a decade, Alfano has served as vice president and executive director of the 223-bed Montefiore New Rochelle Hospital, having previously worked as chief operating officer of what is now NewYork-Presbyterian Lower Manhattan Hospital. Jordan, who previously served as vice president at what was then called Mount Sinai St. Luke’s, has been at Montefiore since 2018 and runs its Mount Vernon Hospital, a 121-bed teaching hospital. A little further north in White Plains is Montefiore’s Burke Rehabilitation Hospital, a nationally ranked acute physical rehabilitation hospital led by veteran health care executive Scott Edelman, who was promoted to the role of executive director earlier this year. Across the river in Rockland County, Mark Geller has led the 391-bed Montefiore Nyack Hospital since 2014, during which time he has guided its largest construction project in decades and brought it into the Montefiore fold. And in Orange County is Montefiore St. Luke’s Cornwall Hospital, led by Daniel Maughan. Maughan first joined the hospital as an emergency room nurse 25 years ago and worked his way up to become president and CEO in 2022.
52. Leon Botstein
During his extensive tenure at Bard College, Leon Botstein has welcomed and transformed the lives of thousands of students. He helped to establish and sustain the school’s unique Bard Prison Initiative, which enrolls hundreds of incarcerated students seeking associate’s and bachelor’s degrees and helps them post-release, and recently welcomed its inaugural cohort of refugee students as part of a U.S. Department of State program. Botstein has served as president of the Hudson Valley-based college since 1975.
53. Elizabeth Bradley
Many colleges and universities across the country were shaken up by student protests and encampments this past year. Vassar College was no exception – but the school managed to come to an agreement with protesters that resulted in only a five-day encampment. Bradley, who has headed the Poughkeepsie-based college since 2017, recently wrote an op-ed exploring to what degree the breakdown in campus dialogue is a reflection of higher education’s approach to teaching.
54. Jan Fisher
Jan Fisher is the voice for more than 300 nonprofits that make up Nonprofit Westchester, the only association for charities in the county, which she has led since 2019. Over the past year, Nonprofit Westchester has kept active in several policy issues of importance to nonprofits. That includes calling for cost-of-living increases for nonprofit workers in the state budget and participating in a local partnership pushing for more housing in Westchester County.
55. Joe Apicella
A regional real estate powerhouse, MacQuesten Development has more than $2 billion worth of development in the tristate area under his belt. Throughout his nine years at MacQuesten Development, Joe Apicella has managed the acquisition, financing and construction of myriad projects across Westchester County. Among his recent endeavors is a $60 million, 10-story residential building in Yonkers that broke ground last year and will create 76 affordable rentals when completed.
56. Elissa Chessari, Mary Leahy & Joshua Ratner
These health care executives run leading hospitals under the umbrella of the Westchester Medical Center Health Network, giving vital care to residents across the Hudson Valley. Elissa Chessari plays a key role managing the 243-bed MidHudson Regional Hospital in Poughkeepsie, while Mary Leahy heads up the Bon Secours Charity Health System, which operates hospitals in Suffern, Port Jervis and Warwick. Josh Ratner became CEO of HealthAlliance of the Hudson Valley last year, in addition to his existing role as executive vice president and chief strategy officer of WMCHealth.
57. Steven Gilland
First opened in 1778, West Point is the nation’s oldest continuously occupied Army post, and has been home to the United States Military Academy since 1802. Lt. Gen. Steven Gilland, a West Point alum, now serves as the academy’s superintendent, overseeing the training of the next generation of Army leaders. Under his direction, the academy unveiled a new mission statement spotlighting efforts to educate cadets committed to the U.S. Army’s values. Previously, he served as deputy commanding general of III Armored Corps at Fort Cavazos, Texas. In September, he presided over the awarding of the Thayer Award, West Point’s highest honor, to former President Barack Obama.
58. Kevin Weinman
Kevin Weinman’s journey to leading Marist College was an atypical one. A first-generation college student, he held several roles in the corporate world at companies like Hewlett-Packard and Western Union before turning to higher education. Weinman moved on to a series of finance jobs at Dartmouth College and Amherst College before being named president of Marist in 2021. Weinman and his wife pledged $250,000 of their own money to efforts to make Marist more accessible and he has made campus diversity a top priority.
59. Darrell Wheeler
Darrell Wheeler is in his third year leading SUNY New Paltz, managing the day-to-day operations and ensuring the academic success of the school’s 7,000 students. Recently, he coordinated with state officials to complete a $42 million renovation of one of its residence halls, which was finished in January. Like many leaders in higher education, Wheeler had a tense year, facing criticisms from some campus members for authorizing a police response against pro-Palestinian student protesters.
60. Thomas Carey, Kevin Connell, Fred DeStefano, Daniel McCormack, Sparrow Tobin & Jessica Treybick
Hudson Valley’s labor leaders are working to achieve wins for their members, raise wages and protect the workers across the region. Supporting workers is a priority for Thomas Carey, who serves as president of the Westchester-Putnam Central Labor Body, which falls under the AFL-CIO’s purview. Earlier this year, he praised the passage of a new law introduced by state Sen. Pete Harckham and Assembly Member Steven Otis that requires workplaces to make information on workers’ rights available to employees electronically. A social studies teacher in the Washingtonville Central School District, Sparrow Tobin holds a number of labor roles, including president of the AFL-CIO’s Hudson Valley Area Labor Federation and election district director for New York State United Teachers. An alderman in Middletown, Tobin has made the creation of more union jobs in the Hudson Valley a top priority. Kevin Connell is the president of the Rockland County Central Labor Council and the Rockland BOCES Staff Association. Fred DeStefano, the president of the Upper Hudson Valley Labor Council, has been focused on membership growth as of late. Daniel McCormack serves as executive vice president of the Hudson Valley Area Labor Federation and as president of the Hudson-Catskill Central Labor Council of New York. And Jessica Treybick is the president of the Dutchess County Central Labor Council, a vice president of the Hudson Valley Area Labor Federation and a former treasurer of the New York City chapter of Coalition of Labor Union Women.
61. Mike Oates
Driving economic growth to the Hudson Valley is Mike Oates’ top priority at the Hudson Valley Economic Development Corp. Oates – who headed the organization between 2009 and 2013 before rejoining six years ago – has experience as a developer and investment professional in the region. That background informs his work at the economic development entity, which collaborates with other similar institutions, provides market data and educates government, businesses and nonprofits on economic growth.
62. Elliot Forchheimer
Elliot Forchheimer serves one of the country’s largest Jewish communities as head of the Westchester Jewish Council, partnering with more than 130 member organizations to coordinate and support Jewish people across Westchester. The organization also works closely with Westchester elected officials, hosting Westchester County Executive George Latimer and others on a solidarity visit to Israel last November. A former leader of the organization said that Rep. Jamaal Bowman had largely ignored Jewish groups as disagreements over the Israel-Gaza war contributed to Bowman losing his reelection bid to Latimer.
63. Jamaal Bowman
In a race that garnered national attention and became the most expensive House primary in history, Rep. Jamaal Bowman suffered a bruising primary defeat. Just months after he was being discussed as a viable mayoral candidate in New York City, his face-off with Westchester County Executive George Latimer, a fellow Democrat, turned into a referendum on Bowman’s critical stance toward Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. His loss also came at the same time as Rep. Cori Bush’s primary defeat, a blow to the progressive “Squad” in Congress.
64. Mondaire Jones
After representing Westchester and Rockland counties in Congress for one term and then losing a Democratic primary for a seat in New York City, Mondaire Jones is back in the Hudson Valley and is running against Republican Rep. Mike Lawler in another closely contested race. Jones has touted his previous service in Congress and calls himself a pragmatic voice for the region. He had a falling out with former progressive allies of his following his endorsement of Westchester County Executive George Latimer in a neighboring district, and he recently appeared to criticize the leadership of Gov. Kathy Hochul, a fellow Democrat.
65. Josh Riley
Binghamton-area native Josh Riley, a former adviser to then-U.S. Sen. Al Franken, is challenging Republican Rep. Marc Molinaro in a rematch in a district that stretches from the Hudson Valley to Binghamton and Ithaca. The race, which is seen as a prime pickup opportunity for Democrats, has turned bitter, with the duo arguing over a range of issues including immigration and the Middle East. In 2022, Riley narrowly lost to Molinaro by just a few thousand votes.
66. Alison Esposito
In another competitive race with national implications, Republicans are trying to flip the 18th Congressional District in November. A former New York City Police Department deputy inspector, Alison Esposito was the unsuccessful Republican nominee for lieutenant governor in 2022 but now is challenging Democratic Rep. Pat Ryan. She has made border security and energy independence top issues in her campaign. Ousting the incumbent won’t be easy, though, as several national political ratings consider the race competitive but leaning in Ryan’s favor.
67. Lindsay Farrell
Open Door is a major provider of affordable medical, dental and behavioral health care in Westchester and Putnam counties, serving more than 60,000 patients in 2023. Lindsay Farrell – who initially joined Open Door as a volunteer – has been hard at work expanding the organization and its reach throughout her tenure as its president and CEO. Under her leadership, Open Door has launched new medical centers in Mount Kisco, Brewster and Mamaroneck and plans to serve 80,000 people a year by 2030.
68. Seth Diamond
Westchester Jewish Community Services numbers among Westchester County’s largest human services nonprofits and is the county’s largest provider of licensed outpatient community mental health services. Seth Diamond has led the nonprofit since 2018, bringing with him three decades of experience in New York City and state government. More recently, Diamond has led the group in expanding mental health services in Westchester County schools, as well as substance use counseling services.
69. Kim DiTomasso
When Westchester Democrats gear up for reelection, they turn to Kim DiTomasso for guidance. The political consultant helped Gov. Kathy Hochul fend off former Rep. Lee Zeldin while aiding the likes of state Sen. Shelley Mayer, Assembly Members Amy Paulin and MaryJane Shimsky, Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano and New Rochelle Mayor Yadira Ramos-Herbert in recent years. She has also taken on clients from further afield, including Reps. Grace Meng and Paul Tonko. And don’t be surprised if she plays a key role in the race to replace Westchester County Executive George Latimer, assuming he wins his congressional contest in November.
70. Thomas Leslie
Thomas Leslie is a leader in Greenberg Traurig’s Westchester County office, representing major financial institutions and developers as they navigate the intricate processes of purchasing multiproperty office complexes, managing construction loans and more. In addition to his day-to-day work, Leslie also previously served as special counsel to the village of Bronxville Planning Board. The law firm, which has offices around the country and across the globe, counts real estate as one of its top specialties.
71. Anthony Gioffre III
Anthony Gioffre III is a go-to land use attorney for developers and others navigating local and state laws. He recently supported the redevelopment of the former United Hospital site in Port Chester. Gioffre secured approval for the mixed-use project, which will add 775 rental units, a hotel, housing for older adults and commercial space. In addition to his work with Cuddy & Feder, he serves as a board member of the Burke Neurological Institute.
72. Susan Cacace
The Democratic primary for Westchester County district attorney swung in Susan Cacace’s favor early this summer. With the party’s backing, she was able to decisively defeat her primary rival, William Wagstaff III, as she seeks to succeed the retiring Democratic incumbent, Mimi Rocah. Cacace will need to maintain that momentum into the general election, where she’ll face Republican candidate John Sarcone. On the campaign trail, she has touted her credentials as a former county judge and 14 years of experience as a prosecutor in the Westchester district attorney’s office.
73. Keith Olson
Law enforcement officers in Westchester County have had a staunch ally in Keith Olson. He heads an association made up of more than 50 labor organizations serving law enforcement personnel in Westchester County. His work is informed by his 34 years serving in the Yonkers Police Department – having retired just this year – and his 14 years heading the Yonkers Police Benevolent Association. During the Democratic primary for Westchester district attorney, he threw his support behind Susan Cacace, who emerged victorious.
74. Louis Picani
A longtime labor leader, Louis Picani has recently been working with Hudson Valley legislators to push forward pro-worker legislation. At the start of the year, he stood alongside state Sen. Pete Harckham as the lawmaker announced a new bill that would require trucks operating autonomously to have a licensed driver behind the wheel. The head of Teamsters Local 456 has also pushed for additional state funds to support infrastructure across the state.
75. Dan Maldonado
Dan Maldonado advocates for some 3,000 union members in Orange, Sullivan, Ulster, Dutchess, Rockland, Putnam and Westchester counties. At Teamsters Local 445, he represents workers in construction, health care, law enforcement and warehouses. Last year, Maldonado stood alongside Amazon employees rallying for better wages and improved safety protocols in Orange County, declaring, “If workers across the industry are united, we will win this fight.” His local membership strongly supported Donald Trump in an electronic poll, and the national Teamsters notably declined to endorse any candidate for president this cycle.
76. Marc Jerome
Marc Jerome has led Monroe University since 2017 but has worked at the for-profit college for far longer, joining as director of administration in 1994. Monroe University serves more than 8,000 students online and on its campuses in the Bronx, New Rochelle and St. Lucia. Jerome has become a key leader in Westchester’s business and civic affairs through his role as chair of the New Rochelle Business Improvement District.
77. Stacey Cohen
Many prominent institutions in Westchester County have turned to Stacey Cohen to lead communications and marketing projects on their behalf. Feeding Westchester, the Westchester Children’s Museum, Burke Rehabilitation Hospital and Manhattanville University number among her firm’s clients. Cohen, who founded Co-Communications in 1997, is a civic leader serving on the board of the Business Council of Westchester and the United Way of Westchester and Putnam’s Women’s Leadership Council.
78. Jasmine Graham
Jasmine Graham is working to bring renewable, affordable energy to all residents of the Mid-Hudson region. The first permanent executive director of Mid-Hudson Energy Transition, Graham leads a group that awards grants to homeowners and low-income community members to upgrade and retrofit their homes and is helping the city of Kingston connect more locals to renewable electricity. Graham brings a background in energy and climate change policy and has been appointed by two New York City mayors to climate policy boards.
79. Laura Rossi
The Westchester Community Foundation underwent a transformation this past year. It has long served under the umbrella of the New York City Community Trust – which also delivers gifts to charities in New York City and Long Island – but is now more wholly integrated into its name brand. Laura Rossi, the longtime executive director of the Westchester Community Foundation, worked to award $2.7 million in grants through the foundation’s competitive grantmaking process last year.
80. Joseph McCoy
Joseph McCoy started his career in banking with Valley National Bank more than two decades ago. In the years since, the Pleasantville resident worked his way up to become a force in the business community in the Hudson Valley and Fairfield County, Connecticut. Outside of the bank, McCoy has become a prominent civic leader as a board member of the Business Council of Westchester, ArtsWestchester and Yonkers Partners in Education.
81. Kristen Kelley Wilson
Developers and municipalities seeking expertise in land use have often turned to Kristen Kelley Wilson for guidance. An attorney at Marks DiPalermo Wilson, Wilson’s practice focuses on municipal law, development and both federal and state environmental approvals, advising clients on a wide range of issues related to land use and environmental law. In addition to her work with the firm, Wilson serves as Rye’s corporation counsel.
82. Frank Sánchez
Frank Sánchez started his first fall semester as president of Manhattanville University this year, bringing with him diverse experience in higher education. Most recently, he served as president of Rhode Island College, where he supported a growing endowment and cultivated an increase in government grants. Before that, he served as vice chancellor for student affairs at the City University of New York, creating CUNY’s first student affairs strategic plan and launching programs to connect low-income students to necessary resources.
83. Robert Amler
Robert Amler wears many hats at New York Medical College, serving as dean of the School of Health Sciences and Practice as well as its vice president for government affairs. His wide range of work at the Valhalla-based college is informed by his experience handling emergency response and serving as regional health administrator of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. That perspective was particularly valuable during the COVID-19 pandemic, as Amler disseminated timely information to news outlets in New York and beyond.
84. Milagros Peña
After a contentious year on campus, Milagros Peña announced last month she would step down from her role as president of Purchase College following the 2025 spring semester. She took on the presidency in 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic, and more recently, has faced backlash from faculty and students over the college administration’s treatment of pro-Palestinian student protesters. Before coming to Purchase, she served as dean of the College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences at the University of California, Riverside.
85. Greg Lalevee
As International Union of Operating Engineers Local 825’s business manager, Greg Lalevee represents more than 7,000 members across the Lower Hudson Valley and New Jersey. He met with Gov. Kathy Hochul over the summer on a tour of a training center operated by Local 825, showcasing members’ critical work. The longtime union leader praised her investment in infrastructure projects like the forthcoming Champlain Hudson Power Express and her support for operating engineer jobs.
86. Rich Nightingale
One of the biggest policy issues that New York faces is a shortage of affordable housing. Westhab is trying to bridge that gap in Westchester County and New York City. Rich Nightingale, Westhab’s leader for the past decade, focuses on developing affordable, supportive and transitional housing across the region. To date, Westhab has created 1,394 homes and invested $578 million in housing development, with 350 units still in construction.
87. Judith Watson
The Westchester Community Health Center – previously known as the Mount Vernon Neighborhood Health Center Network – marked its 50th anniversary last year, with a well-attended anniversary fundraising gala. CEO Judith Watson, who started her career as a nurse, ushered in that milestone and oversees its day-to-day work, delivering primary and preventative health care across Westchester County. As of this summer, more than 46,000 patients have connected with its sites in Mount Vernon, Yonkers, White Plains and Valhalla.
88. Michiel Bakker & L. Timothy Ryan
The prestigious Culinary Institute of America is known for its famous alums, including celebrity chefs like Roy Choi and the late Anthony Bourdain. Fewer know that the famed institution is located in the Hudson Valley, where its talented graduates shape the region’s strong culinary reputation. L. Timothy Ryan had long served as the institution’s president, but recently handed the reins over to Michiel Bakker. Ryan is continuing to serve the organization in his capacity as chancellor.
89. John Tomlin
John Tomlin brings extensive knowledge of Westchester County to his role at the public affairs firm Actum. A Westchester resident, he previously served as deputy chief of staff to state Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, managing her policy, communications and political work downstate. Now, Fortune 500 companies, political leaders and other clients turn to Tomlin for his expertise in media relations in crisis management.
90. Meghan Taylor
The throughline of Meghan Taylor’s professional career has been a focus on economic development in the Hudson Valley. For more than four years, she’s been a driving force at Genting Americas’ Resorts World Catskills casino in Monticello and was essential in getting its Resorts World Hudson Valley site in Newburgh opened in 2022. Previously, Taylor served as vice president and regional director for Empire State Development with a focus on the Mid-Hudson region, where she supported hundreds of projects.
91. Tyré Robinson
Tyré Robinson understands the Hudson Valley market well. During her time at Buffalo-headquartered M&T Bank, she has forged relationships with small businesses and consumers across Westchester and Rockland counties. She has also launched new programs to help employees pursue career development and to promote diversity, equity and inclusion. She was named the regional president for Tarrytown in 2022, and she is also an executive vice president at the bank.
92. Adam Bosch
Adam Bosch’s career has been focused on delivering information and solutions to issues across the Hudson Valley. He started out as a journalist – covering everything from public affairs to the environment – before joining Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress, a policy and research nonprofit. In his earlier years there, Bosch wrote essential reports analyzing reuse of closed school buildings and Rockland County’s fiscal crisis. He became the nonprofit’s president and CEO in 2022 after leaving the group for nine years while heading public affairs for the New York City Department of Environmental Protection.
93. Laura Washington
An experienced communications pro in the nonprofit and philanthropic world, Laura Washington became president and CEO of the Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley in February. She now oversees the foundation’s management of more than $100 million in assets. Since taking over the nonprofit, Washington has initiated a strategic realignment of advisory committees, created new professional development programs, increased donor engagement and worked to strengthen relationships with other nonprofit groups.
94. Al Samuels
Al Samuels has headed the Rockland Business Association for nearly 40 years, assisting and advocating on behalf of businesses and nonprofits across Rockland County. Former Assembly Member Ken Zebrowski joined the association in August, taking on the title of president while Samuels continues as CEO. In addition to his work with the association, Samuels also is a member of the Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council.
95. Heather Bell-Meyer
The Orange County Chamber of Commerce is a go-to resource for its 1,200 members, most of which are small businesses with fewer than five employees. Heather Bell-Meyer manages everything from the group’s legislative advocacy to its networking events to its business counseling and mentorship programs. This past year, she also became the chair of the board of directors of the Chamber Alliance of New York State, a statewide association of representing more than 70 chambers of commerce.
96. Frank Castella Jr.
Frank Castella Jr. celebrated his 10th year as head of the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce this summer. The organization is a key resource for local businesses, advocating on their behalf before local and state lawmakers, promoting economic growth and hosting networking events and seminars. Castella understands local businesses’ needs, as he previously served as co-owner of Harmon & Castella Printing Inc. and owner of AM Direct Mail Inc.
97. Lynda Fernandez
More than 14,000 realtors across Westchester, Putnam, Rockland and Orange counties, as well as the Bronx and Manhattan, serve as members of the Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors. Lynda Fernandez advocates on their behalf, representing and supporting Realtors all over the Hudson Valley. Though she only came on as CEO last year, she brings with her invaluable experience leading the largest Realtor association in Kentucky.
98. Megan Glander
Megan Glander is deeply familiar with important issues across the Hudson Valley. Until joining Crown Castle in August 2023, she served as U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s principal adviser in the region, managing efforts related to economic development, disaster preparedness and health care. Her government and communications know-how serves her well leading external affairs for Crown Castle, a major provider of telecommunications infrastructure. She also serves on the board of directors for the Westchester County Association.
99. Michael J. Quinn
Michael Quinn leads Rhinebeck Bank, a community bank with a presence across the Hudson Valley with locations spanning from Kingston to Newburgh. He has been with Rhinebeck Bank for more than three decades, having worked his way up to become the financial institution’s president and CEO 20 years ago. In addition to his leadership role at the bank, Quinn serves as a board member with Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress, Family Services Inc. and the New York Bankers Association.
100. Amanda Gotto & Tim Rogers
New York local government can sometimes be confusing, with village governments serving within the boundaries of a town. The village of New Paltz and the town of New Paltz are exploring a merger, as they already share police, fire and judicial services. The proposal, which could save $1 million a year, resurrects prior merger discussions for the college town from a decade ago. Tim Rogers, a former New Paltz school board member, was elected the village’s mayor in 2015, unseating incumbent Jason West. Amanda Gotto was appointed town supervisor in May following the resignation of former Supervisor Neil Bettez; just two months before that, Gotto had been appointed to fill a vacated town board seat.
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