As President and CEO of the SIEDC, Cesar oversees a $1.8 Million budget, a staff and consultant team of thirteen members, and over twenty-five projects and programs, which serve over 4,000 businesses a year. High profile SIEDC initiatives include the Annual Economic Development Conference where over 2,500 business and community leaders gather to discuss issues, hear from high-profile keynote speakers and network all day; the Staten Island Film Festival, labeled by the Staten Island Advance as "Staten Island's Premier Event", the Festival draws thousands of visitors every year; two NYS Empire Zones, which collectively have attracted hundreds of millions in private investment, created over 8,000 new jobs and are responsible for the development of hundreds of previously vacant acres of land.

Cesar is most proud of the SI 2020 Action Plan, created by SIEDC in 2007, which serves as the Borough's blueprint document for economic resurgence.

In addition to organizing a very active Board of Directors, Cesar has organized membership layers of support for SIEDC. The SIEDC Cabinet is made up of up and coming business leaders, who are in training to eventually become SIEDC Board Leaders. The SIEDC Business Council is made up of over thirty small business leaders who assist SIEDC in a variety of "signature project" initiatives. The SIEDC Ambassador Program consists of high-profile leaders who serve as the name and face of SIEDC's most prominent events and projects.

Laura Liberto joined the SIEDC in 2004. As Senior Vice-President, Laura is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the organization. In addition, Laura works on programs and projects including the West Shore Light Rail Study, the Leadership Development Program and the planned Health & Environmental Conference.

Some of Laura's past projects include the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS), The Staten Island NFP Association, the Customer Service Institute and the Keeping Business on Staten Island Campaign.

Laura earned a Bachelor of Science degree, magna cum laude, in computer science from Wagner College. She currently resides in New Dorp with her husband.

Alex is credited with bringing SIEDC into “Web 2.0”, improving SIEDC’s internet presence significantly while establishing an online constituency for the organization through social media channels, and improving internal technology operations. Her past projects include the third edition of Opportunity SI magazine, 20 Under 40 Leadership Awards ceremonies, the successful launch of the Member Dinner Series in 2009, the Lifetime Achievement Awards Luncheon and the production launch of SIEDC’s CTV show in 2010.

Alex Porto has been with SIEDC since 2006. As the Director of Membership & Outreach for SIEDC, she is responsible for implementation of the organization’s outreach and marketing efforts, media relations and internal communications; this includes oversight of all SIEDC websites, social media outlets, email and text message marketing campaigns, the popular “SIEDC on CTV” show, "SIEDC News" and "What's Happening", press releases, advertising and marketing materials. In addition, Alex oversees coordination of SIEDC membership benefits, inquiries, incentive referrals, and is responsible for managing SIEDC’s core membership groups.

A graduate of the Macaulay Honors College (CUNY), Alex holds a dual degree in Economics and English. Born and raised in Staten Island, Alex is very familiar with the unique characteristics of the borough.

Ms. Wolff recently joined the SIEDC as the Green Development Program Manager. In this role, Ms. Wolff will have responsibility for the planning, management, coordination and implementation/service delivery in real estate and green development projects and programs including the SIEDC Real Estate Program, Staten Island Green Zone Initiative, and the Brownfield Redevelopment Program.

Ms. Wolff received a Master of Urban Planning, summa cum laude, from Hunter College (New York), with a concentration in community development and sustainable development, and a B.A. in political science from The George Washington University (Washington, DC).

Before joining the SIEDC, Ms. Wolff worked as a Research Assistant for the New York Metropolitan Transportation Council, and also as a finance director and research assistant for various City and federal elected officials.

Coming Soon

Marisol joined SIEDC in 2005 as a receptionist, and currently serves as the Outreach Coordinator. Marisol maintains SIEDC's opt-in databases, distribution of Opportunity SI magazine and post-event SIEDC photos, as well as handling service inquires as part of the Outreach Division. Marisol also assists with administrative duties and direct mailings.

Prior to SIEDC, Marisol worked at JPMorganChase for 10 years. She began as a co-op student in 1994 and soon worked her way up to the position of Executive Administrative Assistant. In 2004 she left JPMorganChase to help run her father's restaurant business on Staten Island.

Theresa joined SIEDC in 2004 as a receptionist, and currently serves as the Membership Liaison. Theresa main function is to ensure that our members are receiving the most out of their membership, and that they are informed about SIEDC services, projects and events.