Wednesday, April 29, 2026
Hilton Garden Inn
1100 South Avenue • Staten Island, NY 10314
This event is free and open to the public.
Staten Island’s largest business conference will feature a full day of high-profile addresses, educational and interactive sessions, a 100+ vendor expo, the “20 under 40” Leadership Awards, and premier networking opportunities.
Ticketed event
8:30 a.m. Trevi Tent
Members FREE | Non-members $75. Purchase here
Keynote Breakfast - Staten Island: Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow
Guest Speakers:
A keynote conversation exploring the future of business on Staten Island and in NYC.
10:15 a.m. Tea House Garden
SBDC Presents - From Feedback to Loyalty: Turning Customer Insights into Growth
This introductory marketing session focuses on how small business owners can use feedback mechanisms to strengthen customer relationships and build lasting loyalty. Attendees will learn how to gather and interpret customer feedback through surveys, reviews, and direct engagement. The session will highlight how listening to customers can guide smarter decisions, improve offerings, and enhance the overall experience. It will also explore practical strategies for turning satisfied customers into repeat clients and brand advocates through consistent communication and personalized outreach. Designed for businesses at any stage, this session offers clear, actionable tools to support retention, increase lifetime value, and drive sustainable growth.
Guest Speakers:
10:15 a.m. Trevi Lounge
Building Community Partnerships, Economic Development, and Social Care Network
This session explores how strategic community partnerships can drive sustainable economic development while strengthening the social care network. Attendees will discover practical approaches to aligning local businesses, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations to create shared value and address pressing community needs. Through real-world examples and actionable insights, participants will learn how integrated collaboration can foster inclusive growth, enhance economic resilience, and build a more supportive social infrastructure for all.
Women’s Symposium: Staten Island Success Stories
11:30 a.m. Tea House Garden
This session brings together accomplished women with Staten Island roots to share their professional journeys, highlighting the experiences, challenges, and strategic decisions that shaped their success. Through candid conversation, speakers will explore how they built strong networks, navigated leadership roles across industries, and leveraged collaboration to advance their careers. Attendees will gain valuable insight into the importance of mentorship, relationship-building, and resilience, along with practical takeaways on cultivating meaningful professional connections. Featuring leaders from marketing, finance, technology, and media, the discussion offers inspiration and actionable guidance for those looking to grow, lead, and succeed in today’s evolving business landscape.
Moderator:
Guest Speakers:
11:00 a.m. Trevi Lounge
Powering Staten Island: Cross Sector Collaboration for Community and the Environment
Staten Island’s future depends on strong cross-sector partnerships. Join local leaders for a dynamic conversation, led by Nonprofit Staten Island in partnership with Con Edison, on how this work is strengthening Staten Island’s communities. From workforce development to stronger commercial corridors and community-based environmental efforts, this session will highlight how partners are driving meaningful local improvements, strengthening economic opportunity, and building long-term community resilience on Staten Island.
Connect, gain insight, and explore how your business or organization can help power a stronger Staten Island.
Guest Speakers:
1:15 p.m. Nicotra’s Ballroom
Ticketed event
12:15 p.m. Trevi Tent
Richard Bennett
CEO & Co-Founder
Epicured
Richard Bennett is the CEO and co-founder of Epicured, a food-is-medicine healthcare company founded in 2016 to harness the evidence-based healing power of nutrition. Under his leadership, Epicured has partnered with Mount Sinai to validate its therapeutic meals, conducted clinical research with institutions including the University of Michigan, Columbia University, and UCSF, and expanded nationally to serve thousands of subscribers. The company also develops programs for the New York State 1115 Medicaid Waiver, commercial insurers, major league sports teams, and pharmaceutical companies.
Richard’s background spans healthcare, startups, and global investment banking. As COO of Latin America Corporate & Investment Banking at MUFG, he helped grow the regional portfolio from $4 billion to $22 billion. He also co-founded North Shore Health Enterprises (now Northwell Ventures) and Vivo Health, creating various health and wellness businesses like retail pharmacies, fitness centers, and healthcare education and media.
A Georgetown University graduate, he remains active in its entrepreneurial and business community. He has received industry recognition, and Epicured has been named to the Digital Health New York 100 list for four consecutive years.
Dr. Mayank Parikh
Co-Founder
Super Health Pharmacy
Dr. Mayank A. Parikh is the founder of Super Health Pharmacy, part of the DMS Family of Pharmacies, established in 2016. Prior to launching the business, he served four years at the Philadelphia Veterans Affairs Medical Center and held pharmacy leadership roles with Rite Aid and Target/CVS. In Staten Island, he co-founded Super Health Pharmacy’s first supermarket location, expanding access to community-based care.
Deeply engaged in public health, Dr. Parikh worked with the NYC Department of Health to make Narcan widely accessible, training over 250 individuals and contributing to lifesaving overdose interventions. He later collaborated with city leadership on tobacco control efforts and partnered with the Staten Island District Attorney’s Office to introduce safe medication disposal through MedSafe. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he helped distribute over one million PPE items to frontline workers. Under his leadership, DMS Pharmacy Group has grown from 12 to more than 21 locations, where he oversees operations and strategic expansion.
Yury Polonsky
Managing Director
NYS Easy Air
Yury Polonsky, Managing Director of NYS Easy Air, is a leader in community health and environmental services with over 16 years of experience supporting low-income and vulnerable populations. With a background in economics, he focuses on advancing health equity by addressing social determinants of health, particularly through improving home environments. His work has impacted more than 10,000 individuals and families.
He has partnered with organizations such as NYSERDA, Empower NY+, National Grid, Con Edison, and the Staten Island Performing Provider System (SI PPS), earning recognition for his contributions to environmental health and energy efficiency. His initiatives emphasize home-based interventions that improve indoor air quality, enhance safety, and support better health outcomes. Mr. Polonsky is also engaged in New York State’s Medicaid 1115 Waiver initiatives, working with SI PPS to address environmental triggers of chronic conditions like asthma. His work supports prevention-focused, cost-effective, and integrated approaches to community healthcare delivery. Mr. Polonsky continues to drive meaningful impact at the intersection of healthcare, housing, and environmental health.
Keynote Lunch - SIEDC Forum For A Sustainable Future
Explore New York’s evolving energy landscape, bringing together leaders from government and the utility sector to provide both strategic context and practical insights — and what this all means for Staten Island businesses and residents.
Featuring leaders from the New York State Department of Public Service, National Grid, and Con Edison
Members FREE | Non-members $75. Purchase here
Moderator:
Guest Speakers:
Adam Zellner
President
Greener by Design
As President of Greener by Design, Adam Zellner has built a strong foundation in economics, finance, planning and implementing through his company and with its respected clients. Mr. Zellner works directly with a variety of corporate and government entities that focus on energy, resiliency, and sustainability issues, with a clientele that includes several Fortune 500 companies. In addition, he continues to work on policy issues that affect various regulators, governments and utilities across the United States and Europe.
Monisha Agrawal
Vice President of Global Marketing
Tiffany & Co.
Monisha Agrawal is Vice President of Global Marketing at Tiffany & Co., where she oversees Brand Management and Consumer Insights. Since joining Tiffany in 2016 as Director of Strategy, she has held several key marketing leadership roles, including Senior Director of Global Brand Management and Global Head of Marketing Analytics & Insights. Monisha is a strong advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion. She launched Tiffany’s Women & Allies Employee Resource Group in 2019 and served as Co-Chair of EllesVMH North America, a network committed to advancing gender equity across LVMH. Prior to Tiffany, Monisha held various roles in finance, strategy, and marketing at industry leaders including Condé Nast, gaining broad experience across business Disciplines. She holds a BA in Economics from Williams College and an MBA from Columbia Business School. Monisha lives in New York City’s Upper East Side with her husband and their three children.
Donna Chan
Deputy Americas Regional Head of IT Audit - Head of Infrastructure, Cybersecurity, & Info Security
Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG)
Donna Chan is a senior internal audit executive currently serving as Deputy Americas Regional Head of IT Audit and Head of Infrastructure, Cybersecurity, and Information Security Audit at MUFG, one of the world’s largest financial institutions. She brings extensive global experience leading internal audit functions, with prior roles including Global Chief Administrative Officer and Head of Internal Audit Practices at BlackRock, as well as Head of Audit at GILT Groupe. Donna has 25 years of experience in internal audit, with the last 10 years focused on technology risk, cybersecurity, and information security auditing. She holds multiple professional certifications, including Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), Certified in Risk and Information Systems Controls (CRISC), and Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), among others. Recognized as one of New York City’s top women leaders, Donna is widely respected for her strategic insight, innovation, and leadership. As a speaker and mentor, she is passionate about advancing the audit profession and empowering the next generation of leaders in risk and cybersecurity.
Samantha Cardona-Norberg
Producer & Editor, Sports Video Franchises
USA Today Sports
Samantha Cardona-Norberg is an Emmy Award winning Producer and Editor for Sports Video Franchises at USA TODAY Sports. She speaks with athletes, coaches, and more week to week, as well as writes scripts, films, edits, and hosts videos and interviews for USAT’s website and social media pages on everything from NFL to women’s sports. She recently was just on the ground in Milan covering the 2026 Winter Olympics. Her previous employment includes NBC Sports, NFL Network, and Maxx Sports and Entertainment Agency.
Thomas Congdon
Executive Deputy
New York State Public Service Commission
Mr. Congdon has worked in the Department of Public Service since 2015. He is currently Deputy Chair and Executive Deputy, overseeing policy and operations. From 2011 – 2015, Mr. Congdon served as Assistant Secretary for Energy for Governor Andrew M Cuomo. Mr. Congdon also worked as a senior energy advisor in the Paterson and Spitzer Administrations, and served as the Chairman of the New York State Energy Planning Board. Mr. Congdon was a policy analyst in the New York Attorney General's Office from 2000 - 2006, the Policy Director for the New York League of Conservation Voters from 1998 – 2000, and communications assistant at Environmental Advocates of New York from 1996 – 1998. Mr. Congdon holds an M.P.A from Baruch College and a B.S. from the University at Albany, and lives in Slingerlands with his wife Jenny, daughter Leda, and son Reed.
Sean Ewart
Deputy Secretary for Energy
Office of NYS Governor Kathy Hochul
Sean Ewart serves as the Deputy Secretary for Energy in Governor Kathy Hochul’s office, where he leads the implementation of the Governor’s energy policy agenda. In this role, he oversees New York State’s key energy agencies and authorities, including the Department of Public Service, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), the New York Power Authority (NYPA), and the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA).
Since joining the Executive Chamber in 2021, Sean has held several roles, including Senior Policy Advisor and Assistant Secretary for Energy.
Before his tenure in the Executive Chamber, Sean served as Director of Regulatory Affairs at Luthin Associates/5 and as Director of Energy Policy for former Assemblymember Michael Cusick, then-Chair of the Assembly Standing Committee on Energy. Earlier in his career, he worked in communications and legislative analysis.
A graduate of the University at Albany, SUNY, with a degree in Political Science, Sean brings more than a decade of public service experience to his work. His leadership spans a wide range of energy policy areas, including cybersecurity, renewable energy, nuclear power, building and vehicle electrification, energy procurement, and transmission siting and permitting reform.
Matthew Glasser
Vice President, Staten Island Electric Operations and Electric Services
Con Edison
Matthew Glasser is the vice president of Staten Island Electric Operations and Electric Services at Con Edison, a regulated utility providing electric, gas and steam service in New York. In this role, Mr. Glasser oversees the day-to-day operations of the Staten Island electric distribution system. The role is responsible for the planning and support of work management systems for all Electric Operations. He also manages the Energy Services team to interconnect new electric and gas customers as well as new distributed energy resources. Most recently, Mr. Glasser was the general manager of Central Energy Services where he oversaw the interconnection of new electric and gas customers and distributed energy resources in the Con Edison service territory.
Mr. Glasser joined Con Edison in 1998 as a management associate in the Leadership Development Program. Afterwards, he assumed positions of increasing responsibility including operating supervisor, planner and section manager in Electric Overhead Construction, department manager, Brooklyn and Queens Electric Control Center, department manager, Manhattan Energy Services, director, Utility of the Future, and general manager of Transmission Operations.
Bryan Grimaldi
Vice President of Corporate Affairs
National Grid New York
Bryan Grimaldi is the Vice President of Corporate Affairs for National Grid in New York, where he oversees the company’s communications, government relations, economic development, brand marketing, community relations and corporate giving statewide. Prior to joining National Grid, he practiced law with the firm of Greenberg Traurig, LLP, counseling corporate clients, trade associations, governmental entities and public-private partnerships (P3) nationwide. Prior to Greenberg Traurig, he served as Chief Operating Officer & General Counsel at NYC & Company, Inc, the destination marketing organization for New York City.
He previously served as General Counsel in the Mayor’s Office of International Affairs, where he provided legal counsel and support to city agencies and senior administration officials in dealings with the United Nations, foreign governments, diplomats, and federal agencies. Prior to joining the New York City Mayor’s Office, Mr. Grimaldi practiced law in the private sector where he represented several large investment firms and corporate clients.
A graduate of Benjamin N. Cardozo Law School, he received his B.A. in Economics from NYU and resides in Brooklyn, NY with his wife and son.
From Service to Success: Business and Support Pathways for Staten Island Veterans
This session explores how veterans can leverage their skills and experience to access meaningful economic opportunities on Staten Island. It will provide practical guidance on navigating veteran-owned business certification, securing public and private contracting opportunities, and connecting with local resources that support entrepreneurship, workforce development, and business growth. Attendees will also learn about pathways for engagement beyond business ownership, including mentorship, employment opportunities, and ways to support veteran-owned enterprises within the local community. Featuring insights from key organizations, the session will equip participants with clear, actionable next steps to help them succeed and stay connected within Staten Island’s broader economic ecosystem.
Panelists:
Yesenia Mata
Commissioner
NYC Department of Veterans’ Services (DVS)
Yesenia Mata is a U.S. Army captain, public servant, and nationally recognized immigrant rights leader whose life and career are rooted in service—to both country and community. She brings that same commitment to her role as commissioner of the New York City Department of Veterans’ Services (DVS), where she is focused on advancing support for veterans, service members, and military families across the five boroughs.
She currently serves as a civil affairs officer in the United States Army Reserve. Yesenia began her military career in the enlisted ranks as a military police specialist, rising to the rank of sergeant before earning her commission as an officer. Her journey from enlisted service to Army captain reflects a deep commitment to leadership, discipline, and service above self.
Alongside her military service, Yesenia served as executive director of La Colmena, a Staten Island–based immigrant worker center and workforce development organization serving more than 10,000 immigrant New Yorkers. Under her leadership, La Colmena expanded access to job training, legal services, entrepreneurship programs, and social services for immigrant and working-class families.
The daughter of formerly undocumented Mexican immigrants, Yesenia’s advocacy is deeply personal. Earlier in her career, she worked directly with deported veterans and non-citizen service members, helping families navigate pathways to citizenship. That experience continues to shape her commitment to ensuring that those who serve the nation are never left behind because of immigration status, bureaucracy, or barriers to access.
Joseph Conte
Executive Director
Staten Island Performing Provider System (SI PPS)
Dr. Joseph Conte is the founding Executive Director of the Staten Island Performing Provider System (SI PPS), the borough’s leading population health organization focused on advancing health equity and addressing social determinants of health. Since 2015, he has guided SI PPS from its DSRIP Medicaid origins to a broader role that includes workforce development and training initiatives. In 2025, SI PPS was designated the Social Care Network for Richmond County under the New York Health Equity Reform Program, delivering housing, nutrition, transportation, and other services to more than 177,000 Medicaid recipients.
Prior to SI PPS, Dr. Conte held senior leadership roles at Northwell Health, including Senior Vice President for Quality, where his work contributed to national recognition such as the NQF National Quality Healthcare Award and the Codman Award. He also served in executive positions at Richmond University Medical Center and Catholic Health Services of Long Island.
Dr. Conte earned his doctorate from Seton Hall University’s School of Health and Medical Sciences and has presented keynote talks across the U.S. and internationally in the UK, Australia, the Netherlands, and Ukraine.
Heather Butts
Co-Founder
H.E.A.L.T.H. for Youths, Inc.
Heather M. Butts received her B.A. from Princeton University. She was a history major, concentrating in American and African-American Studies. She received her J.D. from St. John’s University School of Law, her Master’s in Public Health from Harvard University and her Master’s in Education from Columbia University’s Teachers College.
Professor Butts is an Associate Professor in the Department of Health Policy and Management at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health. She is also the Faculty Course Lead for the Leadership Course at the Mailman School of Public Health.
Professor Butts is the co-founder of the non-profit H.E.A.L.T.H for Youths, Inc. The organization partners with 90 programs each year to help more than 7,000 students achieve their dream of going to college. Projects include: little free libraries, food pantries, career preparation, public health projects, and financial literacy. She also has a number of published works from various topics, including Alexander Augusta, COVID-19 policy, and Civil War-era African American medicine.
Shanette Gantt
Marketing Manager, Division of Economic Development and Community Partnerships
The College of Staten Island
Shanette Gantt is a Marketing Manager and experiential strategist focused on helping businesses connect with diverse audiences and drive real results. With 10+ years of experience, she designs campaigns that blend cultural insight with practical strategy. At the CUNY College of Staten Island, she leads marketing strategies for workforce development certification, technology & innovation, and community and life-enrichment programs under the Division of Economic Development and Community Partnerships.
Tatiana Arguello
Executive Director
Nonprofit Staten Island
Tatiana M. Arguello is the Executive Director of the Staten Island Not For Profit Association. The Staten Island Not for Profit Association provides resources, support, and advocacy for the borough’s nonprofit leaders and organizations to help strengthen our sector and meet the needs of our communities. During her extensive career, Arguello served in several positions working with Community Based Organizations and in partnership with New York City government agencies. Her plans for SINFPA include building a centralized voice to advocate for the sector, providing a space for constant communication to share best practices and emerging needs, and aiding not-for-profits in attaining the resources and stability to recruit and retain quality professionals. As an advocate, Tatiana will continue to build SINFPA. Tatiana is a graduate of the School of Economics from Fordham University, where she developed a passion for civic engagement, applying her interests in social justice and economics to better her community. She is a longtime resident of the North Shore of Staten Island
Moderator:
Deana Jean
Founder
The Success Tribe Network
Deana Jean is Your Collab Queen, an award winning Business Strategist and International Speaker with over 15 years of Sales and Executive Leadership Experience, and a heart for community and collaboration. Think of her as your Business Matchmaker - connecting you to perfect-fit business relationships and opportunities. She’s also the Executive Director of the NY State Minority Chamber of Commerce, a Breast Cancer Thriver, and the founder of The Success Tribe Network - a networking community for collaborative entrepreneurs. Guided by the Goals, Gifts & Gaps ® framework, Deana and her team partner with entrepreneurs and organizations across the world to grow and thrive through the power of connection and collaboration.
Panelists:
Michael Anderson
Regional Director
Staten Island Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
Born and raised in Dongan Hills, Michael Anderson graduated from Staten Island Technical High School and earned a Bachelor of Science in Communications from the College of Staten Island (CSI). While at CSI, he served as a writer and sports editor for The Banner and was an active voice on WSIA, providing commentary for collegiate basketball, including CSI’s 1997 CUNYAC Championship win.
Michael spent 16 years with the Staten Island Advance, primarily in the sports department, where he covered local athletics, wrote feature stories, and worked as a copy editor and paginator. He later earned a Master of Science in Elementary Education and taught with the NYC Department of Education before transitioning back to community-focused work.
At the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce, Michael played a key role in content development and small business outreach, supporting over 2,000 businesses annually and helping secure significant grant funding. He now serves as Regional Director of the Small Business Development Center at CSI, supporting entrepreneurs across Staten Island and South Brooklyn.
Michael Matthews
Director of Veterans Programs
Veteran Taskforce at Staten Island Performing Provider System (SI PPS)
Michael Matthews brings over 40 years of experience in behavioral health, spanning clinical care, administration, research, and education. He spent 19 years with North Shore University’s Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, where he also held an academic appointment as Lecturer in Social Work in Psychiatry at NYU. He later transitioned to the private sector, working for seven years as a network engineer at Summit Systems, a Wall Street software company. Returning to healthcare, Mike served as Director of Outpatient Behavioral Health Services at Richmond University Medical Center, overseeing eight programs and advancing integrated care models. He played a key role in developing co-located primary and behavioral health services, expanding medication-assisted treatment, and incorporating peer support into substance use programs. Since joining the Staten Island Performing Provider System in 2019, he has served as Director of Behavioral Health Services and now Director of Veterans Programs, leveraging his multidisciplinary background to lead innovative, patient-centered initiatives
Nicole Orlando
Deputy Chief of Staff
NYC Department of Veterans’ Services
Nicole Orlando is the Deputy Chief of Staff at DVS, where she oversees a comprehensive portfolio spanning employment, education, entrepreneurship, veteran transition, and special events. In this role, she leads workforce development and economic empowerment initiatives, advances strategic partnerships across the public and private sectors, and plays a central role in planning and executing large-scale, citywide programs that connect veterans and military families to meaningful opportunities.
A lifelong New Yorker and Staten Island native, Orlando has dedicated her career to public service, driven by a commitment to improving outcomes for veterans, service members, and their families across New York City. She is currently in the process of joining the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, continuing her service beyond city government.
Christopher Dowling
Social Care Network Advisor
Staten Island Performing Provider System (SI PPS)
Currently advocating and educating the community on the Social Care Network at the Staten Island Performing Provider System. He is working with the Service Member, Veterans and Families Task Force to help this important population. Previously Director of Community Engagement for A Chance in Life and Director of the Staten Island Community Partnership he worked to forge partnerships, building a coalition to help solve the systemic problems plaguing our neighborhoods. In 2024 he was the Chair of the Staten Island Hunger Task Force working with local pantries to champion food insecurity issues and is continuing this work today. After an extensive career in nonprofit, retail, sales, information technology and customer service management, Chris is proud of his work in fostering change and helping those in need. In 2024 he received the Community Health Hero Award presented by the Staten Island Economic Development Corporation.
2:00 p.m. Tea House Garden
The business conference will proudly honor this year's winners of the SIEDC "20 Under 40" leadership awards in a ceremony recognizing young professionals making outstanding contributions to the borough. The nominees represent every walk of life and come from businesses of all types. The ceremony is free and open to the public.
Check out this year’s honorees here
2026 “20 Under 40” Leadership Awards
3:00 p.m. The Gallery
Ticketed event
Steven Fulop
President & CEO
Partnership for New York City
Steven Fulop became President and Chief Executive Officer of the Partnership for New York City in January 2026, following twelve years as Mayor of Jersey City. A U.S. Marine Corps veteran and seasoned public servant, Fulop led one of the nation’s most notable urban revitalizations. First elected in 2013, he oversaw sustained economic growth marked by record private investment, significant population increases, and strong job creation, positioning Jersey City as a major economic engine for New Jersey. During his tenure, Fulop advanced initiatives in affordable housing, public safety reform, education, infrastructure, and environmental sustainability. His administration delivered transformative projects, including expanded parks and open space, a science innovation campus in partnership with Liberty Science Center, and the restoration of the historic Loews Theatre, while maintaining eight consecutive municipal budgets without raising taxes. A first-generation American and descendant of Holocaust survivors, Fulop’s career reflects a deep commitment to service. He is a graduate of Binghamton University and holds both an MPA from Columbia University and an MBA from New York University.
Brian Laline
Executive Editor
Staten Island Advance
Following the “20 Under 40” Leadership Awards ceremony, celebrate the honorees at the SIEDC Annual Business Conference Cocktail Mixer. Enjoy an open bar, delicious bites, and premier networking opportunities with business leaders throughout New York City and the tristate area, all while toasting to the successes of the award recipients.
Members FREE | Non-members $125. Purchase here
Cocktail Mixer
Elevate your company’s brand presence, showcase your products and services to 100+ attendees, and network with industry professionals from the tri-state area in the Main Ballroom featuring nearly 100 vendors.
Contact Amanda@siedc.org to reserve your organization’s vending spot today.
Vending Exposition
Local organizations take to the stage for a series of press conferences announcing their newest initiatives, updates, and special projects.
Press Announcements
10:00 a.m. Main Ballroom
10:00 a.m. Tea House Garden Foyer
Tourism and Business Attraction Wing
10:00 a.m. Main Ballroom
Interested in vending at the SIEDC Business Conference?
Give your organization major exposure at the borough’s top business awareness event.
