Now housed in its own landmark building, in Huntington Station, Sally’s company began in her kitchen. She officially incorporated in 1989, soon took studio space in Syosset, and ultimately moved to the Jericho Turnpike building, which she bought in 2003.

For more than 25 years, Painted Pieces Art & Design Studio has created innovative visual treasures inside and outside of buildings, homes, businesses, trucks and just about anything that will accept a painted finish and then some. The company now offers design and consulting services, graphic design, and is always ready to seize upon new techniques, materials, and challenges for new and diverse creative opportunities.

Sally’s enthusiasm and dedication is for providing beyond the best effort for everything she does, including that on behalf of the many charities and organizational events that she helps support.

One of the many projects Kenneth was involved within his church was a festival that Habitat for Humanity was a part of. As a result of meeting Habitat for Humanity, Kenneth and members of the Mount Sinai Church made a trip to the Lower East Side once a month for two years to work on various projects. Meanwhile, Kenneth was in touch with Habitat for Humanity International regarding the steps required for becoming an affiliate.

Since their inception as an affiliate in 1986, Habitat for Humanity of Suffolk has completed over 115 homes and has grown to the point where they are completing a home every month. Kenneth remains a member of the board of directors and also helps out once a month at the Island Heart Food Pantry, which is another outreach of Mount Sinai Church situated on the Habitat property in Middle Island New York.

In May 2006, the then Governor George E. Pataki appointed Bruce as a Commissioner of the New York State Commission on Quality of Care and Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities.  Prior state appointments include a seat on the State Hospital Review and Planning Council where he chaired it's planning committee.  He also chaired the Advisory Council to the State Advocate for People with Disabilities; and was a 4-term chairman of the State Rehabilitation Council.  Bruce also serves on the National Verizon Consumer Advisory Board.

An ambulance volunteer, Bruce is a former chairman of the New York State, the Nassau-Suffolk and the Suffolk Regional Emergency Medical Services Council. He writes a bi-monthly column for ABLE Newspaper. Bruce is also a life-member of the Paralyzed Veterans of America and United Spinal Association. He has received numerous national awards for innovative programs.

Angelo’s love for the firefighting community is evident with the many volunteer “hats” he wears. He is involved as a board member and/or a representative for many organizations including the Nassau County Vocational Education Extension, the Fire Prevention Association on Firefighter Safety and Health, the Cradle of Aviation, the East Meadow Chamber of Commerce and the East Meadow Kiwanis.

Angelo was the driving force behind the opening of the Nassau County Firefighters Museum and Education Center. It was only through his efforts, that the Museum was able to secure a $1.3 million dollar grant for the Museum’s construction. Angelo was a key player in all aspects of the museum, from the design to the construction and operation of the Museum. Today, the Museum is open to the general public six days a week and serves over 30,000 people a year, educating them on fire safety and prevention.

Prior to joining LIPA, Bert was president and chief operating officer of the Blankman/Cunningham Group, a Garden City-based public relations and marketing communications agency that served clients in the private and public sectors including non-profit organizations.

Earlier, Bert served as executive director of Government and Community Relations and chief of staff at the Long Island Rail Road, and as director of public affairs for the New York State Senate Committee on Transportation and the Joint Legislative Committee on Critical Transportation Choices.

Bert received a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Communications from the New York Institute of Technology in 1969, and was recognized by his professional peers in 2003 with the Public Relations Professionals of Long Island Lifetime Achievement Award.

Morey is active in many civic and charitable organizations. He was a long time director of the Long Island Association. He currently serves on the board of the RMA, Long Island Chapter. He is also a member of the Alumni Executive Council of Cornell University’s Johnson Graduate School of Management and the National Association of Credit Management.

Morey has received many honors and awards from the following organizations: Epilepsy Foundation, Gurwin Jewish Geriatric Center, Long Island Chapter of the American Diabetes Association, Boy Scouts of America and the Accountants, Bankers & Factors Division of the American Jewish Congress.

Morey graduated from City College of New York with a B.A. in Economics and has an M.B.A. from the Johnson Graduate School of Management at Cornell University.

Prior to joining The Long Island Home in January 1996, Robert was the director of Health Services for the Diocese of Rockville Centre’s Catholic Charities, executive director of the North Suffolk Mental Health Centers and the director of Narcotics and Drug Research, Inc.

Robert currently serves, or has served on the following boards of directors: the National Association of Psychiatric Health Systems, New York Association of Homes and Services for the Aging, United Way of Long Island, Health & Welfare Council of Long Island, Hands Across Long Island, Club House of Suffolk and Victims Information Bureau.  He was also appointed by the Governor of New York to serve on the Mental Health Services Council.

Robert completed his graduate work at Syracuse University. 

Ernest has done many things for his community through the years including starting a tree-planting program in East Worcester, NY, logged a 300 acre woodlot on a tree farm using Sustainable Forest Practices, hosted training sessions for loaned executives of United Way of Long Island, hosted weekly radio shows and has volunteered with Literacy Volunteers of America. 

He has been the chairman of the board of the School for Language and Communication Development (SLCD) since 1999 and was instrumental in finding the school its current home in Glen Cove, NY. More than 250 families of children with language and autism spectrum disorders are enrolled at SLCD yearly.  

Greg is dedicated to helping others and serve on the following boards of directors/trustees: Pederson-Krag Center, Family Service League, Suffolk Community Council, Education and Assistance Corporation, Women on The Job Task Force, Girl Scouts of Nassau County and The Heckscher Museum of Huntington.  He is also involved with the Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Church and the Huntington’s Men’s Chorus. 

Greg received his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Maryland and his Masters of Business Administration from St. John’s University in New York. 

In 1968, Mimi joined Fred full time as his right hand person. She took pleasure in speaking to customers who ordered frames and hiring people to work for ClearVision, especially working moms who she knew had talents that would benefit the optical business. Years later her ambitions would lead her to help start The Optical Women’s Association. This valuable organization supports Mimi’s philosophy that more women should be leaders and involved in the optical business.

As ClearVision’s business thrived, Mimi became more active in both the company and the community. Throughout the years, Mimi and Fred have given to countless charities. This list of charities includes, The Carol M. Baldwin Breast Cancer Research Fund, numerous local chapters of the Lion’s Clubs, the NY Children’s Vision Coalition, The Adding Love and Support, Long Island Harvest, Big Brothers and Sisters of Suffolk, Hewlett House, and the Suffolk County Make-A-Wish Foundation Chapter. 

Throughout his career, Jack has been the recipient of many honors from organizations including the Long Island Association, the Adults and Children with Learning and Developmental Disabilities, Inc., Ernst and Young, Long Island March of Dimes, the America Heart Association and the American Lung Association. 

John has a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Holy Cross in Worcester, MA and a Master’s degree in Epidemiology and Public Health from Yale University.

During the past years, Ernest has been honored numerous times for his business acumen, as well as for his humanitarianism. Among the organizations that have recognized Ernest include the U.S. Department of Commerce Minority Business Development Agency, the National Minority Business Council, U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and the Nassau County Hispanic Republican Assembly.

Harvey is a past chairman of The National Association of Small Business Investment Companies (NASBIC) and continues to serve on its executive committee. He is also past chairman of the Northeastern Regional Association of Small Business Investment Companies (NERASBIC), the industry’s regional board and a past president and director of The American Association of Equipment Lessors, the equipment leasing industry’s association.

Martin Greenstein, CSEP
CEO
Event Pros Group

Martin Greenstein, CEO of Event Pros Group, is an event veteran with more than three decades of experience in all phases of the special event industry. Martin has achieved the prestigious event industry designation of CSEP (Certified Special Event Professional).

Martin is extremely active with the Long Island Association   and   its   small   business   council activities. Martin has served on the Metro International Special Event Society board for more than a decade. He is also on the board of the Long Island Convention & Visitors Bureau, and serves on several of their committees and chairs the Networking committee. He is also a proud member of both the Nassau County and the Suffolk County Police Reserves supporting Long Islands finest. Martin has served on the HIA Entertainment committee for more than a dozen years producing several of their milestone events. In addition, he has been on the Tradeshow and tradeshow marketing committee for the last 6 years.

Martin and his team have planned and produced more than 15,000 events for corporations, fundraisers, grand openings, product launches, team building as well as personal events like weddings, bar / bat mitzvahs and other family events. Martin often appears as a speaker at schools for Long Island Works and the Boy Scouts. He also serves on the board of the Boy Scouts Scout Reach program that is working to bring scouting to minority areas like Wyandanch, Central Islip and South Huntington.

All the while, John never lost site of what was most important to him, his family and the community.  He has donated time and money to the Little People's Research Fund, the Mary Lyons Foundation, Contractors' for Kids, several School District Robotics Clubs, and Dollars for Scholars Programs.

Throughout his architectural career, John tried to create, new innovative spaces for children to learn, develop and grow.  Some of these designs have been used as a basis for what is now considered Educational Architecture. He continues to touch the lives of children and their families.

One of the many things that Senator Hannon does for the residents of Nassau County is to promote and protect their public health coverage.  He continually supports legislation to ensure New York State is a healthier safer place for families to live with programs such as Child Health Plus and Family Health Plus and the Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage program for seniors.

An alumnus of Chaminade High School, Boston College and Fordham Law School, Senator Hannon is Special Counsel to the law firm Farrell Fritz, P.C. in Nassau County and is active in community and civic affairs.

Rabbi Hermann has been the president of the Long Beach Interfaith Clergy Association for many years. He takes particular delight and derives much satisfaction from his interfaith work with Long Beach’s religious institutions. He is a member of the Coalition to Prevent Teenage Drinking. He is a proud member of the Long Beach Lions organization. He is involved in the field of Jewish education and Jewish family education, having instituted the latter at Temple Emanu-El. One of his primary loves is teaching of Torah and he conducts several classes in Bible, Talmud and Jewish history.

He believes that all of Long Island should coalesce into one happy harmonious community made up of divergent ethnic and religious community groups. Rabbi Hermann is a graduate of Columbia University and the Teachers Institute of the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York City. He was ordained as a Rabbi by the Hebrew Union College in Cincinatti, Ohio and holds an honorary doctorate from that institution.

Patricia serves as Chairman of the Board of Partners of the Americas, an international, private, voluntary organization providing educational, cultural and economic exchanges among Latin America, the Caribbean and the United States.  She is the NGO representative to the United Nations for the National Coalition of 100 Black Women; received four U.S. Presidential Advisory Committee appointments serving Presidents Reagan, G.W. Bush, Clinton and George Bush in the areas of Women's Educational Programs, Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and the Inter-American Foundation for which she was a representative to the 4th World Conference on Women in Beijing, China.  She also served on the Advisory Council of the African Development Foundation.  She continues to be active in the community through United Way, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, The Links Incorporated, 100 Black Women of Long Island and numerous other organizations. 

Patricia has received many awards through the years from organizations including the Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce, South Nassau Communities Hospital, the Village of Rockville Centre, the Town of Hempstead, Fleet Bank and Diversity Business.  She has also served as a member of the Board of Directors for the Rockville Centre Chamber of Commerce as well as chairman of the Commerce Health and Wellness Council.

Honorable Jacobs was selected to the 2002 and 2004 class of the Top 50 Women in Long Island by Long Island Business News, and has brought her vast knowledge to a host of Legislative committees since being elected to the Nassau County Legislature in 1995.

Honorable Jacobs' activism has roots that go back more than 30 years when she focused her efforts on civic and environmental issues on behalf of her community. Her commitment to the environment is evident by her support of pioneering legislation to preserve open space, recreational areas and other environmentally sensitive areas in the County.

Honorable Jacobs received her Bachelor of Arts Degree from Hunter College.

During his years as Superintendent, the Rockville Centre School District has been part of virtually every list of “best schools and/or districts” at the regional, state and national level for excellence.

Dr. Johnson is past-president of the Nassau County and New York State Council of School Superintendents and is currently co-chairperson of the NYS Council of School Superintendents Curriculum Committee.  In 1988, he served on the Salerno Commission on Financial Reform.  In 2005 he was appointed by Governor Pataki to serve as a member of the Governor’s Education Reform Commission (Zarb Commission).  Dr. Johnson was included on the 2004 Long Island Press’ top fifty list of the most influential Long Islanders.  In 2005, he was named New York State’s Superintendent of the Year by the American Association of School Administrators. 

He was named Educator of the Year by the Hofstra Chapter of Phi Delta Kappa and received the Distinguished Service Award from the Nassau-Suffolk School Boards Association.

Since Dr. Karnilow came to Half Hollow Hills, he has been working closely with all stakeholders to craft a systemic improvement plan.  The implementation of this plan has led to the development of a district-wide learning community that passionately supports optimum teaching and learning.  Dr. Karnilow has been sharing this plan with school boards and superintendent organizations locally, statewide and nationally.

In 2005, Dr. Karnilow was awarded the President’s Technology Award from the American Association of School Administrators; In 2004, Dr. Karnilow was named one of ten Tech-Savvy Superintendents in the nation by eSchool News and Gateway; and Educator of the Year-Asian American Communications from Columbia University in 1987.

A Doctoral Graduate of Hofstra University, Dr. Karnilow’s academic credentials include a Doctorate in Educational Administration and Policy Studies.  Additionally, he holds a Professional Diplomain Educational Administration and Supervision, as well as a Masters Degree in Guidance and Counseling.

For the past 18 years, Joy has been doing promotional advertising, currently at PPMG in Brentwood.  She sells pens, mugs, magnets, t-shirts, etc., all imprinted with your message or company logo. Her passion, however, lies with the Ronald McDonald House of Long Island.

Joy attended Emerson College for Theatre and continued her education at Lehman College with a major in English.

During his tenure, Sal embarked upon a major organizational re-structuring of the college’s academic operations, which has resulted in a significant enhancement of its inter-campus coordination. Sal helped move the College to the forefront in the use of technology throughout its operations. These initiatives led the College to a $1.75 million federal Title III grant award, which has positioned Suffolk as one of the top eight SUNY schools in the field of distance education.

Sal has received awards from the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Woman, the Boy Scouts of American, C.W. Post College of Long Island University, the Order Sons of Italy, Adelante of Suffolk County, Inc., and the 2001 Educator of the Year Award from the Association of Italian-American Educators.

Nick brings his passion and enthusiasm for life to everything he does. His business acumen, coupled with his panache for being a people person, exemplifies his belief that everyone has something valuable to offer, a quality he carries through all aspects of his life.

Nick and his wife Cookie, are team leaders of Noah's Team of Long Island, the national volunteer program for Canine Assistants, a Georgia–based non-profit organization that trains dogs to work with children and adults who have physical disabilities. 

In addition to his duties at PAFCU, and the Canine Assistants Program, Nick sits on several boards.  He is Chairman of the Board of the Hauppauge Industrial Association (HIA), and President of the Board at the Villas at Hart Cove.

Richard currently serves on the Board of Directors and is Chairman of the Compensation Committee of the Raytech Corporation (New York Stock Exchange). He has also served on the board of many Long Island based companies including: Arbor Commercial Mortgage, LLC, the Collaborative Group, Ltd., and Omnicorder Technologies, Inc. He is a founder, General Counsel and a member of the Board of Directors of the Long Island Software and Technology Network (LISTnet).

Richard served for more than ten years as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Stony Brook Foundation and a member of its Investment and Real Estate committees. He is a patron of the Krasner-Pollack House, where he helped establish the former home of Jackson Pollack and Lee Krasner as a museum and study center with Stony Brook University. 

Monsignor Midura was commissioned as Chaplain First Lieutenant to the US Army Reserves, December 11, 1981, and served in the First Persian Gulf War. He retired January 2, 2008 after 26 years of service as Chaplain Colonel. He has been an active Volunteer Fireman and Department Chaplain for over 30 years.  He leads his flock in a humble, efficient manner, personally involved with all the numerous responsibilities of a Pastor. When he is not tending to his parishioners, Father Midura might be seen tending to the grounds of the Church pulling weeds in his wide-brim sun hat.

A breast cancer survivor Fran joined organizations such as the American Cancer Society, 1 in 9 and Huntington Breast Cancer Action Coalition to help other women in their battle against breast cancer.

Fran makes a difference. When the Long Island Fund for Women and Girls was formed in 1991, Fran joined the Steering Council and later became a member of the Board of Directors.

In 1997, she joined Soroptimist International of Nassau County and in 2005 became President. Under her leadership the members worked toward achieving the mission - To improve the lives of women and girls in local communities and throughout the world.

There is a common thread that links all of Fran’s professional and volunteer positions -- to improve the lives of women and their families.

Ken obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering from C.W. Post College and received his Master’s Degree in Marine Engineering from Long Island University and his Master’s in Business from Columbia University.

Melvyn Morris
Educational Programs Administrator
Brookhaven National Laboratory

Melvyn Morris is a founding member of SUNY Stony Brook where he received his BS in Biology. He has a Master of Science degree in Marine Science from CW Post and a Masters and Doctorate in Education from the University of Florida.

Dr. Morris has been in education for over 40 years, having taught science at the junior high, senior high and university levels. He was the first science faculty hired to start Shoreham-Wading River high school, during which time he helped shape the science program, developed the community education program, was a class advisor and active in the teacher’s union.

After spending two years at Southampton College he joined the Office of Educational Programs at Brookhaven National Laboratory as an Educational Programs Administrator.

In 2003, Yvonne represented the Girl Scouts of Nassau County at the White House Initiative on Education Excellence for Hispanic Americans.  In 2004, she was honored as “Community Advocate of the Year” by the Long Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

After growing up in Brooklyn, NY and graduating from Thomas Jefferson High School, Joe headed straight for the printing industry. He worked for five major envelope companies as a purchaser and account representative. There, he was exposed to the fast pace of the printing industry that fueled the passion that continues even to this day. While he maintained a demanding work schedule, he managed to continue his educational studies at Brooklyn Community College.

In addition to his family life and rigorous schedule, Joe found time to give back to the community. He is a member of numerous community organizations, including: Adelante of Suffolk County, Inc., United Way of Long Island, Long Island Chamber of Commerce and the Knights of Columbus. Joe also serves as a board member for the Long Island Hispanic Business Roundtable (LIHBR) and an advisory member on the Board of the non-profit organization New Ground.

Peter has been recognized in the industry as a communications educator and is responsible for creating numerous job opportunities for people in the L.I. community.

Peter graduated from the New York Institute of Technology, Old Westbury.  He has been a long time supporter of SBPLI LI- FIRST Robotics Program,  a member of Execuleaders a L.I. business support organization, active participant in Toys For Tots, The Children’s Health Fund program, and a supporter of many L.I. Organizations. 

Dr. Pirich is actively involved in several Corporate and LI Regional activities, Sector Host for regional LIFT Tech Roundtables, active in local IEEE/HLS Conferences, serves as the sector representative and chairman on CUNY Advisory Boards, and serves as the BA lead on University grants and collaborations, Emerging Markets and next generation Technologies.

Dr. Pirich received his Bachelor’s Degree in Physics/Mathematics and PhD in Physics from SUNY-Binghamton. He earned his Post Doctoral Fellowships from the University of Cincinnati.

Dr. Pirich is a member of many organizations including, NYS Business Council, LI American Association of Information Technology Professionals, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics and the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Over the last six years as Chairman, George has overseen tremendous growth in NEFCU with assets now surpassing the $1 billion. He has overseen such growth with an operation model of sound and prudent business practices and policies that are predicated upon exceptional, consultative member service. George also demonstrates exceptional philanthropic initiatives and espouses the Credit Union mission and vision with an uncompromising commitment to its members and communities.

George is also an active supporter of educational and cultural institutions nationwide including many local colleges, universities, and museums. He was very instrumental in the development of NEFCU high school senior scholarships, student-teaching scholarships and teacher grants programs to support higher education among NEFCU members.

Joseph began his healthcare career 35 years ago. South Nassau Hospital has significantly advanced its mission to provide superior health services in the very communities in which patients live.

Equally significant, in 2006 Joseph was named by Governor Pataki to serve on the Long Island regional advisory committee of the New York State Commission on Healthcare in the 21^st Century (Berger Commission).  As the only active hospital CEO on the committee, he played a critical role in the committee’s formulation of recommendations that will help shape the future of hospitals and nursing homes on Long Island.

Joseph was honored by the Long Island Breast Cancer Action Coalition and inducted into the 1 in 9/Hewlett House Hall of Fame. He has been honored by KJOY’s “Radio for a Cure, Breast Cancer Awareness” in 2006 and in 2005.  In 2004, he received the Community Service Award from The Boy Scouts of America, Theodore Roosevelt Council.

Reverend Radford has been a member of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Health Center Advisory Board since 1987, and he is presently Chairman of the MLK Advisory Board.  He also sits on the Board of the Long Island Teen Challenge.

Jim is the Deputy Commissioner of the Office of Consumer Affairs for Nassau County which oversees home improvement contractor licensing, weights and measures issues, and the Nassau County Taxi and Limousine Commission. He also serves as the media coordinator for the Office of Consumer Affairs.

Alfred J. Roach
Founder and Chairman Emeritus
TII Network Technologies

Alfred J. Roach is a living legend in the New York business community. Born in 1915 in Harlem, his life has been packed with excitement, variety, and extraordinary personal achievement. An international self-made entrepreneur, Al has worked in a variety of industries and disciplines including the US Military, the New York Fire Department and the New York Stock Exchange. He has founded and operated many successful businesses including a telecommunications technology company, a bio-medical company, a water purification company, and a brewery.

Today at the age of 92, Al is Founder and Chairman Emeritus of the Board of Directors of TII Network Technologies, Inc., which has had more than $600 million dollars in cumulative sales to the telecommunications industry.

Al’s editorials and op-ed pieces have been published in major newspapers more than a dozen times at his own expense. Al placed ads in the New York Times, Washington Post, International Herald Tribune, and other major newspapers across the globe to spread his message about the importance of a sound energy plan. These ads were entitled "An Urgent Message to the President and the Congress of the United States of America." The messages appealed to political bodies to re-evaluate their methods of regulating business and the American educational system to compete in the international business arena.

Al has earned the respect of scientists and politicians across the globe.  He worked as an advisor to Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. With plants in Haiti, the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico, he was appointed to a presidential task force to evaluate the administration's Caribbean Basin Initiative in the mid '80s.  Al’s academic affiliations include: the World Academy of Art & Science, Russian Academy of Science, Washington Academy of Science, and New York Academy of Science.

Arthur is also active in community activities. He is the treasurer and member of the board of directors of Pet Peeves, past president, current treasurer and lifetime member of the board of directors of the Hauppauge Industrial Association (HIA). George also serves as member of the board of directors for LI School for the Gifted, member of the board of directors for the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA), past resident of From Our Hearts and past chairman of the Long Island March of Dimes.

He is a member of member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants and the Institute of Business Appraisers.

Arthur received his Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Queens College.

Charles belongs to many organizations including, Action Long Island, Long Island Commercial Network, Long Island Forum on Technology and the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA). He was president of the LI Chapter of IMA from 1987-88. He graduated from Baruch College in 1970 with a B.B.A in Accounting. He then served in the United States Army Reserve/ National Guard from 1969-1975.

Charles’ goal is to help Long Island’s economy by strengthening the small business climate. By facilitating the many small business-lending products handled by LIDC, he is  helping to further the goals of Long Island.

In 1970, Patricia and her colleagues began Birthright on Long Island. To this day, it provides pregnant young women with the help they need to give birth and parent or to place their children for adoption. Through this organization, Patricia became aware of the critical need of housing for this population.

After housing women in her home for more than ten years, It was apparent something more formal was required. In 1986, MOMMAS House opened its doors - built on love, one brick and heart at a time, and has been consistently operational ever since.

He eventually moved on to several product management and market management positions at Burndy Corporation in Norwalk, Connecticut.  An acquisition of the company by French multinational, Fromatome, lead Bill to several International Marketing assignments in Geneva, Switzerland, Brussels, Belgium, and Paris.

As head of Framatome’s telecommnications business in Paris, Bill lead an international team to develop and grow the company’s global telecom business, supporting key multinationals, such as AT&T, Northern Telecom, Alcatel, Ericsson and Nokia.

Bill joined Festo Corporation in 2004 as General Manager, Festo Learning Systems.  This education division of Festo, provides industrial training products to the educational community, including automation training equipment and simulation software.  Festo Learning Systems works with educational partners throughout the United States to improve automation technology education, to assure the competitiveness and strength of American manufacturing companies.

Dr. Skolnik is Professor Emerita, Adelphi University School of Social Work.  She spent twenty-six years as a faculty member at Adelphi where she taught in both the Master’s and Doctoral programs. Dr. Skolnik served as the School’s Associate Dean and as Director of the University’s Social Services Center.  She is the co-author of several books and numerous articles including a 2006 text, Social Welfare Programs: Narratives of Hard Times, published by Brooks-Cole and Understanding Social Welfare.

Sister Margaret Rose Smyth
Director
North Fork Spanish Apostolate

Sister Margaret Rose Smyth has been the Director of North Fork Spanish Apostolate in Riverhead, NY since 1996.

Sister Margaret has devoted her life to helping others and improving her community. She continually partners with local agencies, hospital clinics and legislators to help their fellow citizens improve their lives and the community around them.

Fluent in Spanish, Sister Margaret frequently provides services to the Spanish-speaking community. Sister Margaret translates for weddings and helps negotiate positions, salaries and other topics with employers. She is currently working to establish a bi-lingual court mediation, ESL and computer programs.

Sister Margaret earned her Bachelor of the Arts in Spanish from St. John’s University. She received her Master of Science in Religious Education and Master of the Arts in Urban Education from Fordham University.

Dwight Stecker
Founder
Art of Mathematics, LLC

Employed by Eastern Suffolk BOCES until October 2006, Dwight Stecker spent most of his time serving incarcerated youth and adults.  In 1979 he helped create Re-Rout, a nationally recognized transition program for incarcerated and released offenders.  In 1982, Dwight worked with education and corrections professionals through out New York to establish legislation for the provision of educational services to incarcerated youth.

Dwight also joined other criminal justice professionals in Suffolk to establish alternatives to incarceration including Suffolk’s extremely successful Day Reporting Center.  Prior to joining the staff of Eastern Suffolk BOCES, Dwight worked with Suffolk County’s Anti-Poverty Program and the United States Peace Corps in Costa Rica.  As a co-director of Suffolk Council of International Programs from 1988 through 1995, Dwight coordinated workplace and living experiences for Human Service Professionals from around the world.

Dwight received a Bachelor’s degree in history from Lehigh University in 1965, a Master’s degree in Foreign Affairs from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts and Harvard Universities, a Master’s degree in School Counseling and a Professional Degree in School Counseling from C.W. Post University.

Michael Strauss
Chairman & CEO
BSafeElectrix, Inc.

Michael Strauss is the former Chairman and CEO of the Sherwood Group, a management advisory firm dedicated to helping emerging growth companies manage every phase of a company’s development. During the last several years, Michael has been involved with several companies including, CDS Business Services, Inc. and Colorado Prime Corp. Michael helped these companies assemble a strong management team, refine or articulate the business strategy, build the infrastructure, and most importantly, direct the management team to execute the strategy. 

Michael spent twelve years as a senior executive at American Express. He headed the Gold Card Division, the Canadian subsidiary, the U.S. Credit Card Business and the Travel Division. Michael also served in several financial and management capacities at American Airlines, The Bank of New York and Citigroup.

Michael earned his BBA from the City University of New York and an MBA from the Baruch School-City University of New York. Michael currently serves on the Dean’s Council at the State University of New York, at Stony Brook – College of Engineering and Applied Sciences. He is a founding board member of the Long Island Software & Technology Network and a member of the advisory boards of Praxell, Network Privacy Inc., and Poly Information Ltd. He is the founder and chairman of ExecuLeaders Forum for Marketing and Sales.

Richard Strautman
Owner
Picus Enterprises

Richard Strautman is the Owner of Picus Enterprises, LLC and a Facilitator with The Alternative Board of Nassau County. Through these entities, Richard has provided management consulting advice to hundreds of Long Island business owners on how to increase market share, increase revenues, and create competitive advantages in their respective marketplaces. Helping these businesses develop improved business and marketing  strategies  has  resulted  in many of these businesses growing and thriving on Long Island. He has also been active with the Town of North Hempstead and the town's Business and Tourism Development Corporation to develop programs that bring businesses to Long Island and to assist those businesses already established in our area.

As the co-president of the Port Washington Chamber of Commerce, Richard has been active in growing chamber membership and bringing education events and business consulting services through the Chamber to Port Washington businesses.

He has also been active in serving as officers and board members on several non-profit organizations. Most recently Richard is the president of the Community Chest of Port Washington. The Community Chest of Port Washington raises over $300,000 each year to support 23 funded organizations that provide needed services to local Port Washington Residences. These services directly impact one in four residents of Port Washington and include early childcare programs, scholarships for boys and girls to participate in a range of events and organizations, youth activities, counseling and youth educational services, and a variety of services to the elderly population.

Dr. Kenny has directed major projects of construction and renewal on the campus. The Charles B. Wang Center was completed in 2002 and is the largest single gift ever given to the State University of New York. An 8,300-seat stadium opened in 2002 in honor of Senator Kenneth P. LaValle. It is the largest such venue in Suffolk County.

In 2007 Dr. Kenny received the Fulbright Lifetime Achievement Medal, honoring Fulbright alumni whose distinguished careers and civic and cultural contributions have sought to expand the boundaries of human wisdom, empathy, and perception.

 Dr. Kenny holds Bachelor's degrees in English and Journalism from the University of Texas, an M.A. from the University of Minnesota, a Ph.D. from the University of Chicago.

Dr. James Tolle
Executive Director
Nassau County Council of School Superintendents

Dr. James Tolle earned his Bachelor of Science degree from St. John’s College in 1959. He graduated from Hofstra with a Master’s of Science in Secondary Education in 1963 and from St. John’s with Doctor of Education from St. John’s in 1975. Dr. Tolle worked for the Uniondale Public Schools in Nassau County for 20 years, his service included teacher of Science, assistant principal, principal, and Assistant Superintendent for Instruction. From 1979 until his retirement in 1993 he was the Superintendent of the Malverne Public Schools.

After his official retirement, Dr. Tolle continued to serve in a wide variety of leadership positions.  He was the Executive Director of REFIT (Reform Educational Financing Inequities Today, president of the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA), president of the New York State Federation of Secondary Schools’ Athletic Association, and member of administrative leadership search teams for School Leadership, SCOPE (Suffolk County Organization to Promote Education).

Dr. Tolle was designated Educator of the Year in 1984 by the St. John’s Chapter and Phi Delta Kappa and a Paul Harris Fellow of the Rotary Foundation by the Malverne Rotary Club in 1984.  He is a recipient of the Distinguished Service Award by the New York State Athletic Administrators’ Association.  In 2006, he was honored with the Leaders In Education Award from the St. John’s University School of Education.

Dr. Tolle currently serves as the Executive Director of the Nassau County Council Of School Superintendents.

In 1984, Maureen received the first Child Abuse and Neglect Volunteer and Professional Recognition Award for Education, for her incorporation of child abuse prevention into her course.

As a senior class advisor for 30 years, Maureen organized various programs that gave students opportunities to give back to their community. For her dedicated work with Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE), she received the NYS DARE Educator of the Year Award in 1993.

After retiring in 2003, she began volunteering for Child Abuse Prevention Services and has taught Child Abuse and Date Rape prevention programs in several LI High Schools and the NYS required course for mandated reporters.

In 2005, Maureen co-chaired the South Huntington district sponsored overnight Relay for Life and raised over $150K for the American Cancer Society.

Currently, she has returned to teaching part-time in the Walt Whitman High School morning HELP alternative program for difficult at-risk students and is helping many to get their high school diploma.

Rev. Tuggle has devoted his life to helping others and visibly standing for human and civil rights and against racism and political and social exclusion.

Reverend Tuggle has been the keynote speaker for NATO’s Martin Luther King Jr. observance day in Brussels and Belgium, as well as at events in Cuba and Haiti.

Reverend Tuggle has served on a number of human services agencies and has received dozens of awards in recognition of his service. He was awarded “Pastor of the Year” by the Nassau County African American Historical Society.

Reverend Tuggle has also worked with dozens of not-for-profit corporations. Presently, he is the president of the Memorial Economic Development Corporation; vice chair of the Community Development Corp., a board member of the Long Island United Way, trustee of Dowling College, and chairperson of the Black Leadership Commission on AIDS for Nassau County.

Currently, Reverend Tuggle is the Executive Assistant to the President of Nassau Community College.

Ellen Volpe
President & Founder
American Business Associates (ABA)

Ellen is the founder of American Business Associates (ABA), the longest running professionally managed business-to-business networking organization in the NY Metropolitan area. She is dedicated to working with entrepreneurs, business owners and sales executives to help them create successful, profitable businesses and close more sales. Ellen is also the founder of ABA Capital Resources.

She is widely known in the business community as a skilled facilitator who has the ability to help people increase selling opportunities through a structured approach to relationship building. Many of her clients have remained with her for more than 15 years. Documented testimonials reveal that ABA is directly responsible for starting numerous strategic business partnerships for its members and generating many millions of dollars in sales.

Ellen’s involvement also carries over to the non-profit sector, where she supports the following organizations: Coalition against Child Abuse and Neglect, New Ground and The Cradle of Aviation, LITM and Positive Coaching Alliance. She has also been an associate sponsor for the Society for Human Resource Management for over ten years.

Lawrence has served on the Board of Education of the East Williston Union Free School District and as treasurer of the Nassau/Suffolk School Boards Association. He currently is chairman of the LIA Education Committee.

An active alumnus, he serves on the Alumni Association of the Frank G. Zarb School of Business and its Dean’s Council. He is an Associate Adjunct Professor of Accounting at Hofstra and is on the Advisory Board of the Long Island University School of Professional Accountancy.

His commitment to his community has resulted in numerous awards and citations from the organizations with which he has been involved.

Lawrence is currently the partner in charge of commercial audit practice development at Holtz Rubenstein Reminick LLP.

Natalie offers 35 years of industry experience and heads a productive eight-member team of design business professionals at Natalie Weinstein Design Associates. In 2001, she launched the innovative Natalie Weinstein Home Decorating Club, which has grown to more than 15,000 members.

A respected resource for media, business and educational organizations, Natalie shares her expertise through her own shows and weekly columns as well as books and CDs she has authored. Natalie is the weekly host and producer of “The Home Show” on Walk 1370 AM as well as presenter of WALK 97.5 FM radio’s “Weekly Design Tips.” She authors L.I. Focus feature in HOUSE magazine, has her own bi-weekly column in This Week a publication of Newsday, and has written two children’s books, among other things.

Medal, American Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Victory Medal WWII, New York State Conspicuous Service Cross, Village of Hempstead Medal of Honor, Victory in Europe Commemorative Medal, D-Day Commemorative Medal.

When he returned home, he became the Vice President of Production and Distribution at Data Digests, Inc. In 1977, he began working for National Bank of North America, which has since been absorbed by Bank of America. When he officially retired in 2001, he was the Vice President/Director of Purchasing, Printing, Central Supply & Distribution.

Bill is a member of the Tuskegee Airmen’s Speakers Bureau making presentations, nationally and internationally, to various audiences including schools, corporations, and churches. He also participates in special venues such as air shows and documentary films. He is a member of the American Legion Aviators’ Post. In 2005, Bill was the recipient of the prestigious “Distinguished Achievement Award” from Tuskegee University President and was also awarded an Honorary Doctorate Degree, and in 2007, The Original Tuskegee Airmen/Airwomen were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal of Honor, this country’s highest Congressional award by President George Bush.

William J. White
Major USAR
Federal Aviation Administration

William White is an award-winning speaker, author and scientist. He has made a name for himself as a technical writer, an electronics engineer, an aeronautics scientist and a physicist with a diverse number of agencies.

Bill is a decorated retired Major in the U. S. Army born in Philadelphia in 1926. He attended A &T University, Syracuse University and the City University of New York, graduating with dual degrees in Physics and Mathematics. He also completed Army Command and General Staff College and was one the last cadets in the famed Tuskeegee Airmen project.

Bill is a member of the Village of Hempstead Planning Board for over 15 years and president of Local 2791 American Federation of Government Employees and has also supported numerous non-profit organizations on Long Island.

Bill is a member of the Author’s Guild, the National Writers Club and published his first book, Airships For the Future in 1972. Bill continues to write as a freelancer, publishing in Frequent Flyer, Newsday, National Rifleman, Christian Herald, among others.

He is listed in Contemporary Authors and Men of Achievement. His many awards include the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Award, United Black Christians Award, Hempstead Little League Man of the Year, CRUSH Award for Outstanding Community Service, Hempstead NAACP Humanitarian Award, and the Hempstead Medal of Honor.

Bill served in both WWII and Korea and received over 40 decorations including a Combat Infantryman Badge, a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star.