Wednesday, April 30, 2025
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
Kick off your day by joining this exclusive session, where you will hear firsthand from high-profile leaders about their priorities and vision for driving local economic development.
Speakers coming soon
Members - Free Non-members - $75.00
Purchase here
Kick Off Breakfast
*$45 per ticket is tax deductible
9:30 a.m. Cherry Willow Room
Join us for an introductory seminar exploring the basics of exporting. Attendees will learn how to evaluate their readiness for export, understand the export process, and access international markets. Find out how exporting can boost sales, diversify revenue sources, and open new growth opportunities. This session is ideal for small business owners aiming to expand their global market presence.
Hosted by Small Business Development Center
Exporting Basics
10:00 a.m. Brittons Oak
Geared toward high school and college students, attendees to this session will discover exciting career opportunities in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). Careers in dynamic industries like sustainable energy, biotech, advanced manufacturing, mathematics, and engineering, with a special focus on environmental engineering and green infrastructure, will be highlighted.
Guest Speaker:
Exploring Careers in STEM
Adam Zellner
President
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.
Prior to starting his own business, Mr. Zellner served as Director of Policy for the State of New Jersey and held the positions as Deputy Commissioner for the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Executive Director to New Jersey’s Office of Smart Growth and to the New Jersey Highlands Council. In the early stages of his career, Mr. Zellner had the privilege of working alongside several members of the United States Congress and the New Jersey State Legislatures on numerous polices including brownfield redevelopment and land use regulations.
Mr. Zellner currently holds a position as an adjunct Professor at Rutgers University where he teaches courses that highlight important aspects of his career. He is the author and co-author of numerous energy and sustainability articles. He continues to lecture and speak around the world on these topics while applying his own personal experience to educate others on changing policies and regulations.
Greener By Design
10:15 a.m. Ivy Room
Take a seat at the table with local merchants hailing from business improvement districts (BIDs) and merchants associations across Staten Island as they share innovative strategies for merchant organizing and improving the economic vitality of their neighborhoods. Key topics include advocacy, recruitment, fundraising, community development, and marketing, with a special focus on social media presence. By the end of this session, attendees will walk away with actionable strategies to empower and grow the small business community.
Moderated by:
Successful Strategies for Merchant Groups
Alfred Cerullo
President/CEO
Alfred C. Cerullo III, is President and CEO of Grand Central Partnership, one of the world’s largest business improvement districts. He is also a Commissioner of the NYC Planning Commission. Fred served in numerous elected and appointed positions throughout his career, beginning as Legal Counsel to the Minority Leader of the NYC Council. He later became one of the youngest ever City Council Members and City Commissioners leading the Department of Consumer Affairs and the Department of Finance. He also served on two Mayor’s Advisory Committees on Appointments and on the NYC Campaign Finance Board. A graduate of St. John’s University and St. John’s University School of Law, he is admitted to practice law in New York, New Jersey, California, and Washington D.C. Mr. Cerullo has been the recipient of numerous awards, and he serves on a number of boards and associations, including Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden and St. George Theatre Restoration. He has been a Foundation board member since 2013.
Grand Central Partnership
10:30 a.m. Tea House Garden
AI is transforming leadership now—are you ready? An exclusive session where top industry experts will reveal how AI can drive innovation, enhance decision-making, and strengthen human connection. Learn practical strategies to integrate AI while maintaining ethical leadership, adaptability, and a competitive edge. Learn how AI is reshaping leadership and what it takes to stay ahead. Discover a practical AI Utilization Framework to scale adoption effectively. Explore the 3 Leadership Quotients (IQ, EQ, AQ) and why adaptability is crucial. Future-proof your leadership to stay relevant in an AI-driven world.
Hosted by Lions Pride Leadership Company
Guest Speakers:
Leading in an AI Driven World
Chad Reyes
Chad L. Reyes is a purpose-driven entrepreneur, coach, speaker, author, and multiplier of leaders. Since 2003, he has worked with CEOs, entrepreneurs, business leaders, highly successful families, and the next generation of leaders to reach their full potential.
His journey from declaring chapter 7 bankruptcy at twenty-one years old to influencing highly successful leaders all started with a vision for how he and his wife, Danielle, would one day ignite positive change in the world. Dedicating their lives to that vision, they have pioneered three organizations focused on developing leaders. Chad’s motto is simple: Rob the grave and give the world everything you have inside. Die empty.
Co-Founder
Lions Pride Leadership
Elijah Low
AI Keynote Speaker
AI Transformation Specialist, Author
Elijah Low is a dynamic leader in AI and economics, renowned for his expertise in integrating artificial intelligence to drive economic growth and societal advancement. A passionate advocate for social impact, Elijah is dedicated to leveraging AI to enhance productivity, reduce costs, and create competitive advantages for businesses while also improving the quality of life for underserved communities.
As an AI consultant, Elijah develops AI roadmaps that help organizations seamlessly adopt and optimize AI technologies. His strategic guidance enables companies to harness AI's full potential for operational efficiency and long-term innovation.
Elijah is the author of Built for AI, a widely regarded book that explores the transformative power of AI in business and society.
He holds a triple major in Business Administration, specializing in Finance, Investment & Banking; Marketing; and Management & Human Resources.
10:30 a.m. Cherry Willow Room
Stronger Together: Funding Solutions for Staten Island’s Nonprofits
Explore the current funding climate, the impact of financial challenges, and strategies for advocacy, resource mobilization, and long-term sustainability for nonprofit organizations. Now more than ever, strong champions and innovative approaches are needed to ensure Staten Island’s nonprofits remain resilient. Staten Island’s future depends on collaboration between nonprofits, businesses, and community advocates—attend this session to be part of the solution.
Hosted by Nonprofit Staten Island
Ticketed event
11:30 a.m. Tea House Garden
This annual session features notable women in business with Staten Island roots who share their inspirational journeys to the top of their fields, discussing how they built and maintained strong career networks along the way.
Guest Speakers:
Women's Symposium: Maintaining Your Network for Lasting Success
Head of Industry Home & Consumer Services
Kara Fassrainer
Kara has worked at Google for the last 9 years, both as a Sales Leader and Strategy & Operations Manager. Prior to Google, Kara ran Investment and Global Operations at several media agencies. She is a proud alum of Notre Dame Academy, Lehigh University (BS) & Fordham University (MBA). Outside of work, she is an avid runner, a 4th grade Soccer coach (Go Gators!) and loves to organize (go ask her about The Home Edit)! She is a very intentional leader, loves to solve complex client challenges and brings positive energy into every room. She resides in Snug Harbor with her husband Michael and 3 children.
Leigh Meaders
Industry X Services Counsel
Leigh M. Meaders, Esq. is a distinguished legal executive with over two decades of experience advising Fortune 500 and global technology companies. As a Consulting Counsel at Accenture, she provides strategic legal guidance to C-suite executives, helping them navigate complex legal risks and regulatory compliance. Previously, she held key legal roles at IBM and Verizon, where she led global compliance initiatives and developed corporate regulatory strategies. Her expertise in risk management, ethics, artificial intelligence (AI), and compliance has made her a trusted leader in the legal and business communities.
A third generation Staten Islander, Leigh is a proud graduate of Notre Dame Academy High School, New York University – College of Arts and Science, and New York University School of Law. She serves on the corporate board of Beyond BookSmart, Inc., a national EdTech company.
Accenture
Dr. Lynsey Victoria Rinelli
Owner
Dr. Lynsey Victoria Rinelli, an Emergency Veterinarian in Paramus, NJ, is a Wagner College graduate with a BS in Biology and major in Psychology. After her time at Ross University and clinical year at LSU, she traveled to Alaska where she participated in the aid of canine racers in the Willow 300. She is now focused on emergency surgery, physical rehabilitation and exotic animal medicine.
She has published her first children’s book as a memoir to moms in the postpartum period. Celebrated on Staten Island Live, she was able to express the inspiration for that dedication to her daughter, Gracelyn. Her second book, in 2024, helped families process pet loss around the world. She has sent her book to over 80 clinics across the US and Canada.
Working with families during their most pivotal moments, “Goodbye for Now” was born. She officially became the first author in her family in 2024; celebrating a NYC big book award distinguished favorite and Independent press award this year.
Little Grey’s Books, LLC
Deana Jean, Moderator
Founder
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.
The Success Tribe Network
12:30 p.m. Trevi Tent
Keynote Lunch: SIEDC Forum for A Sustainable Future Presidents’ Panel
Be in the room with the presidents and CEOs of the largest environmental and utility organizations in New York as they dive into the current state of sustainability development and renewable energy on Staten Island and beyond.
Guest Speakers:
• Justin Driscoll, President/CEO, New York Power Authority (NYPA)
• Doreen Harris, President/CEO, New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA)
• Amanda Lefton, Acting Commissioner, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
• Sally Librera, President, National Grid New York
• Con Edison
• Moderator : Adam Zellner, President, Greener by Design
Members - Free Non-members - $75.00
Purchase here
*$35 per ticket is tax deductible
Justin Driscoll
President/CEO
Justin E. Driscoll is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the nation’s largest state-owned electric utility, New York Power Authority (NYPA). NYPA is also the owner and operator of the New York State Canal System. Justin is responsible for developing and implementing the utility’s statewide strategic vision and mission and for supervising its operations, legal and financial matters, and relationships with external stakeholders.
Justin previously served as Executive Vice President and General Counsel of the Authority. He also supervised the activities of the Hydropower Licensing Group, the Regulatory/Energy Markets functions, Legislative and Community Affairs Group, Environmental Justice, the Corporate Secretary and the Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer. He also served on the Enterprise Risk Management Committee and was management’s liaison to the Cyber and Physical Security Committee and Audit Committee to the Board of Trustees.
Before joining NYPA, Justin was engaged in the private practice of law and represented clients that included Fortune 500 companies, governmental entities, and energy companies in complex commercial litigation and regulatory matters.
New York Power Authority
Doreen Harris
Doreen M. Harris was appointed President and CEO of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) on April 7, 2021, after serving as Acting President and CEO since June 2020.
President Harris is leading NYSERDA’s role to advance the policy frameworks, clean energy technologies, and solutions that help New York advance toward the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by no less than 85 percent by 2050 while creating hundreds of thousands of good-paying clean-energy jobs and building an equitable economy.
Under President Harris’s direction, NYSERDA is making significant progress toward New York’s nation-leading clean energy initiatives including advancing infrastructure and innovation, large-scale and distributed renewables, building decarbonization, energy storage, transportation electrification, clean fuels, transmission, and resiliency.
New York State Energy Research & Development Authority
President/CEO
Amanda Lefton
Acting Commissioner
Amanda Lefton’s diverse career spans the public and private sectors, including previously serving as the Director of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) within the Department of the Interior. Under her leadership, BOEM developed and implemented an ambitious federal offshore wind program creating a new industry of family supporting jobs and generational opportunity. Her collaborative approach brought together various stakeholders to responsibly manage the nation’s critical offshore energy and mineral resources.
Prior to her role as BOEM Director, Lefton served as the First Assistant Secretary for Energy and Environment for New York, where she led the State’s environmental and climate initiatives overseeing a portfolio of executive agencies including the DEC. She has also worked for The Nature Conservancy in New York as the Deputy Policy Director and climate mitigation lead, the Rochester Regional Joint Board of Workers United and the New York State Assembly and New York State Senate. Lefton comes to the DEC from RWE, one of the world's leading players in the offshore wind sector, where she was the Vice President of Offshore Development, U.S. East.
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
Sally Librera
President
As President of National Grid’s New York business, Sally leads one of the largest energy companies in the United States, managing a team of over 11,000 employees to oversee the delivery of electricity and natural gas to 4.2 million New York residents and businesses. The company’s New York service area spans from Niagara Falls to the forks of Long Island. In her role, Sally is responsible for the financial, operational and customer-focused performance of the New York business and manages relationships with regulators, government officials and the communities National Grid serves. She is committed to ensuring the delivery of safe, reliable, resilient and affordable energy to all customers, as well as advancing National Grid’s and New York’s clean energy goals.
Prior to her time at National Grid, Sally served as Senior Vice President and Transit Market Sector Leader at AECOM, where she focused on the design and delivery of complex, sustainable infrastructure projects and forging public-private partnerships. As the former Senior Vice President for Subways at MTA New York City Transit, Sally was also the first woman to oversee North America’s largest urban rail transit operation, leading a team of 30,000 employees and serving nearly six million daily riders.
National Grid New York
2:00 p.m. Tea House Garden
Every year the SIEDC recognizes 20 rising stars under the age of 40 making their mark on Staten Island's economy and quality of life. Recipients represent all business sectors ranging from non-profit to small and medium businesses as well as corporate and government.
View the honorees here.
2025 “20 Under 40” Leadership Awards
Ticketed event
3:00 p.m. The Gallery
As the day wraps up, join the Closing Reception to relax, mingle, and reflect on the incredible opportunities and valuable connections you've made. It’s the perfect way to cap off a day of inspiration and collaboration while enjoying great conversations, building lasting relationships, and celebrating the “20 Under 40” award winners recognized earlier in the day.
Members - Free Non-member - $125.00
Purchase here.
Cocktail Mixer
*$45 per ticket is tax deductible
Purchase all three event tickets for a Special Price package of $250.00.
9:00 a.m. Main Ballroom
Elevate your company’s brand presence, showcase your products and services to 1000+ attendees, and network with industry professionals from the tri-state area in the Main Ballroom featuring nearly 100 vendors.
Contact Olivia@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
9:00 a.m. Trevi Tent Foyer
9:00 a.m. Trevi Tent Foyer
Business Services Pavilion
Connect with local hiring professionals, discover valuable resources, and gain insights from experts to elevate your business to the next level.
Interested in vending at the SIEDC Business Conference?
Give your organization major exposure at the borough’s top business awareness event.
