Friday, September 20, 2024
The Historic Old Bermuda Inn
301 Veterans Road West
Staten Island, NY 10309
Technology runs the world, now more than ever before. The inaugural SIEDC Elevate Tech Summit is the first and only Staten Island conference designed to provide local firms with the opportunity to learn about the impact of technology on their company today, and in the future.
The Summit is a platform for problem-solving, a venue to develop business relationships, and most importantly, an opportunity to access resources needed to function in a 21st-century economy.
This event is FREE and open to the public
Keynote Lunch
12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Ticket for non-SIEDC member costs $65.00. Purchase here.
Tickets for SIEDC members are free.
($35.00 per ticket is tax-deductible)
5G and Beyond: Shaping the Future of Connectivity
2:15 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
AVP of Construction and Engineering for New York and New Jersey
Robert Klein
AT&T
Robert Klein is a wireless industry veteran with over 25 years of experience in roles spanning wireless network design and optimization, network construction, and future network architecture planning. In 2023 he served in AT&T’s CTO organization as Technical Director for RAN Architecture and Planning and is currently the Network AVP for the Northeast States which encompasses NY, Northern NJ, and the six New England states.
Assembly Member
Clyde Vanel
New York State
New York State Assemblyman Clyde Vanel serves as the Chair of the Subcommittee on Internet and New Technology and Chairs the Committee on Oversight, Analysis and Investigation. He has sponsored numerous landmark bills, such as legislation to create a robotics, automation and artificial intelligence commission; license high-risk AI systems; and create a cryptocurrency and blockchain study task force. He is focused on emerging technologies and works to close the digital divide among marginalized communities.
Vanel is an attorney, entrepreneur, and pilot from Queens. He is the owner and operator of Vanel Law Firm, P.C., where he practices intellectual property and business law. Vanel is also an internet entrepreneur operating TrademarkReady.com, a service focused on trademark filings and intellectual property protection. Vanel works to expose the next generation to STEM careers.
Executive Director of Franchise Administration
Brett Sikoff
NYC Office of Technology and Innovation
NYC's Office of Technology and Innovation, Franchise Administration division managed by Brett Sikoff, oversees franchise agreements with private telecommunications companies authorized to use City rights-of-way to provide cable television, public communications structures, mobile telecommunications, and information services to New Yorkers. Telecommunications franchisees pay the City for the ability to install and maintain wires, cables, fiber optics, conduits, antennae, and other structures on, over, and under city streets to provide video, voice, and data services for New Yorkers. They oversee dozens of franchise agreements and coordinate closely with franchisees, other agencies, elected officials, and members of the public, with a mission to ensure that telecommunications services are being offered both efficiently and equitably to all New Yorkers.
Next-Level Marketing: Trends, Tools, and Tactics
2:15 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Assistant Professor of Marketing
Dr. Jing Chen
Wagner College
Dr. Jing Chen is currently an assistant professor in marketing at the Wagner College Nicolais School of Business. She received a Ph.D. in Marketing from the University of Texas at El Paso in August 2019. She enjoys teaching and conducting research in the marketing field. Her research areas include and are not limited to: artificial intelligence in marketing, human-technology interface, and sales.
VP, Strategy & Innovation
Danny Ortiz
Advance 360
Danny is the Vice President of Strategy and Innovation. In this role, Danny advises business leaders on branding and direct response campaigns that use data and predictive analysis to maximize results. He is a tactical thought leader skilled in identifying opportunities for generating ROI by using analytics linked to metric-driven digital marketing solutions, including Digital Display (Programmatic and direct), Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Search Engine Marketing (SEM), Social Media, Video, and Content Marketing. From local to national advertisers, he’s helped create strategic campaigns and implement appropriate tracking to ensure success.
Senior Media Consultant
Brian Conaghan
Valpak
With over 21 years of experience in the media industry, Brian Conaghan is a senior media consultant at Valpak, a leading direct marketing company that reaches millions of consumers across the U.S. and Canada. He spearheads a team of professionals who provide local marketing solutions for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in New York City, one of the world’s most competitive and diverse markets. His mission is to help SMBs grow and succeed by delivering results-oriented and cost-effective advertising and digital marketing campaigns that integrate with their existing or new online and offline content. He also coordinates and executes live events that showcase clients’ and partners’ brand and value propositions and engage their target audience.
Senior Advertising Director
Daniel Ryan
Staten Island Media Group
Dan Ryan is the Senior Digital Advertising Director for the Staten Island Media Group, including the Advance, SILive.com, SILive Studios & Advance 360 (Health/Travel & Tourism/EDU/Cannabis) Regional Divisions. He is also the Co-host of the M2 podcast where businesses discuss digital marketing and the importance of giving back to their communities. He first fell in love with Staten Island when he met his wife, Kerry. A decade later, Dan has become completely ingrained in the community. His latest partnership with the GRACE Foundation has fittingly dubbed him “Dan on the Street,” which captures the presence and impact he continues to have on businesses, peers, and nonprofits alike.
Dan’s steadfast and comprehensive support has been recognized through accolades such as SIEDC's "20 Under 40," the Irish Echo's "40 Under 40" award, and the Pride Center of Staten Island’s Javier Gonzales “Spirit Award.”
Leveraging Software for Customer and Workplace Success
3:30 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.
Marvin Johnson
Co-Founder & CEO
Ask Wali
After majoring in materials engineering and publishing two academic research papers on his development of new high-temperature alloys for jet aircraft engines, Marvin began his professional career as a nuclear submarine officer in the U.S. Navy. Marvin then earned an MBA and entered the private sector. Following a stint at an enterprise software company, Marvin co-founded iKobo, one of the first fintechs, where he raised venture capital and grew it into a global company with customers in over 120 countries. He also worked as a Global VP at Mastercard and has consulted in Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and the Caribbean, helping companies launch prepaid and debit card programs. Marvin is currently the co-founder and CEO of Ask Wali, where he is making it easy for local businesses to leverage the power of AI. Marvin holds an MBA in Decision Sciences from Georgia State University and a BS in Materials Engineering from the University of Florida.
Manager, Northeast Government Affairs
Brandon Patterson
Salesforce
Brandon currently specializes in multi-state government affairs as the Manager of Northeast State and Local Government Affairs at Salesforce for the past 3 years. He serves as the primary liaison between Salesforce and government officials in New York, New England, and Virginia. In this role, Brandon analyzes legislation, lobbies on key issues such as data privacy, AI regulation, and sustainability, and manages relationships with trade organizations, contract lobbyists, and customers. He has served nearly a decade in government, including as Deputy Chief of Staff for State Senator Diane Savino, overseeing district-wide communication efforts and maintaining a comprehensive constituent database, along with assisting on legislation and budgetary matters. Brandon actively contributes to his community by serving on the boards of Community Health Action of Staten Island and the JCC of Staten Island.
CEO
Wayne Roye
Troinet
Wayne Roye is the visionary CEO of a leading technology consulting firm, renowned for his strategic acumen and expertise in governance and compliance. With a career spanning over two decades, Wayne has become a pivotal figure in the IT industry, known for his innovative approach to business operations. His leadership has earned him recognition as a business savant, with accolades that underscore his contributions to the field. At the helm of his company, Wayne is dedicated to providing top-notch IT consulting that prioritize reliability, efficiency, and customer success. His educational background in engineering science and his active participation in community business councils reflect his commitment to using technology as a catalyst for growth and profitability. Wayne's dynamic presence and forward-thinking leadership continue to inspire and drive the success of businesses in an ever-evolving digital landscape.
Founder
Deana Jean
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, a Breast Cancer Thriver, and the found of The Success Tribe Network - a networking community for collaborative entrepreneurs
The Success Tribe Network
Cybersecurity Strategies for Business Resilience
3:30 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.
FBI, New York Office, Cyber Branch
Assistant Special Agent in Charge (ASAC)
Amit Kachhia-Patel
Since 2022, Mr. Kachhia-Patel has led the largest FBI computer intrusion program encompassing 100 personnel investigating nation state and criminal cyber threats. Mr. Kachhia-Patel has 20 years of experience as an FBI Special Agent having worked counterintelligence, insider threat and cyber matters as a front-line investigator, program manager as well as advisor to two (2) FBI Directors. He has also managed some of the largest cyber incidents to include Sony Pictures destructive malware attack, OPM and Anthem hacks. Mr. Kachhia-Patel holds a B.S. in Computer Science from Rutgers University.
President
Mike Bloomfield
Tekie Geek
Mike Bloomfield, President Geek of Tekie Geek, brings over two decades of experience in technology and cybersecurity. In 2013, Mike channeled his passion for technology and entrepreneurship into founding award-winning Tekie Geek, a Managed Service Provider based in Staten Island, NY. Under his visionary leadership, Tekie Geek has grown into one of the region's most respected IT service providers, known for its innovative approaches and commitment to client success. Mike and his team, fondly referred to as the "Geekvengers," specialize in Managed IT Services, Co-Managed IT Services, Business Continuity, Cloud Computing, and Unified Communication, all while prioritizing cybersecurity in an era of rising digital threats.
Prior to founding Tekie Geek, Mike began his career at pioneering startup technology companies, including Apple Industries and American Traffic Solutions. Mike’s expertise extends beyond his business ventures. He is an Amazon bestselling author, with multiple publications on IT security and business resilience, including "Hack Proof Your Business - Volume 2" and "Cyber Attack Prevention." His thought leadership and commitment to the field have earned him spots on the advisory boards of several renowned technology companies, such as Mailprotector, CryptoStopper, Cytracom, ThreatAdvice, and GetChanneled.
President
Chris Ferrera
Chris Ferrera is the President and Chief Protector of the Realm at Comserv Connect. Starting his IT career in 1999, Chris founded Comserv in 2016. With offices on the South and West Shore of Staten Island, Comserv has grown into one of the most respected and trusted IT service providers in the area. The company specializes in designing, deploying, and supporting Secure IT Systems across sectors such as Legal, Healthcare, Education, Non-Profits and Construction. Their solutions span a variety of environments, including office buildings, campuses, and sports stadiums, supporting organizations from a few users to thousands.
As cyber threats become more frequent, Comserv Connect embraces a cybersecurity-first approach to safeguard its clients. They focus on providing Cybersecurity, Managed and Co-Managed IT, Voice-over IP, Business Continuity and Cloud Services, ensuring that businesses and non-profits have secure, reliable access to their data. Comserv's primary mission is to protect the realms they serve from the cyber criminals. The firm stays ahead of emerging digital threats by building Zero-Trust networks and integrating advanced security measures, ensuring that businesses remain secure, resilient, and fully prepared to face evolving digital risks.
Comserv Connect
Vice President of Business Development
Michael DePalma
Kaseya Company
Michael represents global software development company Kaseya at numerous trade shows and technology conferences throughout North America, frequently presenting alongside members of the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI. The objective of these presentations is to connect with business owners and IT professionals to educate them on current cyber threats and the role business continuity plays in combatting these threats. Michael has worked alongside the Managed Services Community for close to a decade, helping them understand the technology landscape for the business community throughout the world. These partnerships have led to significant growth within the industry, as more and more businesses understand the value of working with a Managed Services Provider.
Get Connected: Networking Reception
4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Ticket for non-SIEDC member costs $50.00. Purchase here.
($25.00 per ticket is tax-deductible)
Tickets for SIEDC members are free.
Keynote Lunch and Reception Discount Bundle: $100.00 (Savings of $15.00)
** SIEDC members receive one complimentary, non transferrable ticket to the Keynote Lunch and Reception. RSVP to Lisa@siedc.org.
Chief Information Officer
Dru Rai
New York State
Governor Kathy Hochul appointed Dru Rai as New York State Chief Information Officer (CIO) and Director of the Office of Information Technology Services (ITS) in October 2023. In this position, Rai is responsible for leading New York’s ongoing digital transformation, enhancing the state’s cyber posture to defend New York against evolving cyberthreats, and working with Executive Branch agencies to create digital interactions between state government and residents that are simple, seamless and straightforward. A highly skilled leader with more than 30 years of experience in Digital Product Management, Information Technology and eCommerce, Rai most recently served as Chief Digital and Information Officer of Quaker Houghton Company. He previously served as Global CIO for the Ball Corporation, DuPont Coatings and GE Advanced Material (a Division of GE) and began his career at Ernst & Young.
