The region’s most influential leaders converged for an electrifying night celebrating the well-attended 19th-annual Long Island Press Power List presented by Catholic Health ultimate networking event on Thursday at The Mansion at Oyster Bay.
It was truly an unforgettable event toasting the best and brightest in business, politics, education, philanthropy, health care, and more. This year’s event honored individuals who have made a significant impact on their communities and industry as well as rising stars that have demonstrated talent, excellence, dedication, and innovative leadership.
“I would say there’s a common denominator here,” said Joseph Lamantia, executive vice president and chief transformation officer at Catholic Health, who accepted on behalf of Patrick O’Shaughnessy, president and CEO of Catholic Health, a six-hospital healthcare network. “There’s a genuine interest in relationships. All these people here are phenomenal at what they do. And they have built their business. Healthcare is no different, with relationships. It’s unique to be in a room with a group of leaders who have achieved what each of these has achieved individually.”
Schneps Media, publishers of Long Island Press, Noticia, Dan’s Papers and Behind the Hedges, is proud to bring together the most extraordinary Islanders to network, celebrate and recognize the area’s top movers and shakers for their professional achievements and community involvement. Attendees were treated to delicious hors d’oeuvres, delectable cuisine and fine spirits served up by The Mansion at Oyster Bay’s top-notch chefs.
Donald R. Boomgaarden, Ph.D., president of St. Joseph’s University, said events like this one provide an opportunity for people in different industries to network.
“I think it’s a chance for them to interact with one another,” he said of attendees and honorees who socialize. “They form relationships, which creates the basis to make you resilient. You have friendships and relationships.”
Those who call Long Island home include everyone from Fortune 500 company leaders to the top policymakers in New York State. The area is a hotbed of innovation and scientific research. And it’s launched the careers of countless leaders in education, real estate, nonprofit, law, and healthcare — not to mention media moguls.
“It’s an honor to be here tonight,” said Jason Lipiec, executive vice president and Long Island regional president of M&T Bank. “Obviously, a lot of the major business movers and shakers are here. It’s great to be part of that group. As a lifelong Long Islander, my career started in New York City. I appreciate what Long Island has to offer and being part of this business community.”
Those named include the leaders of Catholic Health, St. Joseph’s University, M&T Bank, North American Partners in Anesthesia, New York Institute of Technology, New York Community Bank, Long Island Cares, Girl Scouts Suffolk County, SterlingRisk, RISE Life Services, Custom Computer Specialists, Rubenstein Strategic Communications, Henry Schein, Inc., Hofstra University, Nassau University Medical Center, Molloy University, and Meltzer, Lippe, Goldstein & Breitstone, LLP.
Dr. Leo Penzi, executive vice president and chief medical officer, North American Partners in Anesthesia, reflected on how LI helped grow his company.
“It started with a bunch of docs on Long Island,” Dr. Penzi said. “We continue to serve the Long Island community.”
The organization today serves 3 million patients a year. “That’s a lot of anesthetics across 20 states,” he said. “It’s been a pleasure to be able to provide our services. Thank you very much for honoring me.”
One-hundred percent of raffle proceeds at the event were donated to the Sid Jacobson JCC.
“It is an honor to celebrate Long Island’s most powerful movers and shakers,” says Ali Jabbour, publisher of the Long Island Press. “The list is composed of many powerhouses that you know and newcomers to the Long Island business community who are sure to make an impact.”
The Long Island Press Power List Presented by Catholic Health honorees are as follows:
Stuart B. Almer, president and CEO of Gurwin Healthcare System
Dr. Jerry R. Balentine, executive vice president, chief operating officer and interim provost of New York Institute of Technology
Charles Barragato, tax office managing partner; private client services Northeast region leader of BDO
Stanley Bergman, chairman of the board and CEO of Henry Schein, Inc.
David Black, executive director of Sid Jacobson JCC
Michael Bonakdar, general manager of Jake’s 58 Casino Hotel
Donald R. Boomgaarden, Ph.D., president of St. Joseph’s University
Jeffrey K. Brown, managing partner of Leeds Brown Law, P.C.
Matthew Bruderman, chairman of the Board of Directors, Nassau University Medical Center
Jan Burman, president of Engel Burman
John Cameron, Jr., founder and managing partner of Cameron Engineering & Associates LLP
Ernie and Catherine Canadeo, The EGC Group and Catherine Canadeo Health & Wellness Corp
Thomas R. Cangemi, chairman, president and CEO of New York Community Bank
John Capece, commissioner of Nassau County Department of Consumer Affairs
Lionel Chitty, executive director of Nassau County Office of Minority Affairs
Kimberly Cline, president of Long Island University
John Durso, president, LI Federation of Labor
Charles Evdos, executive director of RISE Life Services
Brian T. Finnegan, executive vice president of Todd Shapiro Associates Public Relations
Gregory Galdi, founder and CEO of Custom Computer Specialists
Erik Gershwind, president and CEO of MSC Industrial Supply Co.
Dr. Doon Gibbs, director of Brookhaven National Laboratory
MS Carol A. Gomes, CEO, and chief operating officer, Stony Brook University Hospital
Louis Grassi, managing partner, and CEO, Grassi Advisors & Accountants
Judy Griffin Hon, assemblywoman, New York’s 21st Assembly District
Katherine Heaviside, president, Epoch 5 Public Relations
Erica Hill, CEO, Vision Street Research
Kristen Jarnagin Reynolds, president, and CEO, Discover Long Island
Charles D. Lavine Hon., assemblymember, New York’s 13th Assembly District
James Lentini DMA, president, Molloy University
Gary Lewi, managing director, Rubenstein Strategic Communications
Rick Lewis, CEO, Mid-Island YJCC & Suffolk YJCC
Seymour Liebman, executive vice president, chief administrative officer, and general counsel, Canon U.S.A.
Jason Lipiec, senior vice president and long island market president, M&T Bank
Bernard Macias, associate state director, AARP New York
Frank MacKay, long island division president, WABC Radio
Anthony Manetta, managing director, Cedar Communities
Gary M. Meltzer, partner and chair of real estate practice group, Meltzer, Lippe, Goldstein & Breitstone, LLP
Deirdre O’Connell, CEO, Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty
Patrick O’Shaughnessy MBA, DO, president and CEO, Catholic Health
Paule Pachter, CEO, Long Island Cares
Anthony Pancella III, president, and CEO, Suffolk OTB & Jake’s 58 Hotel Casino
Leo Penzi MD, executive vice president, and chief medical officer, North American Partners in Anesthesia
Dr. Susan Poser, president, Hofstra University
Theresa Regnante, president and CEO, United Way of LI
Dr. Jeffery Reynolds, president and CEO, Family & Children’s Association
Christine Riordan, Ph.D., president, Adelphi University
Michael N. Rosenblut, president and CEO, Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation
Steven Schlesinger, co-managing partner, Jaspan Schlesinger LLP
Michael Serao, executive vice president and CEO, First Central Savings Bank
Tammy Severino, president and CEO, Severino Tammy Girl Scouts of Suffolk County
Todd Shapiro, president and CEO, Todd Shapiro Associates Public Relations
Lloyd Singer, senior vice president, Epoch 5 Public Relations
Howard M. Stein, chair of the real estate group, Certilman, Balin, Adler & Hyman, LLP
David Sterling, CEO, Sterling Risk Insurance
Salvatore J. Stile II, founder, chairman, and president, Alba Wheels Up International
Walter W. Stockton, president and CEO, Kinexion
Tom Suozzi Hon., congressman, New York’s Third Congressional District Congressman
Karen Tenenbaum, founding partner, Tenenbaum Law, P.C.
Kevin Thomas Hon., senator, 6th District, Nassau County State
Michael Torres, chairman, Suffolk County Conservative Party
Marc Herbst, executive director, Long Island Contractors Association
Learn more about the honorees at LIPPowerList.com
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