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Progress Through Partnership: Key Takeaways from HIA-LI’s Annual Meeting

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Pictured: Congressman Nick LaLota provided opening remarks at HIA-LI’s 48th Annual Meeting on January 16, 2026.

Each year, HIA-LI’s Annual Meeting and Legislative Forum offers an important opportunity to step back from the day-to-day pressures facing employers and policymakers alike and take a clear-eyed look at where Long Island is headed. This year’s event, which attracted nearly 400 attendees, reinforced something many of us already know: the challenges confronting our region are complex, interconnected, and impossible to solve in isolation, but progress is absolutely achievable when we work together.

What stood out most this year was not simply the range of issues discussed — affordability, housing, infrastructure, transportation, energy, workforce development, and solid waste — but the strong sense of alignment across levels of government and across party lines. Again and again, speakers returned to a shared conclusion: Long Island’s future depends on collaboration, pragmatism, and a willingness to row in the same direction.

A SHARED VIEW FROM WASHINGTON AND ALBANY

Congressman Nick LaLota opened the program by grounding the conversation in the real-world pressures facing Long Island families and employers. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that federal policy recognizes the high cost of living in our region and delivers tangible relief for both households and small businesses. Just as important, he underscored that economic vitality begins locally — with the business owners and employers who create jobs, support families, and keep Long Island competitive.

Although she was unable to join us in person, Governor Kathy Hochul shared a video message with our members, continuing a dialogue she has maintained with HIA-LI over the years. In her remarks, the Governor reinforced Long Island’s role as a critical driver of New York State’s economy and highlighted the state’s continued commitment to investing in infrastructure, transportation, water and sewer systems, manufacturing, and innovation. Her message emphasized that strategic public investment, aligned with private-sector growth, is essential to keeping Long Island competitive and economically strong.

From the state legislative perspective, New York State Senator Monica Martinez framed affordability not as a single policy challenge, but as a balance of education, workforce readiness, infrastructure, and attainable housing. Drawing on her background in education, she spoke about the importance of creating strong pipelines between schools, training programs, and Long Island employers, recognizing that a thriving regional economy depends on preparing people for careers that allow them to live and work here long term. She also reinforced the need for state investment to reflect the contributions Long Island makes to New York’s overall economy.

COUNTY AND LOCAL LEADERSHIP: PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS, REAL CONSEQUENCES

At the county level, Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine offered a candid assessment of the structural challenges Long Island must confront head-on. Transportation, energy capacity, sewer infrastructure, and solid waste management are not abstract policy discussions. They are foundational to economic growth, housing production, and quality of life. His message was clear: without coordinated regional planning and sustained investment, these issues will limit Long Island’s future. With collaboration and forward-looking leadership, they can instead become opportunities.

Presiding Officer Anthony Piccirillo echoed the importance of fiscal responsibility and long-term planning, particularly as Suffolk County works to maintain public safety while addressing affordability pressures. He emphasized the value of bipartisan cooperation within county government and the need to focus on practical solutions that improve daily life for residents and businesses alike. Stability, transparency, and shared responsibility were central themes in his remarks.

From the municipal perspective, Smithtown Supervisor Ed Wehrheim highlighted how thoughtful local planning can support both economic development and housing balance. By investing in business districts, infrastructure, and a mix of housing options — including opportunities for homeownership — municipalities can strengthen communities while supporting workforce retention. His comments reinforced that local success stories are strongest when they align with broader county and state priorities.

THE COMMON THREAD: REGIONAL COLLABORATION OVER POLITICS

Across all of these perspectives, a clear common thread emerged. No single level of government can solve these challenges alone. Housing requires infrastructure. Infrastructure requires funding and coordination. Workforce development depends on education, transportation, and employer engagement. Affordability is shaped by all of it.

As HIA-LI Board Member Joe Campolo, Managing Partner at Campolo, Middleton & McCormick, LLP, guided the discussion, it became clear that the most productive moments were those centered on outcomes rather than ideology. That spirit of cooperation reflects the path forward for Long Island: collaborative, pragmatic, and focused on results.

LOOKING AHEAD: NEW LEADERS, SHARED PURPOSE

As we begin a new year, this spirit of partnership also extends to HIA-LI’s leadership. We are proud to welcome five new members to our Board of Directors, whose experience reflects the depth and diversity of Long Island’s economy:

Each brings valuable insight from higher education, technology, finance, nonprofit leadership, and strategic business development. Their perspectives will help guide HIA-LI’s advocacy and programming as we continue addressing the evolving needs of employers and communities across the region.

MOVING FORWARD: TOGETHER

HIA-LI remains focused on convening leaders, elevating business’ voice, and advancing solutions that strengthen Long Island’s economic foundation. The conversations at this year’s Annual Meeting reinforced something I believe deeply: when business, government, and community stakeholders work together with a shared commitment to problem-solving, Long Island is well positioned to move forward . . . together.

Women Rising: Fearless and Focused

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Pictured: Clare Cusack, President and CEO of the New York Bankers Association, keynoted the conference.

This year marked the fifteenth anniversary of HIA-LI’s Women’s Leadership Conference, a tradition that began after a roundtable convened by U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand at Anne Shybunko-Moore’s company, GSE Dynamics. At that first meeting, we talked candidly about pay equity, childcare, work–life blending, and the headwinds women often face.

Senator Gillibrand encouraged us to keep the conversation going — and for fifteen years we have done exactly that, thanks to the leadership of our Women’s Collaborative, chaired by Carol A. Allen, President and CEO of People’s Alliance Federal Credit Union and HIA-LI Board Member, who has helped guide this event’s evolution.

This year, before introducing our keynote, I shared a moment early in my own career. When my boss at Dale Carnegie Training announced his retirement and asked me to step into the managing director role, I immediately began listing the reasons I wasn’t ready. He cut me off. He wanted to talk about why I was ready. I went home, barely slept, and finally allowed myself to imagine what could happen if I said yes. I did — and that decision changed the trajectory of my career.

As I told the audience, we gathered not just to talk about being fearless, but about what it means to do things afraid. Because, truly, “we were built to never stay in the shallow end.”

A Keynote on Authenticity and Possibility

Our keynote speaker, Clare Cusack, President and CEO of the New York Bankers Association, reminded us what becomes possible when leaders show up as their full, honest selves. A lifelong Long Islander and the first woman to hold her position in the association’s 131-year history, Clare spoke about her unconventional path and the power of embracing it.

One of the most moving moments came when she shared the story of a dancer who lost her leg in the Boston Marathon bombing and later trained to run the marathon on a prosthetic limb. On the night before the race, the dancer found a quote that carried her forward:

“No one is cheering louder for me than the woman I used to be. If that girl could see me now, never forget how wildly capable you are.”

Clare added, “Never forget how wildly capable you can be. Cheer for the future woman, too.”

Fear, Focus, and the Courage to Lead

Our panel, moderated by attorney Domenique Camacho Moran, a partner at Farrell Fritz, turned that message into practice. Each leader shared a moment when fear met purpose — and purpose won.

Teresa Ferraro, President and CEO of East/West Industries, reflected on leading a company whose mission is ensuring the safety of military aircrew. She spoke about listening as a core leadership skill, noting, “Two ears and one mouth — make sure you listen. It helps you stay focused and aware.”

Davi Tserpelis, Senior Vice President and Regional Business Banking Manager at City National Bank, described her defining quality in one word: tenacity. She shared how a difficult comment from a colleague once brought her to tears, until she later realized it was actually a recognition of her persistence. Then came a far greater trial: a breast cancer diagnosis shortly after starting a new role. She continued working throughout treatment, telling her children every day she would be okay. “I became — and stayed — very positive,” she said. “Now I get to inspire other women to be strong.”

Skye Ostreicher, founder of In the Room Media, talked about her unexpected shift from chemistry major to studying what she calls “human chemistry” — the reactions between leaders, organizations, and communities. She described losing a job during the pandemic, only to later build a platform that uplifts stories and voices that might otherwise go unheard.

Katherine Fritz, President and CEO of Long Island Cares, grounded the conversation in purpose shaped by experience. Growing up, her family sometimes relied on subsistence skills to stay fed — a perspective that drives her mission today. She also shared the bravest thing she has ever done: after losing her left foot in an accident, she spent years relearning to walk, then traveled alone to Europe to complete more than 200 miles of the Portuguese Coastal Camino.

Dawn Cagliano, President of IVCi, highlighted the responsibility leaders have to grow the people around them. Skills matter, she said, but emotional intelligence is what creates trust and followership. True leadership is measured not by individual achievements, but by how well others thrive because of you.

Throughout the discussion, Domenique emphasized the power of women speaking honestly — about ambition, uncertainty, and the moments that require courage. When women at different stages of their careers gather for open conversation, she said, clarity and confidence begin to rise.

Breakouts: Turning Insight into Action

This year’s conference also featured six breakout sessions designed to turn inspiration into practical strategy:

  • The Success Equation: Multiply Your Potential Exponentially
  • Level Up: Women Leading with Purpose
  • Lead the Transformation — Navigating AI with Confidence
  • Own Your Own Story: 20 Real Lessons for the Real World
  • Built to Connect: The Undeniable Power of Women Who Choose to Collaborate
  • The Triple Decker Sandwich Generation: Not Your Mother’s Estate Plan — Redefining Wealth, Caregiving, and Legacy for Today’s Woman

These conversations bridged leadership development, technology, storytelling, collaboration, and multigenerational caregiving — showing that women’s leadership is not one-dimensional. It is dynamic, evolving, and deeply interconnected.

The Message: Fearless Begins with Honest

If there was one thread binding the keynote, panel, and breakout rooms, it was this: women become fearless and focused not by eliminating fear, but by telling the truth about it — and choosing to move anyway. Leadership becomes possible when authenticity meets community, when lived experience becomes an asset, and when we cheer not only for the women we are, but the women we are still becoming.

The stories shared this year — about resilience, reinvention, caregiving, healing, entrepreneurship, and bold career choices — are proof that Long Island’s future is in capable hands. Our job now is to keep creating the spaces where women rise, support one another, and continue stepping out of the shallow end.

Long Island Businesses Take Center Stage at HIA-LI’s 2024 Business Achievement Awards

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Photo caption: Clockwise from upper left: Bob Swing, CEO of IVCi, winner in the Small Business category; Phil Boyle, President and CEO of Suffolk Regional OTB, winner in the Large Business category; Mark Shivers, CEO of Ignite IPA, winner in the Rookie of the Year category; Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine, who provided opening remarks; Declan Doyle, President of St. Catherine of Siena Hospital, accepted the Industry Partnership Award for Catholic Health; and, Lisa Burch, President and CEO of EPIC Family of Human Service Agencies, winner in the Not-for-Profit category.

Each year, I’m reminded why the Business Achievement Awards (BAA) are referred to as the “Academy Awards” of Long Island’s business community. This year’s event, our 30th annual BAA, held at the Crest Hollow Country Club, was nothing short of remarkable. As always, it was a celebration of not only success, but also of the resilience, innovation, and dedication that drives businesses to greater heights.

This year, we had the privilege of recognizing five exceptional businesses across a range of categories. These companies are not only thriving in their respective industries, but they are also contributing to the greater Long Island community in significant ways.

It’s important that we highlight excellence in the Long Island businesses community. In fact, in today’s ever-changing dynamic, it’s more critical now than any time before.  It was an honor to celebrate their achievements, and I’m excited to share some highlights from the event.

Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine: Leadership and Support

We were honored to have Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine join us for this year’s BAA luncheon. Elected just a year ago, the County Executive has been an incredible leader, committed to improving the quality of life for all Suffolk County residents. I was proud to introduce him at the event, highlighting his proactive approach in tackling a myriad of key issues, including the formation of the Suffolk County Affordable Housing Task Force, on which HIA-LI is honored to serve.

County Executive Romaine’s dedication to fostering economic growth and his strong support of Long Island businesses were evident in his remarks during the event. “The awards today weren’t given because someone wrote a check or took a journal ad; they were given for hard work and investment,” he said. The County Executive’s leadership is deeply appreciated, and his presence at our event underscored the critical role that government plays in supporting the business community.

Catholic Health: Industry Partnership Award

Catholic Health’s dedication to compassionate and high-quality care was recognized with this year’s Industry Partnership Award. Declan Doyle, President of St. Catherine of Siena Hospital, accepted the award on behalf of Catholic Health, emphasizing their mission to care for Long Island’s communities. With over 17,000 employees and a network that includes six hospitals and several nursing homes, Catholic Health stands as one of the largest healthcare providers in the region.

Catholic Health’s commitment includes a key collaboration with HIA-LI. Earlier this year, we announced an exciting partnership via Catholic Health’s Ambulatory Care Center located in Commack, adjacent to the Long Island Innovation Park at Hauppauge. This collaboration will offer our 55,000 park employees access to high-quality healthcare, from primary care to advanced cardiovascular services from St. Francis Heart Center physicians. Through this affiliation, we aim to improve both health and productivity, helping to attract and retain top talent in the region.

As Declan Doyle noted during his acceptance speech, “It’s not just about the buildings; it’s about the people. We are committed to providing compassionate, innovative care and are proud to be working with HIA-LI to improve access to healthcare for the entire Innovation Park community.”

Suffolk OTB/Jake’s 58 Casino Hotel: Large Business Award

Suffolk OTB and Jake’s 58 Casino Hotel, led by CEO Phil Boyle, received this year’s Large Business Award, showcasing their impressive comeback story. Emerging from bankruptcy in 2020, Suffolk OTB has turned its fortunes around, achieving $285 million in gaming revenues last year. Boyle credited the success to his dedicated team, noting that their efforts have made Suffolk OTB and Jakes 58 a premier entertainment destination on Long Island.

The company’s future looks bright, with expansion plans underway, including doubling the number of slot machines and adding a parking garage to accommodate growing demand. “We’re proud of the turnaround we’ve achieved,” Boyle said, “and we’re excited to continue growing and contributing to Long Island’s economy.”

IVCi: Small Business Award

IVCi, a leader in audiovisual and video conferencing solutions, was this year’s recipient in the Small Business Award category. CEO Bob Swing, a proud Long Island native, reflected on the company’s growth and success since its founding in 1995. Swing praised the hard work of his team and the loyalty of their clients, including Catholic Health and H2M Architects and Engineers, which have been instrumental in IVCi’s growth.

“We pride ourselves on delivering reliable, cutting-edge solutions for our clients,” Swing said. “But none of this would be possible without the dedication of our employees. They are the backbone of our success.”

EPIC Family of Human Service Agencies: Not-for-Profit Award

In the not-for-profit category, EPIC Family of Human Service Agencies was honored for their incredible work supporting individuals with developmental disabilities. Lisa Burch, President and CEO, accepted the award, highlighting the dedication of EPIC’s staff and the positive impact they have on the community.

“Our mission is to empower individuals and families to achieve their fullest potential,” Burch said. “This award is a testament to the tireless efforts of our team and the resilience of the people we serve.” Burch’s passion for EPIC’s work, coupled with their strong partnerships across the region, made them a much deserving recipient of this year’s award.

Ignite IPA: Rookie of the Year Award

Ignite IPA, a management consulting and software implementation firm, earned the Rookie of the Year Award for their impressive growth since their founding during the COVID-19 pandemic. CEO Mark Shivers, in a lighthearted acceptance speech, reflected on his journey from a Fortune 100 executive to starting his own business. Shivers credited his wife, Valerie, and the talented team at Ignite IPA for their support in making his entrepreneurial dream a reality.

“We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished, and we’re just getting started,” Shivers said. His enthusiasm and commitment to driving digital transformation for clients across industries have positioned Ignite IPA as a rising star in the Long Island business community.

The 30th Annual Business Achievement Awards was a celebration of Long Island’s business excellence, and it was a privilege to honor companies that are not only succeeding in their industries but also making a positive impact in our region. As we continue to advocate for Long Island’s economic development, I look forward to seeing how these businesses continue to grow and innovate in the years to come.