RESUME

Chief of Economic Development Programs and Strategies
August 2025 – Present

• Serve on the senior leadership team advising the Dean & President on initiatives that position New York Law School as a partner in citywide economic development.

• Lead community-based programs connecting NYLS students, faculty, and civic partners to New York’s business improvement districts and merchant organizations.

• Develop and expand the Tribeca Global Center as a hub for business engagement and dialogue on New York City’s economic future.

• Support the strategic development of the Plumeri Center for Small Business Empowerment and related collaborations.

• Oversee the Tribeca Alliance Merchant Organizing initiative in partnership with the NYC Department of Small Business Services.

• Build partnerships that align NYLS resources with New York City’s economic development agenda and strengthen engagement in policy and entrepreneurship.
  

Director / President & CEO
May 2016 – August 2025

• Built and led a high-performing, mission-driven economic development team recognized nationally for innovation.

• Member of the City Manager’s senior leadership team; served as Acting City Manager when requested.

• Designed and implemented Fairfax’s COVID-19 economic recovery programs using CARES and ARPA funding.

• Oversaw operations including staffing, budgets, strategic planning, and policy development.

• Directed attraction and retention strategies; managed investment staff and negotiations with prospective businesses.

• Launched Fairfax’s Tourism Division and led city branding and rebranding efforts.

• Conceived and launched the LIFFT program supporting best-in-state commercial vacancy rates.

• Oversaw redevelopment and leasing of publicly owned property in Old Town Fairfax.

• Managed a 150-tenant business incubator in partnership with George Mason University and negotiated a 10-year agreement for a new 40,000 sq. ft. facility.

• Reestablished strategic relationships between Fairfax City and George Mason University.

• Negotiated partnerships with John Cabot University in Rome and George Mason’s Seoul campus.

• Advanced workforce development partnerships with Northern Virginia Community College and Fairfax City Public Schools.

• Represented the EDA before external organizations; coordinated marketing, PR, and media communications.

• Led international economic development negotiations, including a soft-landing partnership with Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy.

• Led the development of the city's strategic work plan with Streetsense.

• Founding member of the Northern Virginia Economic Development Alliance.

Agency Counsel / Assistant General Counsel
January 2014 – May 2016

• Drafted business improvement district legislation and conducted pre-council reviews.

• Advised on New York State nonprofit law for Agency leadership and partners.

• Adjudicated M/WBE decisions and drafted detailed legal holdings.

• Advised the Neighborhood Development Division as a Senior Staff member.

• Liaised with City, State, and Federal agencies on CDBG compliance.

• Managed the Neighborhood Legal Fellows program with New York Law School.

• Represented the Mayor on various district management association boards.

Director of Contract Management & Senior Policy Advisor
October 2012 – January 2014

• Oversaw management of $1.6M in Avenue NYC Commercial Revitalization contracts; evaluated performance and supervised staff.

• Supported the development of Local Development Corporations in Hurricane Sandy–impacted corridors.

Development Officer
September 2008 – May 2010