2017 Rising Stars

This year’s Rising Stars winners are truly exceptional, not only for their talent and leadership, but also for the breadth of industries they represent. Our honorees are up and coming professionals in biotechnology , health care , information technology ,real estate, education , marketing , and entrepreneurship and other fields. They’ll receive their awards during a ceremony on June 15, 2017 at 800 Westchester Avenue, Rye Brook. 

With so many worthy candidates the selection process was exceptionally challenging. Special thanks go to Eon Nichols, Partner, Cuddy and Feder and Chair of the Rising Stars and the Selection Committee for their efforts in choosing the best and brightest from a robust pool of nominees. – Marsha Gordon, BCW President and CEO.

Noura Abul-Husn
Director, Translational Genetics, Regeneron Genetic Center

Jessica Apicella
Senior Manager of Marketing, Media Planning & Special Events, Thompson & Bender

Gene-Christian Baca
Owner/Operator, Walter’s Hot Dogs, Inc./Walter’s Hot Dog Truck, Inc.

Gregory Bautista
Partner, Wilson Elser

Michael Buonassisi
Portfolio Manager, Altium Wealth Management, LLC

John Cerino
Senior Advisor/ Confidential Scheduler to the County Executive, Westchester County

Alex Chavarria
Director of Community & Family Services, Port Chester Carver Center

William Colona
Director, Government & Community Relations, Pace University

Michael Curti
Corporation Counsel, City of Yonkers

Noel D’Allacco
Assistant Professor, Business Administration, The College of Westchester

Jacob Dibble
Director of Project Management, CBRE

Kamilah Dowling
Nurse Practitioner, Montefiore Health System

Joanne Dunn
Director of Employment Services, Westhab Inc.

Sahra English
Vice President, Public Policy – US Markets, Mastercard

Joanna Fang
Foley Artist, Alchemy Post Sound

Jeremy Frank
Director of Acquisitions, Robert Martin Company, LLC

Bryan Fryer
Senior Manager, Maier Markey & Justic LLP

Daniel Harm Jr.
Construction Manager, Transmission Construction, Con Edison

Katie Hatch
Director of PR & Marketing, Westchester Knicks/MSG

Mona Kennedy
Family Medicine Physician, NewYork-Presbyterian Lawrence Hospital 

Christine La Porta
Deputy Executive Director, The Westchester Parks Foundation

Hakim Lahlou
Assistant Director of Graduate Business Recruitment, Mercy College

Bridget Lasda,
Vice President of National Sales,  Heineken USA  

Kate Liberman
Managing Director, Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival

Joseph Long,
Managing Director, Strategies for Wealth

Jodi McCredo
President, Always Printing

Robert McGuinness
Regional Asset Manager, Kite Realty Group

Michelle Nicholas
Vice President, Development & External Affairs, Family Services of Westchester

Jennifer Ratner
Audiologist/Co-Owner, Audiology Associates of Westchester

Kristy Rotonde
Owner/Founder, PLUSHBLOW

Christina Rubicco
Owner, Anna & Jack’s Treehouse

Lauren Sabol
Associate, Leason Ellis LLP

Daria Semenova
Design Director, American Christmas, Inc.

Saad Siddiqui
Partner, Ferrante & Siddiqui, LLP

Michael Silverman
Director of Rehabilitation & Wellness, Northern Westchester Hospital

Matthew Skinner
Operations Technology & Architecture Supervisor, Reckson A Division of SL Green Realty Corp

Felix Tapia
Director of Marketing, Robison Oil/Singer Holding Corp.      

Michael Vannucci
Vice President Marketing, IAC Applications

Paul Viggiano
Director of Marketing & Business Administration, A.G. Williams Painting Company

Katharine Yamulla
Director, Clinical Skills & Simulation Center, New York Medical College

We’re also excited that News12 Westchester anchor/reporter Tara Rosenblum is returning as emcee of the Rising Stars ceremony. Rosenblum, a 2007 Rising Stars winner, has won 16 Emmy awards since joining the station in 2004.

We look forward to seeing you on June 15 as we honor our “40 Under 40” – the best and brightest of Westchester’s young professionals.