“Rising Stars” Class of 2024 an Impressive and Diverse Group 

Westchester “Stars” were shining brightly Tuesday evening as the Business Council of Westchester inducted its 2024 class of Rising Stars, a diverse and highly talented group representing an impressive array of professions. More than 500 business professionals attended the reception held at Million Air at Westchester County Airport.

“Congratulations to the 2024 Rising Stars!  These exemplary leaders have distinguished themselves through their talent, determination, leadership, and commitment to the Westchester business community. As we celebrate their initiative and innovation, we continue to look to our Risings Stars for new and creative ideas that will ensure Westchester remains the leading business community that it is. And as such we will be reaching out to all our Rising Stars Alumni to take part in a survey to help guide us in those next steps as we stay focused and committed to the prosperity and profitability of Westchester. Stay tuned,” said BCW President & CEO Marsha Gordon.      

Now in its 20th year, the BCW’s Rising Stars program is modeled after the national business recognition program “40 under 40.” Rising Stars honorees were chosen based on professional and/or entrepreneurial accomplishments, professional and/or business affiliations, and demonstrated leadership skills.

The Rising Stars Class of 2024 are as follows:

Dean Akbar
Assistant Vice President, Human Resources & Organizational Development
White Plains Hospital

Joe Ali    
Partner
PKF O’Connor Davies

Jamie Alling
Architect/Project Manager
The Cappelli Organization/LRC Construction

Daniel Alvarez
AVP, Business Banking Officer
The First Bank of Greenwich

Juliana Alzate
Senior Landscape Architect/Project Manager
Sean Jancski Landscape Architects

Brittany Anderson
Manager, People and Culture
Feeding Westchester

Samantha Behar
Assistant Director of Admissions
New York Medical College

Amelia Berman
Section Manager, Department Manager, E-Mobility Managed Charging Programs
Con Edison

Vinnie Birkenmeyer
Director of Residential Life, Pleasantville
Pace University

Brittany Briceno
Senior Director
GHP Office Realty, LLC

Cristiana Caruso
Editor in Chief/Style & Travel Editor
914 Inc./Westchester Magazine

Modou Cham
Senior Business Development Manager, North East
Circuit

Malcolm Clark
Chief of Staff
City of Mount Vernon

Dr. Sean D’Alfonso
Director of Mission & Ministry
Iona University

Sean Degnan
Co-Owner & General Manager
The Sailhouse
Co-Owner
All in 1 Commercial Cleaning and Action Cultivates Excellence (A.C.E.)

Dr. Caitlin Dold
Lead Audiologist
Audiology Associates of Westchester

Marisa Dostilio
VP of Experience & Operations 
VeeKast

Carolyn Fortino
Deputy Communications Director
Westchester County

Dr. Damien Germino
Director of Finance & Operations
Mercy University, School of Nursing

Rishi Jaggernauth
Director, Commercial Business Unit Operational Effectiveness
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Kristen Kaessler 
Owner, Birth & Postpartum Doula, Lactation Consultant   
Whole Soul Doula

Dr. Julia Kaiser 
Postdoctoral Fellow; Instructor in Neuroscience
Burke Neurological Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine

Lisa Kaurich
Director, Development
Alzheimer’s Association, Hudson Valley Chapter

Kelly Keck
Co-Owner
Pleasantville Wellness Group

Sam Kestenbaum
Client Executive 
IMA Financial Group (formerly York International)

Morgan McEwen
Artistic & Executive Director
MorDance

Angelique Morelli
Chief Development Officer
YWCA White Plains & Central Westchester

Patrick Murphy
President/IT Consultant
New Logical

Shawn Nagpal
Chief Financial Officer
ACRES Development Group (formerly Westconn Development)

Rosendy Rodriguez-Nunez
Director, Accreditation & Regulatory Affairs
Phelps Hospital, Northwell Health

Thomas Scaglione
Vice President, Government & Community Relations
WMCHealth

David Soltis
Chief of Security & Director of Transportation
Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts

Kai Sorensen
Director of Podcasts
Balancing Life’s Issues

Jason Swergold
Partner
Yankwitt LLP

Kevin Tompkins
Operations Manager
Tompkins Excavating

Denise Veras
Director of Revenue Integrity & Client Relations, Faculty Practice & Medical Group Physician Services
Montefiore Health System

Michael Vitale
Senior Managing Director
Webster Bank

Shanae Williams
County Legislator for 16th District
Westchester County

George Williams, Jr.
VP of Operations
A.G. Williams Painting Company

David Zeman
Chief Strategy Officer
ENT and Allergy Associates, LLP