Rockland Economic Development hosts 11th Annual Forty Under 40 Program; Event sponsored Provident Bank

At a recent gala event, 275 people gathered to applaud the efforts of 40 individuals that are under the age of 40 and share a commitment to economic growth, development, professional excellence, and a dedication to community involvement and service in Rockland County. Hosted by REDC and sponsored by Provident Bank, the 11th Annual Forty Under 40 Program celebrated Rockland's future leaders—outstanding young men and women whose efforts in the community inspire others to get involved. From the corporate world to the classroom, from successful entrepreneurs to individuals who ply their talents in healthcare, professional services, and non-profits, the Class of 2012 features commendable people that are shaping the future of Rockland County. Sr. Mary Eileen O'Brien, O.P., president, Dominican College and program co-chair said, "We find the need for leadership in all aspects of life. We need people who care enough to step out on behalf of the common good. The talents and good will of many are required if where we live and work are to be places of security, growth and creative response. In every situation we encounter, there is a need for leadership-for people who believe in themselves, care about others, find ways to contribute, and in the process, enable others to share their gifts." Dr. Cliff Wood, president, Rockland Community College, and program co-chair said, "The outstanding contributions of these emerging leaders inspire all of us to reach even higher. As each one strives to reach his or her individual potential, the entire community benefits." Honorees include: Amy Alinkofsky, Rockland Center for the Arts; Evelyn Bautista-Miller, N.Y.C. Dept. of Education; Samantha Bazile, St. Thomas Aquinas College; Dr. Kenneth Blank, Rockland Chiropractic; Kelly Campbell, Liqui-Site Designs; William Castellane, Rockland BOCES; Matthew Castelluccio, Helen Hayes Hospital; Joseph Chiappa, Rhombus Enterprises Group; Zenya Cleveland, Head Start of Rockland; Bryan Connelly, ARC of Rockland; Jennifer DeLeon, Tomorrow's Workplace; Michelle Diaz, Jawonio; Christine Dilts, Dominican College; Tonette Earl, N.Y.C. Dept.of Education; Bobby Everett, Rockland Country Club; Raymond Francis, Jr., Greater Hudson Bank; Joshua Goldstein, Lynmark Group; Jeffrey Heaphy, Greater Hudson Bank; Eric Holzer, Office of the Rockland County district attorney; Javonne Johnson, Rockland Community College; Erin Koropsak, ARC of Rockland; Stacy Marie LaVacca-Weiss, Binder Agency; Katherine Lynch, Rockland Community College; Amanda Holt McDowell, Byne Group; Tracie McLee, Bon Secours Charity Health System; Shamika Ann Mitchell, Ph.D., Rockland Community College; Tara Munderville-O'Dom, Presidential Life Insurance Co.; Marshanette Patterson, Greater Hudson Bank; Anthony Pili, Palisades Federal Credit Union; Robert Pitkofsky, Esq., Pitkofsky PLLC, Attorney at Law; Juan Pablo Ramirez, Hudson Health Plan; Veronica Reynolds, New City Libraryl; Vito Russo, Gilligan's Clam Bar & Grill and C&M Seafood; Dinesh Sakhrani, AMDSI-DDS Dental Supplies; Iris Santiago, Office of the Rockland County district attorney; Nathan Shuman, McLaren Engineering Group; Marla Silverstein, Rockland Center for the Arts and All Photographic Services; Monica Soto, Rockland Independent Living Center; Kristin Thorvaldsen, Literacy Volunteers of Westchester/Rockland County; Julika von Stackelberg-Addo, Center for Safety and Change, Inc. (formerly Rockland Family Shelter) The selection committee includes: co-chairs, Sr. Mary Eileen O'Brien, O.P., Dominican College and Dr. Cliff Wood, Rockland Community College; Members include: Leonard Birbrower, Birbrower & Beldock, P.C.; Stephen Coyle, Coyle Insurance Agency, Inc.; Michael DiTullo, REDC; Vivian England, Center for Safety and Change, Inc.; Sabrina Greco, Town of Clarkstown; Xiomara Lopez, Office of the Rockland County District Attorney; Dr. Donald T. McNelis, President Emeritus, St. Thomas Aquinas College; Ram Nagubandi, Rockland County Commission on Human Rights; Dan Rifkin, Rifkin & Company, LLP; David Wemmer, CPA, Korn Rosenbaum LLP; and Roberta R. Zampolin, Retired, Nyack Public Schools. To learn more about the Forty Under 40 Program, contact Liz Cranston, at 845.735.7040 or [email protected]. Rockland Economic Development Corporation (REDC) is a 501c3 not-for-profit contract agency of the County of Rockland. Programs and services are made possible with financial support from the County of Rockland, the U.S. Department of Defense, corporate grants and private sector contributions. REDC's mission is to promote the economy in Rockland County by fostering the creation and attraction of new business and the retention and expansion of existing business to stimulate job opportunities to improve the quality of life in Rockland County.