Name: Kathleen Deegan Dickson
Title: Partner
Company/firm: Forchelli, Curto, Deegan, Schwartz, Mineo, Cohn & Terrana LLP
Years in field: 19
Years in real estate industry: 19
Kathleen Deegan Dickson concentrates her practice in the areas of real estate transactional matters, and, in particular, land use and zoning law. Deegan Dickson has an extensive track record of success with and before municipal boards and agencies on significant projects throughout Long Island. Perhaps more importantly, she has a reputation for effectiveness and integrity in the pre-hearing meetings and outreach to municipal planning staffs and civic groups that are now a must in Long Island's current development climate.
She is former counsel to the city of Glen Cove Planning and Zoning Boards, and currently represents many developers, property owners, corporations and private individuals in all types of matters involving real property transactions, zoning and land use. This year, Deegan Dickson will be honored in a celebration of Long Island's 50 Most Influential Women by the Long Island Business News. Launched in 2000, the Top 50 program recognizes Long Island's top women professionals in business, education, government and the not-for-profit fields for their business acumen, mentoring and community involvement.

Professionally, where were you ten years ago and where are you now?
I have always been engaged in the practice of law with a concentration in real estate, zoning and land use matters, however, my career has changed direction significantly over the last ten years. Early in my career, I had the tremendous opportunity to represent the Planning Board and Zoning Board of the city of Glen Cove, positions which, along with other roles in the city attorney office, I held for 13 years. During that time, I represented several other municipalities and government entities in their economic development initiatives both as special counsel and general agency counsel. Over the last several years, however, my practice has evolved into predominantly representing private developers and companies, and doing very little municipal representation. The experience, relationships and expertise that I garnered during those years representing public entities has proved invaluable in representing the private sector. That experience has given me insight into the way that municipalities and elected officials approach development projects, and has enabled me to use my skills as a conciliator to get things accomplished.

How has the need to create a more sustainable environment influenced the way you do business?
In 2009-I was invited to join other Long Island leaders to participate in The Energeia Partnership at Molloy College in Rockville Centre. The Energeia Partnership is a two year leadership academy dedicated to identifying and addressing the issues challenging the Long Island region. The Energeia Partnership recruits proven leaders in the private, public and not-for-profit sectors of Long Island and provides them with information, a solid network and the support necessary to encourage a collaborative, regional effort for change and improvement of the quality of life for all Long Islanders. These leaders will dedicate themselves to serving as stewards of Long Island, offering their talents and wisdom to promote the common good. Tags: