HIA-LI's Business Steps Up

In this episode of Business Steps Up, HIA-LI President and CEO Terri Alessi-Miceli speaks with David Sterling, CEO of SterlingRisk; Aoifa O'Donnell, CEO of National EAP; and Eliud Custodio, CEO of Turn One Studio. These three finalists for HIA-LI's 2026 Long Island Business Distinction Awards discuss their professional journeys, the work and values that define their organizations, the challenges and opportunities facing today's business leaders, and what being recognized as a Business Distinction finalist means to them. They also share their perspectives on the leadership, innovation, and commitment to clients and community that set great businesses apart.

In this episode of Business Steps Up, HIA-LI President and CEO Terri Alessi-Miceli speaks with Dr. Timothy Eagen, Superintendent of Kings Park Central School District; Dr. Edward Bonahue, President of Suffolk County Community College; and Rich Humann, P.E., President and CEO of H2M architects + engineers. They discuss how schools, colleges, and employers can work together to strengthen Long Island's workforce, expand career awareness and work-based learning, develop essential workplace skills, and create stronger pathways from the classroom to meaningful careers.

In this episode of Business Steps Up, HIA-LI President and CEO Terri Alessi-Miceli speaks with Stuart Almer, President and CEO of Gurwin Healthcare System. They discuss Long Island's aging population, the growing need for senior housing and long-term care, healthcare workforce challenges, and Gurwin's innovative approach to supporting older adults, caregivers, and families.

In this episode of Business Steps Up, HIA-LI President and CEO Terri Alessi-Miceli speaks with Smithtown Supervisor Ed Wehrheim. They discuss Smithtown's leadership in advancing the Long Island Innovation Park at Hauppauge, expanding workforce housing, and strengthening the town's economic and environmental future. Don't miss this engaging conversation about how smart planning and strong partnerships are shaping one of Long Island's most vibrant communities.

How does Suffolk grow stronger? By helping businesses thrive. In this episode of Business Steps Up, HIA-LI President & CEO Terri Alessi-Miceli speaks with Kelly Murphy, Executive Director & CEO of the Suffolk County IDA, along with Steven Griffith, President of Nationwide 360, and Hunter Brodman, COO of Casanova Meats. Together, they'll share how IDA incentives are powering expansions, creating jobs, and strengthening Suffolk County's economic future.

In this episode of Business Steps Up, host Terri Alessi-Miceli, President and CEO of HIA-LI, sits down with Fawad Maqbool, CEO, and Jorge Flores, COO, of Amplitech. The conversation explores how Amplitech's cutting-edge 5G technology is set to transform the Long Island Innovation Park at Hauppauge (LI-IPH) into a fully connected 'smart park.' Listeners will learn how faster, more reliable connectivity can benefit a wide range of industries—from manufacturing to healthcare—and what this game-changing rollout means for Long Island's business future.

Join HIA-LI President and CEO Terri Alessi-Miceli as she hosts an insightful discussion on the state of manufacturing and international trade on Long Island. She's joined by John Giordano, Partner at Citrin Cooperman, and Kursad "Kevin" Devecioglu, Managing Partner at American WorkFlows Enterprise Software Company — both co-chairs of HIA-LI's Manufacturing and International Trade Committee. Together, they explore workforce challenges, the impact of AI, supply chain shifts, and industry compliance while highlighting ways manufacturers can stay competitive. Tune in for expert insights on how innovation and collaboration are shaping the future of Long Island's manufacturing sector!

Terri Alessi-Miceli, President and CEO of HIA-LI, speaks with Sandra Lindsay, DHSc, MBA, MSN, RN, Vice President, Public Health Advocacy at Northwell Health. Dr. Lindsay is the recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award in the U.S.

Terri Alessi-Miceli, President and CEO of HIA-LI, speaks with two not-for-profit leaders in the Nassau-Suffolk region: Paule Pachter, CEO of Long Island Cares, and Lee Silberman, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Long Island.

HIA-LI President and CEO Terri Alessi-Miceli speaks with three dynamic women who run some of Long Island's most influential business support organizations. Learn how your organization or firm can apply and be eligible for immediate funding for your business or workforce training/development initiative. Host: Terri Alessi-Miceli, CEO, HIA-LI Guests: Rosalie Drago, Commissioner, Suffolk County Department of Labor (DOL) Cara Longworth, Regional Director, Empire State Development (ESD) Kelly Murphy, Deputy Director, Suffolk County Industral Development Agency (IDA)

HIA-LI President and CEO Terri Alessi-Miceli speaks with the co-chairs of the HIA-LI Manufacturing Committee, Ron Loveland, President of Summit Safety and Efficiency Solutions, and Kursad "Kevin" Devecioglu, Managing Director, Bimser International Corporation.

Kevin O’Connor, CEO of Dime Community Bank and HIA-LI Board Member, speaks with Clare Cusack, President and CEO of the New York Bankers Association (NYBA) in an “Executive Insight” event held on Tuesday, February 8, 2022. They discuss one of the most challenging and transformative periods in the banking industry, as well as forecasts for the future. Clare Cusack is the first woman to serve as leader of the NYBA, the premier trade association for the banking industry in New York State.

HIA-LI CEO Terri Alessi-Miceli speaks with Kristen Reynolds, CEO of Discover Long Island. They discuss how integral tourism is to the Long Island economy and ways the region is attracting new tourism dollars, especially during the COVID pandemic.

Moderator: Joseph Garofalo, Outreach Pastor, Island Christian Church Panelists: Colleen Merlo, CEO, Association for Mental Health & Wellness Kristen Panella; Head of Safety Division, Summit Safety & Efficiency Solutions Jeffrey Schlossberg, Principal, Jackson Lewis, P.C. Elizabeth C. Uzzo, Sr. Vice President, H2M Architects & Engineers Topics: Recruiting virtually during these challenging times. Maintaining a positive culture and morale. How to deal with mental stress in the workplace. Staying up to date with ongoing Covid-19 legislation. Maintaining good employee performance management for the remote workforce. Virtual continuous training.

HIA-LI CEO Terri Alessi-Miceli speaks with Colleen Merlo, LMSW, CEO of the Association for Mental Health and Wellness, in this special episiode to mark Mental Health Awareness Month. They discuss the importance of overall wellness, including mental wellness, in the workplace.

HIA-LI CEO Terri Alessi-Miceli speaks with Walkers Shortbreads CEO Mark Kleinman and Island Harvest CEO Randi Shubin-Dressner about their partnership to help feed hungry Long Islanders during the COVID pandemic.

Host Terri Alessi Miceli, CEO of HIA-LI speaks with Teresa Ferraro, CEO of East West Industries, about how the firm quickly pivoted to create PPE for Suffolk County during the early COVID surge in 2020.

HIA-LI CEO Terri Alessi-Miceli speaks with Stuart B. Almer, President & Chief Executive Officer of Gurwin Healthcare System about the state of the long-term care system and its resiliency during the COVID-19 pandemic.