Colleen Heidinger is the president of 43North, a startup accelerator program that invests $5 million annually to attract and retain high-growth companies in Buffalo, New York. Born and raised in the First Ward neighborhood of Buffalo, Colleen went on to Babson College for her undergraduate studies, the top-rated university for entrepreneurship in the country. Her …
“Charles Ruffing is the Director of the New York State Pollution Prevention Institute. He leads the NYSP2I team of engineers, technical staff, outreach specialists and students in delivering pollution prevention information, research and direct assistance to NYS businesses and citizens. Chuck has 30 years experience in sustainability, environment technical science and management. Prior to joining …
Casey is responsible for growing the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s footprint in North America, primarily through the formation of new partnerships that drive our mission to accelerate the transition to a circular economy. Casey comes from a consulting/market research background, with experience in both the public and private sectors. She is passionate about fostering collaborations and …
As Entrepreneurship Navigator for Empire State Development’s Division of Science, Technology & Innovation (NYSTAR), Brad provides guidance to companies in the NYS innovation ecosystem. Brad identifies promising startups in NYSTAR feeder networks and assists them with engaging incubators, accelerators, and other organizations to provide entrepreneurial training, develop commercialization roadmaps, and accelerate growth. Brad has a …
Bobby Carlton has dedicated his professional career to exploring how XR technology can be used to reshape how any industry could approach education, training, and engagement, as well as its impact on automation, warehouse, and robotics. His work also explores how immersive technology such as unique XR marketing strategies can be used for digital marketing …
Amber Rangel joined Empire State Development (ESD) in August 2022 as Vice President and Director of Workforce Development to lead the newly created Office of Strategic Workforce Development, part of Governor Kathy Hochul’s $350 million investment in workforce development. With this new office, Amber is leading the launch of a $150 million workforce development grant …
Alyson provides strategic planning, data analysis, and tactical economic development advisement to a wide range of constituents nationally. She has managed projects and supported communities in efforts ranging from innovation corridors to rural community revitalization. In previous roles at FuzeHub and Empire State Development, she helped develop statewide investment strategies for the innovation economy, including …
As Chief Operating Offer of the REMADE Institute, Michelle oversees Institute business and operations, including membership, workforce development, marketing, staffing and compliance with government contracts. Michelle has over 25 years of industry experience leading large scale initiatives in engineering, manufacturing operations, sales support, reverse logistics, and information technology. She is an inventor of nine US …
