Niel Sandfort serves as Chobani’s Chief Innovation Officer. Since joining Chobani in 2010, he has launched over 400 products and lead multiple functions across the organization including Research & Development, New Product Development and Supply Chain Planning. As CIO Niel leads all new product launches as well as manages existing products as they are optimized …
Richard E. Honen is a partner and leader of Phillips Lytle’s Venture Capital & Technology team, focusing on corporate, finance, startup and venture capital law. He strategically counsels a broad spectrum of companies from startup to Fortune 50, and lectures extensively on corporate law, venture capital and startup issues. Mr. Honen has been listed in …
Marcia Mitchell is a Director at NY Ventures where she invests in early stage technology companies across NY state. Marcia believes that there are amazing investment opportunities in NY and enjoys meeting and supporting founders from all backgrounds and walks of life. Marcia holds a B.A. in Economics from Tufts University and an M.Sc. in …
David Gottfried is Deputy Director of the Center for Advanced Ceramic Technology at Alfred University, one of 15 NYSTAR-funded Centers for Advanced Technology located at research universities across the state. CACT supports applied research in technical ceramics and glass materials, linking industry with Alfred University technical resources, faculty, staff, and students. Gottfried joined Alfred in …
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 …
