Speakers

Charles J. Ruffing

“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 …

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Casey Rowland

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 …

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Brad Banikowski

As Entrepreneurship Navigator for Empire State Developmentā€™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 …

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Bobby Carlton

Bobby Carlton

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 …

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Alyson Slack

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 …

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Michelle Schlafer

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 …

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