2025 Panelists

Keynote Panel: CEDS Challenges – Solutions in Action

This panel will present three approaches to addressing pressing challenges identified in the Mid-Hudson 2025-2030 CEDS: availability of water for municipal services and economic development, reinvigoration of closed manufacturing facilities, and expansion of a State industry focus. Panelists from three Mid-Hudson counties will discuss the challenges they are attempting to address through project concepts that are designed to promote economic prosperity in their county and the Region.

Moderator: Carla Castillo: Executive Director, HVRC

Carla Castillo serves as HVRC’s Executive Director, implementing the US Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration Partnership Planning Assistance Program. She also oversees staff implementation of various New York State and Federal contracts. Castillo and her team have been instrumental in bringing over $30 million to date in funding to the Region’s counties and local governments. Previously, Castillo led the transformative sustainability and neighborhood revitalization efforts of NKCDC, inspired city-wide residents to recycle more through Philadelphia Recycling Rewards while at Recyclebank, and stabilized distressed neighborhoods through the development of 550+ homes as an affordable housing lender and technical assistance provider to community development corporations while at the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority and the Reinvestment Fund. Also at the Reinvestment Fund, Castillo worked with internationally based microfinance CEOs to advance the micro-finance industry. Castillo received a master’s degree in City & Regional Planning and an MS in International Development & Appropriate Technology from the University of Pennsylvania. She received a BA in Latin American Studies from UCLA. She serves on the boards of the Hudson River Valley Greenway Communities Council, the Hudson River Estuary Management Advisory Committee, and the Orange County Municipal Planning Federation. Castillo chairs the Town of Cornwall’s Conservation Advisory Council and has been on the Town’s Comprehensive Plan Committee.

Moderator: Caleb Fine: Economic Resilience Coordinator, HVRC

Caleb Fine serves as HVRC’s Economic Resilience Coordinator, where he investigated and documented the effects of the pandemic on the Region’s economy as part of the CARES Project, as well as reported on the best practices and lessons learned to help bolster the economy to future shocks. Fine continues to support the Region’s economic development efforts through dissemination of HVRC’s monthly Economic Development Digest, grant support to municipalities exploring investment opportunities from the Economic Development Administration, and, most recently, preparing the data component for the 2025-2030 Mid-Hudson Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). Fine received a Bachelor of Science in Economics with Specialization in Economic Analysis from Binghamton University.

Jonathan Churins: Executive Director, Dutchess County Water & Wastewater Authority

Jonathan Churins serves as Executive Director of the Dutchess County Water & Wastewater Authority. He has been with the Authority since June 1997, was named Deputy Director in April 2022, and then promoted to Executive Director in November 2024. Churins previously served as Senior Project Facilitator since December 2019 and served in the position of Project Facilitator since February 2000. Under Churins tenure, major improvement projects have included rehabilitating wastewater facilities and sewer collection systems, as well as extending water distribution systems. He has a broad range of skills, including cartography/geographic information systems, database development, technology integration, water/sewer taxation, grant administration, customer service, and management of improvement projects. Churins holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from Marist University (formerly Marist College).

Conor Eckert: President & CEO, Orange County Partnership

Conor Eckert serves as President & CEO of the Orange County Partnership, a premier non-profit economic development organization with a 40-year legacy of driving growth in New York’s Hudson Valley. He oversees a dynamic team focused on advancing strategic economic development and attracting impactful investment to Orange County by collaborating closely with national site selectors, corporate real estate brokers, elected officials, and business leaders to facilitate industrial and commercial projects that generate high-quality jobs and long-term economic impact. Under his leadership, the Partnership has driven efforts to advance shovel ready sites and has secured major projects across the Life Science, Food and Beverage, Manufacturing and Logistics sectors, resulting in substantial job creation and private capital investment across the region. Previously, Eckert served as the Executive Director of the Town of Montgomery Industrial Development Agency (IDA) and Director of Economic Development and Planning - securing over 3 million square feet of development.  He is a voting member of the Governor’s Mid-Hudson Region Economic Development Council and serves on the boards of the NYS Economic Development Council, Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress, and SUNY Orange Foundation. Eckert graduated from Binghamton University with a bachelor’s degree in Public Policy and a master’s degree in Public Administration. He has a graduate certificate in Real Estate Development from Cornell University.

Deborah Novick: Director of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Westchester County Office of Economic Development

Deborah Novick serves as the Director of Entrepreneurship and Innovation within the Westchester County Office of Economic Development, where she directs Launch1000, the Element 46 tech accelerator program, the Westchester County Biosciences Initiative, and oversees the Biosciences Accelerator program. In addition, Novick looks for opportunities to enhance and expand the entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystem in Westchester. In collaboration with the NYCEDC, she is facilitating the growth and coordination of the New York State Quantum Consortium. Since February 2020, she has been a member of the Board of the Westchester County Association. Novick was most recently Director of the Biotechnology Incubator at New York Medical College, a position she held since late 2017. Among her responsibilities was creating a collaborative community within the incubator and recruiting new start-ups. She was also responsible for overseeing the design and physical expansion of the incubator, which doubled in size after achieving full occupancy during her tenure.

Alan Sorensen, FAICP: Orange County Commissioner, Department of Planning & Development and Director, Orange County Transportation Council

Alan Sorensen, FAICP, serves as the Orange County Commissioner of the Department of Planning & Development and Director of the Orange County Transportation Council. A certified planner with over 35 years of professional planning experience, he has had a deep focus in the areas of rail trails development, downtown revitalization, and community development. The Orange County Bikeway Vision, Orange County Open Space Plan, and Master Plan for a Major Community Park at Camp LaGuardia are examples of recently completed plans, which were integral in securing $28 million for the 10-mile Schunnemunk Rail Trail in Orange County. Sorensen’s past professional experience includes former Assistant Commissioner of Policy for the NYS Division of Housing and Community Renewal, former Commissioner of Planning & Community Development for Sullivan County, and principal and owner of Planit Main Street, Inc. Innovative programs which he was instrumental in creating include New York Main Street program and the Main Street Redevelopment Center in Sullivan County. Sorensen received the statewide NYS Historic Preservation Award from the State Historic Preservation Office (2003) and was recognized by Cornell University as statewide “Friend of Extension” for his role in strengthening the economic and social vitality of Sullivan County (2000). He earned a Master of City & Regional Planning from Rutgers University, a Master of Public Administration from Pace University, and was inducted into the American Institute of Certified Planners College of Fellows in 2024.

Eoin Wrafter: Commissioner, Dutchess County Planning & Development

Eoin Wrafter was appointed Commissioner of Dutchess County Planning & Development in April 2015. He has worked for the Department since 1997 when he joined the department as a Planner focusing on transportation issues. Wrafter served in a variety of positions, including Senior Planner, Transportation Program Administrator, and Assistant Commissioner. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Geography from the State University of New York at New Paltz, as well as a master’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning from Virginia Tech. Wrafter was a member of the 2012-13 class of Pattern for Progress’ Regional Fellows Program, graduating in May 2013, and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners and the American Planning Association.

Panel: Economic Recovery Resilience

Proactive local resilience planning is more critical than ever to ensure the economic recovery resilience of the Mid-Hudson Region. This panel will discuss integrated strategies used to prepare communities to withstand and adapt to economic shocks — whether caused by industry contractions, natural disasters, or global disruptions. Panelists will discuss strategies for building economic resilience, planning for adverse conditions, and fostering long-term growth as well as share successful projects and highlight proven approaches on the local and regional levels for building stronger local economies while safeguarding natural systems and community well-being.

Moderator: Mary Lambert, Climate Action Planning Manager, HVRC

Mary Lambert serves as HVRC’s Climate Action Planning Manager, overseeing HVRC’s resilience and adaptation initiatives. Her work included two year-long municipal cohort programs, one supporting the development of greenhouse emissions inventories and climate action plans and another supporting the development of vulnerability assessments and adaptation plans, as well as providing ongoing technical assistance related to adaptation planning to municipalities participating in NYS’s Climate Smart Communities (CSC) Program. She also manages a US Environmental Protection Agency-funded Landfill Biofilters Project to mitigate methane and support ecosystem restoration on 13 landfills in the Mid-Hudson Region. A former member of the Board of Trustees and Co-Chair of the CSC Task Force for the Village of Hastings-on-Hudson, Lambert earned her BA from Yale University and her MBA from Columbia University.

Cailyn Bruno: Director of Environmental Services, NJIT TAB

Cailyn Bruno serves as the Director of Environmental Services at New Jersey Institute of Technology Technical Assistance to Brownfield Communities Program (NJIT TAB). Bruno travels across communities in the Eastern US providing free educational forums, resources, and technical assistance for brownfields redevelopment. Prior to joining the nonprofit world, she served 16 years as a hydrogeologist consultant providing technical oversight of remedial investigations and drinking water resources. Bruno holds a BS and MS in Geology and is a New Jersey Licensed Site Remediation Professional and a New York Licensed Professional Geologist.

Andrew Germansky: Senior Vice President of Real Estate, Westhab

Andrew Germansky serves as Chief Real Estate Officer at Westhab, a non-profit affordable housing developer, shelter operator, and community service provider based in Yonkers, NY. Westhab’s unique model not only develops and preserves sustainable housing, it advances transitional housing, shelters, and rapid re-housing programs, while supporting rent subsidies and job readiness programs for residents. Germansky is involved in many aspects of the business, from site acquisition and design to partnership development. He was awarded Notable Real Estate Leader by Cranes NY in 2022.

Julie Noble: Environmental Education & Sustainability Coordinator, City of Kingston

Julie Noble is the Environmental Education and Sustainability Coordinator for the City of Kingston, NY, where she leads programs in energy, land use, transportation, and community outreach. She also serves as Kingston’s Climate Smart Community Coordinator and chairs the Conservation Advisory Council, while serving as Secretary of the New York State Association of Conservation Commissions. A Kingston native, Julie earned her B.A. in Environmental Studies from Binghamton University and returned home to dedicate her career to environmental stewardship.

Sara Spicer: Senior Resiliency Development Manager, City of New Rochelle

Sarah Spicer serves as the Senior Resiliency Development Manager for the City of New Rochelle. She leads resiliency and sustainability strategy and implementation for all areas of the City, including programming, capital projects, transportation, and infrastructure. Spicer previously led sustainable transportation programs and strategy for the City of Seattle and served as Senior Transportation Planner for the City of Somerville, MA. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Colgate University and a Master in City Planning from MIT.

Panel: Housing

All Mid-Hudson Region counties identified housing as a critical issue in the Mid-Hudson 2025-2030 CEDS. From entry level apartments to senior living and step-up housing in between, the Region is undersupplying housing relative to population, wages, and affordability. At the same time, honoring the Region’s history as the birthplace of the modern environmental movement plays an important backdrop to the housing issue.

Moderator: Eleanor Peck, Deputy Executive Director, HVRC

Eleanor Peck serves as HVRC’s Deputy Executive Director & Mid-Hudson Clean Energy Communities (CEC) Program Manager. Peck works on the NYSERDA CEC Program, providing support as a CEC Coordinator to communities working to reduce energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions through the implementation of cost-saving clean energy projects. Previously, she was the Climate Smart Coordinator in the City of Beacon, helping the City achieve NYS CSC Program Silver Certification. Peck has also worked for the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies in Millbrook, fundraising for the Institute's ecological science, as well as the Wildlife Conservation Society, fundraising for the Bronx Zoo and conservation projects around the globe.  Peck received a master's degree in International Affairs from the New School for Social Research in New York City and her bachelor's degree from Roosevelt University in Chicago. She continues to volunteer in the City of Beacon as a member of the City’s Conservation Advisory Committee. 

Adam Bosch: President & CEO, Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress

Adam Bosch serves as President & CEO of the Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress, a policy, planning, and research organization that was founded in 1965. Pattern focuses its regional planning and research on housing, downtown revitalization, infrastructure, transportation, community planning, and other topics that are important to the growth and vitality of the region. Bosch began his career in journalism, working as a reporter and editor at several newspapers and magazines, including the Times Herald-Record and The New York Times. His work in journalism earned six Associated Press awards. Bosch also served as an adjunct professor of journalism at SUNY New Paltz. After leaving journalism, Bosch served as director of public and intergovernmental affairs for the New York City water supply system. He earned his bachelor’s degree from SUNY New Paltz, and his master’s degree from Columbia University.

Javier Gomez: Vice President of Operations, Hudson River Housing

Javier Gomez serves as the Vice President of Operations for Hudson River Housing. He coordinates the development of housing projects throughout the Hudson Valley, and provides oversight to various community development and resident services programs, local partnerships, and advocacy efforts for the agency. Prior to his current role, Gomez held previous positions within the agency as Director of Real Estate and Community Development, Director of Community Development, Manager of Real Estate Development, and Real Estate Development Program Coordinator. Before joining Hudson River Housing in 2018, he completed a one-year service term as an AmeriCorps VISTA for the Empire State Poverty Reduction Initiative in the City of Newburgh sponsored by the United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region. Gomez has a deep interest in the issues of regional community and economic development as demonstrated by his other professional experiences as a Pattern for Progress Fellow, Good Work Institute Fellow, and as a cohort-member of the Community Preservation Corporation’s ACCESS program. He graduated from Roy C. Ketcham High School in Wappingers Falls and holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Marist College.

Paul Hesse: Community Development Coordinator, Dutchess County Department of Planning & Development

Paul Hesse serves as the Community Development Coordinator for the Dutchess County Department of Planning & Development.  He manages several funding programs for the county focused on municipal infrastructure improvements and affordable housing development, including the HOME Investment Partnership Program, the Dutchess County Housing Trust Fund, and the Community Development Block Grant.  Hesse also staffs the Dutchess County-Poughkeepsie Land Bank. Hesse holds a master’s degree in Urban Planning from Hunter College of the City University of New York.  While he considers himself an urban planning generalist, his interests include housing policy, real estate development finance, and walkable communities.

Ted Warren: Public Policy Manager, Hudson Highlands Land Trust

Ted Warren specializes in helping municipalities preserve their vital open spaces through effective planning, zoning, and collaborative community engagement through his work as Hudson Highlands Land Trust’s Public Policy Manager. He works with municipal boards, conservation committees, and community organizations on community preservation planning; local, state, and federal public policy initiatives; and coordinating a network of conservation organizations within the Highlands region. Warren’s passion for protecting vital open spaces can be traced back to his time working in Philadelphia, where he was involved in clinical education and public policy, community organizing, and neighborhood preservation and zoning. He currently serves on the Cornwall Conservation Advisory Council, where he creates and implements conservation and land use planning projects. Warren has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Colby College.

Panel: Wastewater Infrastructure

Over the last 5 years, the request amounts for funding for the Mid-Hudson Region listed on the Clean Water State Revolving Fund Intended Use Plan has more than doubled. Securing funding for wastewater infrastructure projects is one of the greatest challenges faced by municipal governments. This panel combines speakers to describe the working relationship between technical assistance providers, local government officials and staff, and state agencies to support clean water projects. Panelists will provide an overview of available support systems, an understanding of the funding process, and highlight local success stories throughout the planning and implementation phases in project development.

Moderator: Lauren Bunce, Water Resources Coordinator, HVRC

Lauren Bunce serves as Water Resources Coordinator for the Hudson Valley Regional Council, providing technical assistance to municipalities under the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation 604(b) Water Quality Planning Program. In her previous role as Environmental Scientist at GZA GeoEnvironmental, she conducted environmental site investigations and groundwater sampling at statewide sites. While an intern at the New York City Department of Environmental Protection, Bunce wrote a report summarizing groundwater resources in the Hudson Valley counties through which NYC aqueducts run, with the purpose of identifying potential areas for water resource development. Following the internship, she researched Madagascar’s water quality degradation in nearby rivers caused by gold mining in the area. Bunce received her master's degree in Geology from Binghamton University. There, she published a thesis on spring inflow into Great Salt Lake and its geochemical impact on the composition of the lake. She received her bachelor's degree in Geology from Stony Brook University.

Ryan Corbett, Water Resources Manager, HVRC

Ryan Corbett serves as HVRC’s Water Resources Manager, overseeing HVRC programmatic work on the US Environmental Protection Agency Wastewater Technical Assistance (TA) Program for Small & Rural Municipalities and the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation 604(b) Water Quality Planning Program. Corbett directly implements the EPA Wastewater TA Program, where he supports municipal governments in securing funding for wastewater infostructure projects through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund. His past experience includes management of a local craft brewing company and conducting stormwater assessment and vibration monitoring while at Tectonic Engineering. While at San Francisco State University, his strong passion for managed aquifer recharge led to investigating the role of fog drip as a hydrologic input, as well as being a member of the Hydrology and Water Resources Group, which studied the sustainability and vulnerability of low impact development. Corbett received a master’s degree in Hydrogeology from the San Francisco State University and a bachelor’s degree in Geology from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

Jason Morris, Commissioner of Public Works and City Engineer, City of Newburgh

Jason Morris serves as the Commissioner of Public Works and City Engineer for the City of Newburgh. He is a licensed professional engineer with 25 years of diverse experience in a wide range of civil engineering disciplines including geotechnical, environmental, structural, water resources, transportation, land development, and construction. After working for 10 years as a consulting engineer in the private sector, Morris joined the City team in 2013, bringing his engineering and construction experience to kick start the revitalization of the City’s infrastructure. Since his tenure with the City, he has been responsible for more than $254 million in infrastructure upgrades. Morris received a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Buffalo and an associate’s degree in Engineering from Orange County Community College.

Sarah Rickard, Research Scientist, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Division of Water

Sarah Rickard is a Research Scientist with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s Division of Water. In this role, she leads the assessment and listing of New York State waters in accordance with the federal Clean Water Act and state regulations. Sarah has dedicated 21 years to advancing water quality programs at NYSDEC. Before starting her career, she earned a Bachelor of Science from the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry and served with AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps.

Panel: Workforce for Future Industries

A trained workforce for the industries of the future is a national concern – and the Mid-Hudson Region is no exception. In this panel, we will hear from three workforce professionals who are providing training opportunities to three distinct workforces. Panelists will discuss the focus of their workforce training programs, their programs’ successes and challenges, and recommendations for ensuring future workforce training programs meet the Region’s economic development needs.

Moderator: Carla Castillo: Executive Director, HVRC

Roselle Glick: Director of Workforce Education Programs, Suny Orange Plus

Roselle Glick is the Director of Workforce Education Programs at SUNY Orange Plus. In this role, she currently collaborates with various stakeholders to assess workforce needs, designs programs that address skill gaps, and ensures the successful implementation of these initiatives. Glick has over 20 years of experience working as an Associate Director of Career Services at Mercy University and The College of Westchester, as well as her recent work as an Employment Counselor with the New York State Department of Labor. She also served as an Adjunct Instructor of General Education. Glick holds an MA in Counseling and Guidance from New York University, a BA in Social Science interdisciplinary & Sociology from University at Buffalo, and is certified as a School Counselor.

Gwendolyn Summers: Program Manager for Workforce Development & Training, NYSERDA

Gwendolyn Summers serves as Program Manager for Workforce Development & Training at NYSERDA. In this role, she leads the development and execution of New York State initiatives to promote a diverse, equitable, and inclusive clean energy workforce. Her responsibilities include oversight of several multi-million dollar funding opportunities, including a federally funded $8.2M Pay for Success Clean Energy Training project to prepare hundreds of low-income individuals for clean energy careers. Prior to joining NYSERDA, Summers served as corporate lead for workforce development at GlobalFoundries, the second largest semiconductor foundry in the world. She has a diverse public policy background, which further includes experience in US government affairs, ethics and compliance, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. Summers earned a master’s degree in International Affairs from George Washington University and bachelor’s degree in Economics and French from Skidmore College.

Michael Yee: Director of the Educational & Cultural Trust Fund, Electrical Industry in New York City

Michael Yee serves as Director of the Educational & Cultural Trust Fund of the Electrical Industry in New York City. He administers this collectively bargained trust fund to provide continuing education and cultural benefits for the industry’s IBEW-Local 3 workforce. Yee works with a team of over 200 instructors and administrative staff to implement courses that enhance the technical skills of Local 3 members and various programs that benefit those members and their families. Yee utilizes the 200,000 square feet of space in the Fund’s four facilities to further the Fund’s continuing education mission. Yee is a 39-year member of Local 3, and prior to his current position, he was an electrician for 20 years at a 16-megawatt co-gen plant in Brooklyn, New York, that provided electricity, hot water, and heat/cooling for 5,000 apartments. He also served the Local 3 membership as its elected Treasurer from December 2006 through January 2020. Yee holds a Bachelor of Science from Empire State College, State University of New York.