2023 - 2025 Executive Board Slate
President
Franklin Camarano Jr. – East Meadow
Originally from Franklin Square, Frank lived west of Philadelphia for 14 years after attending Villanova University, where he eventually became an electrician and started his own company, catering to commercial and large residential work.
Thirty-five years ago, Frank’s family built their first fitness facility “The Spa” located at Miami Beach’s Fontainebleau Hilton Hotel. During that time, they also operated the health club and golf course at the “North Shore Towers” in Lake Success. In 1994, Frank moved back to Long Island…when his family built the original “North Shore Fitness” located in Great Neck.
In 2022, after the close of Evolve, Frank hit the ground running again with Camarano Construction. The company handles residential and commercial, as well as government, operating across all the projects.
Another construction opportunity arose back in 2012 where, while running the gym full time he also was the Field Supervisor for Maxtec, a union rebar company. Their scope covered 4 major sites simultaneously (for 4 different project management companies) …the Belt Parkway System roadway/overpass/bridges project, the Staten Island Ferry Terminal, the Grand Central Pkwy roadway/overpass project at LaGuardia Airport and the Alexander Hamilton Bridge rehabilitation project (over the Harlem River joining the Bronx and Manhattan). The AHB project was the second largest single contract construction project ever undertaken by NYSDOT. During this time Frank covered all these projects every day and ran the gym at night and on the weekends. At its peak, Maxtec employed 110 union workers, which Frank was responsible for, operating across all the projects.
In East Meadow, Frank has been a member of the East Meadow Chamber of Commerce since 2002, and in 2015 started a two-year term as a board member. Within a year was presented with the “Outstanding Board Member of the Year” award and was asked to serve as Vice President the following year in 2016. Frank was President from 2017-2018, the only President at that time to have served two consecutive terms in 67 years, was Chairman of the Board for another two years, and remains a member of the board as a Past President. As for the East Meadow Kiwanis, he has been a member for over 17 years, and has served on their Board of Directors. In 2019 he was honored to be the East Meadow Herald’s “Person of the Year”!
Outside of East Meadow, Frank was the Vice President of the Nassau Parks Conservancy, which promotes activities at and around Nassau County owned parks. The Conservancy is the organization that operates, among other things, the Long Island Marathon! Even though he has worked with them on many projects over the years, as of 2021, he is proud to be one of Vision Long Island’s newest board members.
As for the Nassau Council, he has been an active participant since he started as VP of the East Meadow Chamber in 2016 and served on the Breakfast Committee since. He started as a Director on the Board November of 2018, ran the annual 2019 Presidents Roundtable in April, by June of that same year became 1st Vice President, and as of November 2021 proudly serves as President.
2nd Vice President
Joseph Garcia – Farmingdale
Joseph Garcia is the Manager and an Associate Broker of Weichert Realtors Performance Homes in Farmingdale, a Family business started by his father Anthony in 1995. Joseph helps manage the office with his brother Jared. With his over 22 years in the industry Joseph has provided high value and a unique ability to satisfy his clients and customers.
Joseph was elected to be President of the Farmingdale Chamber of Commerce in 2017. Joseph has earned a reputation for being a champion for Small Business. Joseph helped to lead the Chamber thru a period of growth and re-development of Farmingdale, the Pandemic, and the economic changes in the region, positioning the Farmingdale Chamber of Commerce for the future.
Joseph is part of several other organizations as well, The Long Island Board of Realtors, where he Chairs the Government Affairs Committee, New York State Association of Realtors as a Director and Political Coordinator, Farmingdale’s Business Improvement District where he is a Director and he is known for being supportive of many communities and industry groups and causes.
Joseph enjoys spending time with his wife Stephanie his high school sweetheart, and their 3 children Dominick, Anthony, and Olivia. Attending his children’s functions, boating, and traveling are among his other interests.
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Treasurer
Gary Slavin – Massapequa
Gary Slavin is a distinguished financial services professional with over four decades of experience in asset management, employee benefits, and insurance consulting. He is currently serving as a Financial Services Representative and Employee Benefits Counselor at Mass Mutual, managing over $70 million in client assets and overseeing benefits for more than 300 families while leading a team of advisors and support staff.
Gary is recognized as a member of the prestigious Million Dollar Round Table (Life Member) – an achievement reached by only 1% of industry professionals – and is a holder of multiple professional designations including Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC), Life Underwriting Training Council Fellow (LUTCF), and Certified Long Term Care Counselor (CLTC). His expertise extends to Series 7, 6, and 63 licenses, with specialized knowledge in the Affordable Care Act, contributing to its implementation taskforce in New York State.
Gary is a distinguished business leader with extensive experience in both insurance and community development. His leadership roles include former President of the Professional Insurance Agents of New York, Massapequa Chamber of Commerce, Nassau Shores Civic Association, and East End Disability Foundation, Treasurer of the Nassau Council of Chamber of Commerce. Notable recognitions include induction into the Massapequa Hall of Fame, MetLife’s ‘Life of Significance’ award, and the Massapequa Chamber of Commerce Businessperson of the Year award.
Gary led major initiatives to advance the insurance industry across New York State while simultaneously fostering local business growth and economic development in Nassau County. Demonstrated expertise in industry advocacy, regulatory affairs, and community leadership through these pivotal roles representing both statewide insurance professionals and local business interests.
Gary is a Marist College graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Marketing, supplemented by financial planning studies at C.W. Post. Currently serves on the boards of the New York State Professional Insurance Agents and Massapequa Chamber of Commerce, continuing a legacy of community involvement recognized by the Town of Oyster Bay for contributions to the ‘Field of Dreams’ park project.
Immediate Past President
Dennis Grossman – Great Neck
President and CEO of DMI Business Consulting Group (Since 1981). Executive management & Business turnaround specialists. Successfully restructured diverse Corporations & Businesses, built several housing developments and commercial projects. Founder & Chief Executive Precious Metals Processing, Mining & Trading Company, Citicorp Executive for Automation Research and Planning, EDC NY Project leader to restructure social services and jobs programs for Dept. of Social Services (Economic Development Corp NYC) Specialties: Creative problem solving, New and Innovative approaches to a broad range of business & Government situations with proactive & highly positive people skills. NCCC–Executive Board member at Large. President Great Neck Chamber of Commerce, Chairman of Great Neck Zoning Board of Appeals, Rotary Board member, Member Great Neck Business Circle.
Legislative Chairperson
Francesca Carlow – Plainview/Old Bethpage
Francesca Carlow with her husband Bruce owned and operated TRIO Hardware in Plainview together for over 40 years. The Kirschner’s purchased TRIO Hardware and embody the new generation of retailers on Long Island. After marrying into “hardware”, Francesca became active with the Plainview-Old Bethpage Chamber of Commerce and other community-based organizations. While president of the Plainview-Old Bethpage Chamber, she became involved with the Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce and the Nassau Council president from 2016-2019. She brought a strong unified voice and honest representation for small business concerns impacting the Nassau County chambers collective membership. As a liaison with elected officials, Francesca worked to keep them accountable and aware of small business needs. Rising school and property tax burdens, and the need for affordability to keep our golden families and the next generation of entrepreneurs here on Long Island were always a priority. Francesca strongly believes in Shopping Locally and that E-commerce has changed the shopping dynamics and threatens many Long Island businesses. As a persistent advocate for passage of the New York State Bill # 1509 Francesca wanted to ensure sales tax be collected by internet Marketplace providers and level the playing field. She believes that money spent on Long Island stays local and rejuvenates our community and local economy Francesca has traveled extensively and had many interesting chapters in her life. A new one is on the horizon with her first novel currently being written. The “hardware of politics” subject holds some home-grown surprises and publication is set for 2021. With her whole heart Francesca will always promote, support and cheer for small businesses will always remain Long Island’s biggest “SHOP LOCAL” Cheerleader!
Director
Cheryl Fajardo – New Hyde Park
Cheryl is a proud member of the Greater New Hyde Park Chamber of Commerce since 2007 and is now Past President and Co-Chairman of the Benevolence and Grants Committee on the Board of Direct of the Nassau County Council of Chambers. Also, Cheryl is on the Advisory Council for the Academy of Finance Program at New Hyde Park Memorial High School.
Cheryl Fajardo is the senior vice president and a partner of Expanse FT in New Hyde Park. The company was started back company back in 2007 and currently employs over 60 employees.
Cheryl has a strong commitment to the community and serves both personally and professionally.
Ms. Fajardo has been a resident of Nassau County for over 40 years and a New Hyde Park resident for over 35 years.
She is deeply committed to the financial services industry and has enabled its growth and productivity over the past 35 years. Cheryl was awarded the Industry Appreciation Award for 25 years of tireless service and friendship.
Cheryl was also awarded Business Person of the Year for the Greater New Hyde Park Chamber in 2015.
Cheryl is devoted to her family and her fur baby, Danielle.
Director
Russell Green – Syosset/Woodbury
Russell is the president and founder of RPG Wealth Management, Inc., (RPG) (website – rpgwealthmanagement.com) since 2018. RPG is an independent broker offering a full variety of investment and advisory services for individuals, retirement accounts and 401k plans, small businesses, guardians and trustees. RPG is affiliated with Cabot Lodge Securities, and clears through RBC Correspondent Services. Russell has almost forty years of experience in the securities industry at firms such as Smith Barney, Shearson Lehman Brothers and B Riley Wealth Management in his capacity as a financial advisor and branch manager while holding Series 4,7, 8, 24, 53, 63 and 65 securities licenses as well as life insurance and annuities in New York state. RPG Wealth Management, Inc. is located at 30 Berry Hill Road in the heart of Syosset.
Russell earned his B.S from the Wharton School of Business and B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania. Russell has been President of the Syosset/Woodbury Chamber of Commerce since 2021, overseeing record growth in membership and participation in the annual Syosset Street Fair. Russell has been a strong advocate for an active Chamber, offering multiple in-person events monthly, substantive social media and online presence, along with helping to promote and assist members through grant programs and Chamber outreach. He is also a board member of the Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce. In 2022, Russell was honored to be named the Syosset/Woodbury Chamber of Commerce business person of the year by the membership. Russell and Lori, along with their two daughters, Crystal and Kacey and beagle Flash have been proud residents of Syosset for the past 25 years. Russell can be reached on his cell 516-205-2319 or work 516-864-8447 or email at [email protected]
Director
Richard Krug Jr. – Levittown
Director
Lisa Moffa – Bethpage
Lisa Moffa is a creative artist and painter since youth which led to Commercial Art schooling, resulting in an eye for presentation, and business marketing strategy.
As the co-owner of her successful family run automotive repair shop with her husband Ron which began in a backyard in 1989 and evolved into a third location with more services and a stellar reputation. Lisa has been the key manager for marketing for the former Advanced Auto Service Center in Hicksville, and the current Advanced Auto NY LLC in Bethpage. Her company focuses on long term customer retention with high quality auto care and community involvement with various events and sponsorships featuring a heart-felt slogan of “your car deserves our care” in every advertisement.
She is always striving to master her skills as an internet entrepreneur, small business owner in the automotive and beauty niches, specializing in designer custom cosmetics in today’s fast changing economy trends and technology.
In addition, Lisa has been a member of the local chamber of commerce since 2019 and helped to rejuvenate the organization as Publicity Director. She has more recently become the President of the Chamber of Commerce of Bethpage thanks to being known as a resourceful manager. Lisa also assists local businesses and professionals that want to jump into the social media scene with group and personal coaching.
She is a born and raised Long Islander, married to her longtime sweetheart for forty plus years and they have 3 grown children: Christopher, Gennifer and Sherilyn. Lisa also enjoys gardening, journaling, boating, and nature photography, along with other creative hobbies.
Director
Cathy McGrory-Powell – Wantagh
Cathy McGrory Powell is currently the Wantagh Chamber of Commerce President. Cathy has held this position since 2019. AS Chamber President, Cathy and the Board have had many success in the Wantagh Community. They held the first ever in Wantagh, St. Patrick’s Day Parade in 2019. Attendance was marked at 50,000 spectators and was the largest St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Nassau County that year.
Cathy and her husband Bill, are the owners of the family-owned and operated business, Universe Home Services. Bill and Cathy have been the owners since 1998, when they purchased Universe Appliance Repairs, from Bill and Carla Powell. Since then, Cathy and Bill have grown the business from 15 employees and 5 vehicles to 100 employees and 60 service vehicles. During their years of operation, Universe has added HVAC service, a full service plumbing department as well as a full service electrical department. Universe is now in its 67th year of business and is still growing. Universe has received many awards and recognitions in the business and philanthropy genres. Such awards include PSEG Top Ductless Installer on LI, Angie’s List Service Award Since 2008, KeySpan Top Contractor, Family Business of LI Award, John Theissen Children’s Foundation Award, and many more. Universe is very involved with giving back to the community and supports many charitable organizations.
Cathy McGrory Powell graduated from SUNY Oneonta with a BS in Political Science and Social Science Education. Cathy taught Social Studies at Memorial Jr, HS in Valley Stream from 1988-1995. During that time, Cathy received her Master’s Degree in Counseling, from L.I.U Post. After seven years of teaching, Cathy chose to leave teaching and focus on raising her children while helping to run the family business. During this time, Cathy became a member of and then Chairperson of the Long Island Planning Council Inc., civic organization. The Planning Council implemented many beneficial programs, such as the Jones Beach Bike Path, STAR Program, and Earth Day festivities. As Chairperson, Cathy created the September 11th Memorial Heroes’ Walk in Wantagh, in conjunction with the Town of Hempstead.
Cathy has had the honor of receiving many awards and acknowledgments. Cathy was given the title of Teacher of the Year from the Memorial Jr. HS Administration. Was nominated for Disney’s Teacher of the Year, by her students. Cathy received Citations and Certificates of Recognition from Nassau County and The Town of Hempstead. Cathy was honored and acknowledged by the Miss Wantagh Organization as a recipient of the Women of Wantagh Award. In March of 2019, Cathy was given the Town of Hempstead Women’s History Month, Pathfinder Award for her humanitarian work. That same year, she had the privilege of being named Person of the Year,, by the LI Herald. Cathy has held fundraisers for and is a major supporter of The John Theissen Children’s Foundation and Ruffhouse Rescue,
Director
Patricia Schneider – Great Neck
Patricia Schneider is a long standing, active member of the Great Neck Chamber of Commerce. She has been the President of the Chamber since 2022. Presently, Pat successfully runs a Sales Promotion Special Events Company, Patricia Schneider Design Consultants, which services a myriad of corporate and not for profit clients of diverse sizes and professions. Her hands on attention to detail separate her from all others in the field. The Company has a broad repertoire of marketing capabilities from producing product launch events, bronze plaques, trade show giveaways: the list is limitless.
Prior to starting Patricia Schneider Design Consultants, Pat was Corporate Vice President of Design for Estee Lauder Inc. and earlier Design Director for Revlon, Inc. She is a graduate of Pratt Institute earning a BFA. Other community activities include: Board Member of the Nassau County Council of Chamber of Commerce, Board Member of the Gold Coast Arts Center.
Pat and her husband Charles are proud parents of daughter Ellissa. Pat believes in the importance of a strong Chamber to provide the local businesses with a voice in the Community and resources to assist in their businesses.
Director
Mary Stanco – Glen Cove
Mary has been a Licensed Real Estate Salesperson since 2005 and a top producer in Nassau Country.
A lifelong Glen Cove resident and an active member of the community, she offers her customers and clients an in-depth knowledge of the community focusing on the factors that influence local real estate values. Mary’s whole life in Glen Cove has allowed her to work with civic officials as well as members of the multicultural business community resulting in valuable experience dealing with a complex international marketplace. Mary’s negotiating skills were perfected as Assistant Manager of the recruiting company which took from a start-up to a very profitable venture in a relatively short time frame.
Strong Customer Service. Mary is dedicated to providing Sellers and Buyers with reliable and conscientious service that is second to none. Her commitment to furthering education allows her to give accurate information to her clients and empowers them to make informed decisions.
Mary’s education exceeds in Real Estate by having different designations. Mary holds a SRES-Senior Real Estate Specialist, ABR-Accredited Buyers Representative, RECS-Real Estate Cyberspace Society, REBAC-Real Estate Buyers Agent Council, CBR-Certified Byers Representative, CRS-Certified Residential Specialist, CIPS-Certified International Property Specialist, RSSP-Real Estate Short Sale Professional.
Because of her dedication to helping her clients by going above and beyond their expectations, her clients say Mary is “My Realtor for Life”. Mary states, “It’s all about the relationship. I want to become part of their lives and help them the way I would help my own family.” Let Mary become your realtor for life.
At Large
At Large
Lionel Chitty – Hicksville
President at Hicksville Chamber of Commerce Mail Automation Specialist Brothers II Business Machines of L.I., Inc. Providers of mailing systems, folders, folder-inserters, addressing solutions, copiers, faxes, duplicators and general office automation and forms handling solutions.
At Large
John Dianellos – Oceanside
At Large
Jeanette Frisina – New Hyde Park
Jeanette Frisina is the owner and operator of JF Advertising Inc. and Market Place Publications which is celebrating 30 years in business.
Her specialty is focusing on marketing for small and medium sized businesses. The weekly advertising paper, Market Place is delivered direct to the homes in central and western Nassau County as well as offering coverage to all of Long Island through a network of free papers. Market Place also has a digital version that gets emailed to subscribers as well as online placements.
Bringing buyers and sellers together is what Market Place does best.
Jeanette’s expertise and experience is in helping businesses develop and increase their business through creative and affordable advertising campaigns.
Other advertising services offered are:
Targeted Email Marketing both to the community or B to B marketing, flyer, menu and post card delivery, door hanger placements, customized artwork and more.
Jeanette is the Past President of the Greater New Hyde Park Chamber of Commerce and continues to serve actively on the board.
She is the Co-Chair of the Marketing Committee and on the Membership Committee for the chamber as well as organizing ribbon cuttings for new businesses.
The New Hyde Park Chamber had awarded Jeanette Businessperson of the Year Award and she is also a top recruiter for their membership.
At Large
Lois Howes – Freeport
Lois Howes has been a Travel Advisor for over 30 years, currently with Superior Travel Consultants as a home based agent. She is the past president of the Long Island Chapter of the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) and a past member of the National Board. She is now serving as the N.E. Regional Director supervising 17 local chapters and helping them succeed. She became a travel advisor due to her love of travel when her travel agent suggested that she would be great doing something she loves. Lois has traveled the world from Korea and China, to Kenya and South Africa, Turkey and most of Europe and Peru !! Put her on a plane or ship and she is in her happy place. She takes a group on tour every year, this year it was to Iceland and who knows where our next adventure will be . Lois is the mother to two wonderful daughters. They and her grandson all have the love of travel and adventure and are often part of the traveling groups.
Lois is the past president of the Freeport Chamber of Commerce and is currently president of Friends of Freeport, a 501C3 organization formed after Superstorm Sandy that has been instrumental in the rebuilding of over 400 homes and is still busy on more.
Always active in the Arts, and a former fashion illustrator and designer, she is now the chairman of the board of the LI Arts Council at Freeport.
She is always involved in many community organizations including the Nassau Council representing the Freeport Chamber for many years, now serving as the 2nd Vice President.
Of Counsel –
Edward Rosenthal
Edward M. Rosenthal, familiarly known as Ted, is the managing partner of Rosenthal Curry & Kranz, LLP, a mainstay of East Meadow for over 60 years. Ted has a varied practice in the areas of real estate, corporate law, trust and estate planning and settlement. As a real estate attorney, he represents purchasers, sellers and lenders in both residential and commercial transactions throughout Long Island and New York City. Ted represents clients in the corporate formation and structuring of new businesses as well as the purchase and sale of existing business, with particular attention to lease negotiation and liability concerns. In his trust and estate practice, Mr. Rosenthal settles estates and advises clients in the construction of estate plans, with particular attention to the drafting of wills, trusts, health care proxies, living wills and powers of attorney.
As an active participant in the East Meadow community, Ted is a former President of the East Meadow Chamber of Commerce, having served in 1994 and has remained active and on its Board of Directors ever since. He has been an active member of the East Meadow Kiwanis for over thirty-five years and has been a member of its Board of Directors for multiple terms. Ted has served as Chairman of East Meadow Community Day, a free event bringing the East Meadow community together to celebrate the best of living and working in East Meadow. Recently, Ted has founded Friends for a Beautiful East Meadow, which concentrates its efforts to enhance the natural charm and aesthetic appeal of East Meadow. Ted also continues to participate in the Nassau County Bar Association in its mentoring program, which matches attorneys with middle school children in need of one-on-one interaction.
Administrator –
Christine Mooney
Nassau Council of Chamber of Commerce
Office: 516-253-0124 | Mobile: 516-263-0836
1576 Front Street, East Meadow, NY 11554
[email protected]
www.ncchambers.org
Past Presidents
*Deceased
“Local businesses are the economic engine and the backbone of Nassau County’s economy. As community leaders, chambers work industriously to keep our hard-earned dollars in our local economy”.
