Group: Pine Hills Land Authority

Alison Walsh is Vice President for Real Estate Development and Planning at Empire State Development where she manages redevelopment and reuse plans for a portfolio of closed state facilities.  Her recent projects include overseeing the Prison Redevelopment Commission and producing a first-of-its-kind report on how to repurpose closed correctional facilities. Prior to this role, Alison served as the Vice President for Regional Economic Development where she led the Regional Economic Development Council (REDC) portfolio, managed ten Councils throughout the state,…

Alejandra N. Paulino is the first Latina to serve as Secretary of the New York State Senate, where she has implemented transformative changes in cultural competency and inclusivity. With a law degree from Albany Law School and a BA in Public Policy Analysis from Brown University, Paulino has used her legal training to foster trust and improve Senate policies. As an advocate for diversity, Paulino is deeply committed to representing and empowering marginalized communities and has been recognized with the…

Sarah Reginelli is a dedicated and experienced leader in revitalization and urban development who is joining Ostroff Associates after 20 years in the public and nonprofit sectors. She most recently served as Vice President of Development at Cass Hill Development Companies – a fully-integrated commercial real estate firm producing dynamic projects throughout the Capital Region. Prior to Cass Hill, Sarah served as President of Capitalize Albany Corporation and CEO of the City of Albany Industrial Development Agency and Capital Resource…

Dannielle Melendez serves as the president of the Pine Hills Neighborhood Association. The Pine Hills Neighborhood Association, established more than 50 years ago, is a not-for-profit organization located in Albany, New York, with a mission to preserve and improve conditions that make the Pine Hills Neighborhood a viable and pleasant place to reside, work and enjoy life. Melendez is a graduate of Le Moyne College, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, and a graduate of the College…

Jasmine A. Higgins is a Partner and Chief Operating Officer at GLS, an Albany-based economic development and public affairs consulting company. Before working in the private sector, Higgins held various roles within Mayor Kathy Sheehan’s office, including Chief Equity Officer, and prior to that, Special Advisor to the Mayor. Higgins is a proud graduate of Albany High School, holds a bachelor’s in philosophy from Siena College, and completed her Master of Public Administration at Marist College. Higgins has generational roots…

John Nigro is the President of Nigro Retail Properties, a company with over 50 years of experience in commercial real estate development, management, and leasing. Founded in 1977, Nigro Retail Properties specializes in retail development across upstate New York and Massachusetts, with a reputation for high-quality projects. The company is deeply rooted in the region, drawing on the experience and values of the Nigro family, which has a long history in commercial real estate. Mr. Nigro is a prominent leader…

Nick Mazza has a broad range of government experience with over forty years of service in NYS local government and consulting. Nick was the County Administrator for Livingston County (1989 -2009), Director of Administration and Finance for the City of Cortland (1981-1989), Management Policy Specialist for the City of Syracuse (1975 -1981) and was a Municipal consultant with the Bonadio Group, CPA’s and Consultants (2010-2018) working with municipalities throughout NYS.  In these roles, Nick developed expertise in assessing, developing and…