Group: Alliance Team

Originally from downstate New York, Alexandra relocated to the Albany area to attend University at Albany, State University of New York, where she earned her degree in Emergency Management and built the foundation for her professional career. She brings over 12 years of comprehensive customer service experience, demonstrating a consistent commitment to professionalism, communication, and client satisfaction. She began her career in reception in February 2025, developing strong expertise in front-office operations, administrative support, and client relations. In February 2026,…

Ann Marie was born and raised in Troy, New York.  Her love and passion for Accounting/Finance happened while she was employed during the inception of the Albany Hilton.  She admits, accounting and finance looked very different then.  Her career has taken her in many directions, from hotels, like the Albany Hilton, to the Manufacturing Industry, where she worked for Ross Valve, to Realty Management at the United Group, and most recently Ann Marie held an Advancement/Finance position, just shy of…

Mark Opalka serves as the Controller for Advance Albany County Alliance, the Albany Business Development Corporation as well as Albany Pine Hills Land Authority Previously Mr. Opalka was an Outsourced Controller for BST & Co, CPAs LLC., an accounting firm based in Albany, New York. Mr. Opalka was responsible for handling many non-profit clients including Discover Saratoga, Ulster County IDA and CRC, Albany Community Development Agency and the Albany Convention Center Authority. Prior to BST & Co CPAs LLC., Mr.…

Alli joined Albany County Alliance in May 2024 as our Receptionist. With over 11 years of experience in customer service, she has honed her skills in managing teams and providing exceptional service, including roles as a Supervisor at a Mobile Company, various Daycares and Bakeries. Her career journey has shaped her into a proactive and detail-oriented Receptionist, bringing efficiency and organization to every project she takes on. Beyond her professional life, she is a proud sports mom of four girls…

Born and raised in Troy and Albany, NY.  Cori attended college in Utica, NY. She then lived in West Palm Beach, Florida for 5 years after college, where she and three friends opened an Italian restaurant in Del Ray Beach, FL.  After 3 years it was sold as a turn-key operation and returned home to the capital region in 2006. Before starting at Advance Albany County Alliance (AACA) in September 2024, Cori was the owner/operator of Big & Small, come…

Sara joined Advance Albany County Alliance as an Executive Assistant in October 2024, bringing a wealth of diverse experience and a commitment to fostering collaboration and efficiency. She began her administrative career as a receptionist at a global technology organization, where she developed essential skills in communication and organization. Sara then honed her expertise in the digital marketing sector, working with Elevation Ten Thousand and Evergreen Digital Marketing, where she gained valuable insights into strategic marketing and project management. In…

Raised in the Capital Region, Clayton did his undergraduate at Hamilton College in Central NY followed by advanced education in Asia, earning a Masters at Nagasaki University and a PhD at Tokyo University.  After working with SOFTBANK Capital’s worldwide VC network for a number of years he returned to the Capital Region and joined New York State’s VC community as the Director of ESD’s New York Ventures.

Dylan joined the Advance Albany County Alliance in June 2024 as the Senior VP of Development. Through his role at the County’s LDC, Dylan focuses his time on a portfolio of community-priority, economic development projects, including the redevelopment of the College of Saint Rose campus and the demolition and redevelopment of the Central Warehouse.  Prior to joining the Alliance, Dylan worked for nearly 6 years in the City of Troy, serving as the Director of Economic Development before being appointed…

Antionette Dukes-Hedge serves as the Economic Development Coordinator for the Advance Albany County Alliance Local Development Corporation. Antionette brings a wealth of experience from her extensive background in non-profits, corporate operations, and project management. Antionette joined AACA in December of 2022 where she started as the Executive Assistant to the CEO before being promoted to Economic Development Coordinator. Her new role has allowed her to expand her professional expertise, balancing high-level administrative support with direct engagement in economic development initiatives.…

Kevin Catalano serves as the Senior Vice-President and Director of Commercial Lending for the Advance Albany County Alliance Local Development Corporation. With his expertise in commercial lending, Kevin plays a key role in driving economic growth and supporting local businesses across Albany County. Whether it’s helping businesses secure funding or fostering economic development, Kevin is passionate about advancing our community.