Jeremy Smith joined the Advance Albany County Alliance in March of 2026 as the Senior Vice President of Real Estate. Jeremy is a native of Albany County, being born and raised in the City of Watervliet. Prior to joining the Alliance, Jeremy served as the Director of Facilities at CDTA after having served the City of Watervliet as General Manager. As General Manager, Jeremy oversaw the day-to-day operations of the city and acted as the Chief Administrative Officer. The position…
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,…
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.…
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.
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.
Amy Thompson serves as the Chief Financial Officer for the Advance Albany County Alliance Local Development Corporation. Amy Thompson serves as the Chief Financial Officer for Advanced Albany County Alliance, the Albany Business Development Corporation as well as the Albany County IDA and CRC. Previously Ms. Thompson was a manager for BST & Co, CPAs LLC., an accounting firm based in Albany, New York. Ms. Thompson was responsible for handling many non-profit clients including Capitalize Albany Corporation, City of Albany…
Kevin O’Connor serves as the CEO of the Advance Albany County Alliance LDC as well as Director of Economic Development for Albany County NY. Previously Mr. O’Connor was the Chief Executive Officer of FirstLight Fiber (formerly Tech Valley Communications), based in Albany, New York. Mr. O’Connor, a Founder of the Company, successfully grew the company from the start-up phase to one of the largest fiber-based telecommunications providers in upstate New York and Northern New England with over 200,000 fibers miles…
