Archives: Team Members

Paul Nylin is an Assistant Business Manager for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 236. Nylin is a graduate of Colonie High School and, in 2015, completed the Tri-City Joint Apprenticeship Committee’s (Tri-City JATC) five-year Journeyman Wireman Apprenticeship Program. Paul also completed leadership and private-sector labor law training at Cornell University’s School of Industrial and Labor Relations. Paul has previously served as the shop steward at the Kesselring Naval Nuclear Laboratory for the team supporting the U.S. Navy’s training…

Regional Director of Client & Community Engagement. Chairperson- RCS Community Business Association. Board of Directors-Albany County IDA. Leadership Board- The Center for Economic Growth. A passionate integrated communications & marketing professional with over 20 years’ experience in public relations, contract facilitation, sales, print & digital storytelling, news-reporting, content development, creation and implementation and local economic development initiatives. Currently serving on the Board of Directors at the Albany County IDA, Chair of the Board of Directors of the Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk Community Business…

Anton Dreslin is the Deputy Commissioner for Technology at NYS Office of Information Technology Services.  He has been a board member of the Albany County Industrial Development since 2018 and a member of the Audit Committee.

Michael J. Paparian is Senior Vice President of Commercial Banking at Citizens Bank. He is responsible for the Middle Market Portfolio and new business development in Upstate New York and the Capital Region, assisting companies with a full range of financial services from credit, cash management, foreign exchange, interest rate risk management, loan syndications to M&A. He has held various positions over the years with increased responsibility. Michael is a graduate of SUNY Oneonta and received his degree in Business…

Daniel Scaring is a seasoned hospitality professional and Managing Partner at Ridgeback Hospitality Group, where he oversees a diverse portfolio of hotels and restaurants. His notable properties include HOTEL Trilogy-Hilton in Albany, Homewood Suites in Rochester, and Holiday Inn Express in Bethlehem, PA. With over two decades of experience, Daniel specializes in ownership, operation, and development, implementing sustainable practices to enhance both guest satisfaction and environmental responsibility. He holds an MBA in Real Estate from the University of Arizona’s Eller…

Susan Pedo brings more than 25 years of expertise in government affairs, communications, and economic development. She currently serves as Director of Public Information at the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance, where she leads efforts to promote voluntary tax compliance and educates the public on tax responsibilities. Susan has also served as an Albany County Legislator and a lecturer at the University at Albany. Her past leadership roles include serving as the Acting President and CEO of…

Diana is the Chief Operating Officer at Ostroff Associates, a government relations firm. With over 30 years of experience in lobbying and advocacy, Diana has a deep understanding of the legislative and regulatory landscape impacting the business community. She has successfully advanced policy initiatives at both the state and federal levels, focusing on improving the business climate and economic vitality of New York State. Diana has built strong relationships with key stakeholders in government, business, and industry, and is known…

Al Maikels is a Certified Public Account with over 45 years of experience working with businesses and individuals in the Capital District. Active in economic development initiatives in Albany County, Al has served as a Member, CFO and Chair of the Albany County Industrial Development Agency and was a Member and Treasurer of the Albany County Airport Authority. Al Maikels has been a Member of The Albany County Business Development Corporation since its inception in September 1994 and serves as…

Marcus Pryor draws inspiration from a family legacy of perseverance and service. His father, Peter Pryor, broke barriers as the first Black graduate of Albany Law School since Reconstruction and a trailblazing attorney. Growing up with this influence, Marcus developed a deep commitment to community, leadership, and fostering meaningful connections. An Albany Academy alum, Marcus’s formative experiences taught him the importance of individuality, resilience, and creating spaces where diverse perspectives are valued. These lessons have shaped his approach to both…

Michael McLaughlin serves as Deputy County Executive for Albany County, where he plays a pivotal role in managing county operations, collaborating with department heads and elected officials, and implementing policies to ensure effective delivery of services. Over his 17-year career in public service, Michael has gained extensive experience in policy development, legislative affairs, and government administration. Michael began his career as a Policy Analyst in the New York State Assembly before transitioning to the State Senate, where he served as…