Archives: Team Members

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…

Joe’s career in Construction Management began in 1999 in Southwest Florida. He has successfully completed projects in the commercial, industrial, and residential fields, both ground-up as well as renovations. Each project has included daily sub-contractor monitoring, scheduling, quality assurance, safety, progress reporting, and direct communication with on and off-site clientele. Joe has been responsible for managing projects both alone, away from home offices as well as with an on-site management team. His project experience spans across the North and Southeast…

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…