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City & State’s Economic & Workforce Development Summit will offer industry executives, public sector leaders and academics the opportunity to share ideas and debate over critical issues such as changes in the workforce, economic opportunities, innovative ideas to grow NY business and more. The full-day event brings together the most influential leaders and thinkers in New York’s economic development fields.
Agenda
Times are subject to change.

Andrew Kimball
President & CEONew York City Economic Development Corporation


Explore how government-led investments and policies are shaping New York’s economic transformation. This panel will focus on strategic infrastructure spending, sector-specific growth—including construction, transportation, energy, and technology—and how these efforts create new opportunities for small businesses and MWBEs. Panelists will discuss how public investment drives regional economic development and long-term prosperity.
Explore how government-led investments and policies are shaping New York’s economic transformation. This panel will focus on strategic infrastructure spending, sector-specific growth—including construction, transportation, energy, and technology—and how these efforts create new opportunities for small businesses and MWBEs. Panelists will discuss how public investment drives regional economic development and long-term prosperity.

TBD
(Moderator)KPMG

Magalie Austin
Executive Deputy CommissionerNew York City Department of Design and Construction

Cecilia Kushner
Executive Vice President for PlanningNYC Economic Development Corp

Ashley Thompson DiNardo
Senior PrincipalCozen O'Connor Public Strategies


New York faces pressing workforce challenges such as talent shortages, skills gaps, and barriers to training and employment—especially for marginalized communities. This panel will highlight targeted public policies and programs designed to overcome these obstacles, with a focus on equitable workforce development, access to training, and partnerships that align education with evolving industry demands.
New York faces pressing workforce challenges such as talent shortages, skills gaps, and barriers to training and employment—especially for marginalized communities. This panel will highlight targeted public policies and programs designed to overcome these obstacles, with a focus on equitable workforce development, access to training, and partnerships that align education with evolving industry demands.

Jason Clark
EVP, Division of Minority and Women's Business DevelopmentEmpire State Development

Douglas Lipari
Acting Executive DirectorMayor’s Office of Talent and Workforce Development

Vilda Vera Mayuga
CommissionerDepartment of Consumer and Worker Protection

Linda Mauro
Campus Operating OfficerBerkeley College in New York City


Sustainable economic growth requires coordinated efforts between government, businesses, and communities. This panel will examine practical strategies for driving small business growth and community investment, including expanding access for MWBEs, neighborhood revitalization, and innovative partnership models that foster resilient, inclusive local economies.
Sustainable economic growth requires coordinated efforts between government, businesses, and communities. This panel will examine practical strategies for driving small business growth and community investment, including expanding access for MWBEs, neighborhood revitalization, and innovative partnership models that foster resilient, inclusive local economies.

Dynishal P. Gross
CommissionerNYC Department of Small Business Services

Valerie Mulligan
Deputy Commissioner, Workforce ConnectNYC Department of Youth and Community Development

Laura G. Smith
Deputy Executive Director, Strategic PlanningNYC Department of City Planning

Travis Proulx
Vice President of External AffairsFordham University
Innovation is reshaping industries and workforce dynamics across New York. This panel brings together experts to explore how technological advances, entrepreneurship, and creative solutions are closing skill gaps, creating new job opportunities, and fueling economic competitiveness. Discussion will focus on how embracing innovation supports both business success and workforce development.
Innovation is reshaping industries and workforce dynamics across New York. This panel brings together experts to explore how technological advances, entrepreneurship, and creative solutions are closing skill gaps, creating new job opportunities, and fueling economic competitiveness. Discussion will focus on how embracing innovation supports both business success and workforce development.

David S. Berman
Director of Programs and EvaluationMayor's Office for Economic Opportunity

Nathifa Forde
Executive DirectorNYC Her Future

Carrie Torres
Director | Opportunity Programs GroupDASNY