Introducing Our Transition Committee Members: A Team Helping Shape Albany’s Future
Introducing Our Transition Committee Members: A Team Helping Shape Albany’s Future
I am proud and excited to share the list of transition committee members who are supporting this early phase of our work. Each member is contributing valuable and unique expertise as we prepare to launch a citywide survey that will create our shared vision for Albany’s bright future.
These members represent neighborhoods across the city. They have a wide range of lived experiences and professional backgrounds. Their organizations reflect Albany’s strong foundation, from local businesses, schools and community groups to arts institutions, nonprofits, and government partners. This broad representation is intentional. It ensures we reach residents in every corner of the city as we build a roadmap for real progress.
These committees are just the beginning of the opportunities we will be creating for public participation and input. We will continue our outreach to ensure a diverse array of voices informs our path forward. We are truly stronger together, and that requires hearing from everyone – especially those neighborhoods and individuals that have been traditionally overlooked.
I thank these committee members for being so generous with their time and for their shared love of our city. I look forward to receiving their recommendations and working with them to implement smart, inclusive policies that benefit all our city’s residents, businesses, organizations, and institutions.
Members of the Arts, Culture, and Entertainment Committee meet to discuss how Albany can strengthen its creative economy and expand cultural experiences for residents. Left to right: Marcus Pryor, Tony Iadicicco, Jeff Mirel, Bill Chalmers, Hettie Barnhill, Rodney Smith, and Chet Opalka. Facing away from the camera are committee co-chair Diane Eber and Dan D. Irizarry.
Arts, Culture, and Entertainment
Focused on supporting Albany’s creative economy, uplifting local artists, expanding cultural experiences, and strengthening the role of arts and entertainment in community life.
COMMITTEE CHAIRS
Kayla Carlsen, Executive Director, Albany Institute of History & Art
Diane Eber, Executive Director, The Egg
Dan D. Irizarry, Writer, Community Activist, and Founder, CD LATINOS
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Hettie Barnhill, Founder, Artistic Director & Choreographer, Activist, Educator, Filmmaker, Create A Space NOW, Barnhill Movement Collective
Bill Chalmers, Retired Assistant Provost, SUNY System Administration
Matthew DeStefano, Artist / Educator
Alan Goldberg, Board Chair, Advance Albany County Alliance
Tony Iadicicco, Executive Director, Albany Center Gallery
Kevin Johnson, Executive Director, Palace Performing Arts Center
Jeff Mirel, Principal, The Rosenblum Companies
Chet Opalka, Arts Ambassador & Philanthropist, Capital Region
Rodney Smith, CEO/Founder, Allynn Enterprises
Economic Development and Growth Strategies
Focused on strengthening Albany’s economy, supporting small businesses, expanding job opportunities, and preparing the city for long-term growth.
COMMITTEE CHAIRS
Dr. Havidán Rodríguez, President, University at Albany, State University of New York
Anders M. Tomson, President & Chief Executive Officer, Chemung Canal Trust Company
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Jeff Buell, Founder, Sequence Development
Mark Eagan, President and CEO, Capital Region Chamber & CEG
Anthony Gaddy, Co-Founder and President/CEO, Upstate New York Black Chamber of Commerce
Jahkeen Hoke, Principal, Everstead Development
Daniel P. McCoy, County Executive, Albany County
Ashley Mohl, President & CEO, Capitalize Albany Corporation; City of Albany Industrial Development Agency & Capital Resource Corporation
Sarah Reginellli, Senior Vice President, Ostroff Associates
Canyon Ryan, Executive Director, United Tenants of Albany
Karen Schupack, Owner, Albany Art Room
Georgette Steffens, Executive Director, Downtown Albany Business Improvement District
Mike Whalen, Senior Vice President, M&T Bank
Deshanna Wiggins, CEO, Albany Black Chamber of Commerce
Committee member Bill Chalmers reviews materials during a working session focused on the role of arts and culture in community life and citywide engagement.
Public Safety and Quality of Life
Focused on improving neighborhood safety, supporting community wellbeing, and strengthening the systems and partnerships that help residents feel secure, connected, and supported.
COMMITTEE CHAIRS
J. David Brown, President & Chief Executive Officer, Capital District YMCA
Jake Crawford, Chair, Albany County Democratic Committee
Dr. Janine M. Jurkowski, Albany High School Parent and Professor & Chair, Health Policy, Management, & Behavior, University at Albany, State University of New York
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Daniel Butterworth, Executive Director, Refugee & Immigrant Support Services of Emmaus
Jackie Gonzales, Project Manager, Walkable Albany, Capital Streets
Meghan Keegan, Albany Common Councilmember, 9th Ward
Tandra LaGrone, CEO, In Our Own Voices, Inc.
Youth
Focused on strengthening youth opportunity, improving access to safe and supportive environments, and expanding pathways for learning, leadership, and success.
COMMITTEE CHAIRS
Daquetta P. Jones-Johnson, Chief Executive Officer, Trinity Alliance of the Capital Region, Inc.
Manik Elahi, President, Albany County Young Democrats
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Heather Ardrey, Executive Director, Love and Serve Albany
Chris Ellis, Sr. Vice President - Albany Lead, Constantinople & Vallone Consulting
Patricia Fahy, Senator - District 46, New York State Senate
Dale Getto, Retired Principal, Albany High School
Joseph Hochreiter, Superintendent, City School District of Albany
Tony Iadicicco, Jeff Mirel, and Bill Chalmers take part in a discussion on how to better support local artists, cultural institutions, and creative spaces across Albany.
Looking Ahead
This group reflects the depth, diversity, and commitment that define Albany. Their insight, combined with input from residents through the upcoming citywide survey, will guide the development of a clear and community-driven plan for our city’s future. In the coming days, we will continue outreach that brings more voices into this process. Our civic engagement effort will create more opportunities to be heard and to help guide Albany’s next chapter.