Joe Quenqua Insurance Services / Cue Coverage Corp.
JoeQinsurance@aol.com
Joe Quenqua, commonly known as “Joe Cue,” is a life- long Professional Insurance Agent/Broker, concentrating on managing risks for his personal and commercial clients. Joe’s areas of expertise include all commercial risks, with specialties in trade and general construction contractors, commercial real estate, all types of wholesale businesses and many not-for-profit agencies. Joe also enjoys providing important protection for individuals’ homes, cars, boats and other valuable assets. Along the way, he has developed many long-term relationships with Insurance Carriers and many professional underwriters. Joe attended The College of Insurance and earned certificates in various areas of his profession.
Joe has been privileged to serve on the TSICARES Board since 2005 and has been Chairman of the Board most of that time. It has been a joy to witness the growth and importance of TSINY and serving both Drs. Eve Hazel and Larry Grubler.
Most important to Joe is his loving relationship with his wife, Pam, their 3 Children and 5 grandchildren, as long as they all allow him to watch The NY Yankees games.
Joe Cue Quenqua
303 East 83rd Street
Unit 31 F
New York, New York 10028
Cue Coverage Corp.
516-456-7790
Tommy DiMisa
Vanguard Insurance Agency
Tommy D grew up on Long Island and worked in bars and restaurants while attending Chaminade High School. He then started tending bar after graduation and through his college years. Later, he began a long career in sales and business development culminating in his current position as Director of Strategic Alliances for the Vanguard Insurance Agency.
Tommy is very focused on working with and serving the nonprofit sector, which he accomplishes through multiple board positions and volunteer work. This interest has pushed Tommy to launch his new podcast, Philanthropy in Phocus. On this show Tommy interviews executive leaders of nonprofit organizations to help them amplify their stories. It is this interest in the nonprofit sector that has propelled the Vanguard Insurance Agency forward and service to nonprofits has become part of the firm’s DNA.
Each day there are 2 driving forces that inspire Tommy D, the words impact and value. These words act as questions that he answers regularly about his choices. Will this make the right impact? Are we adding value? Known by many as a “connector,” Tommy D is responsible for sourcing many opportunities for business introductions each week. It has become his passion and commitment to make sure that when he sees a mutually beneficial business relationship that he makes an introduction ASAP. This has also led to Tommy’s role as National Director of Sales for the national networking organization, THE Networking Group (TNG).
Tommy lives on Long Island with his wife, Christine, four children – 2 daughters and 2 sons.
Tommy DiMisa
Director of Strategic Alliances
Vanguard Insurance Agency
155 Pinelawn Road, Suite 210N
Melville, New York 11747
Cell: 516-492-4928
Fax: 516-888-7496
Konstantina “Dina” Foukas is an experienced banker whose career in banking spans 30 years.
In 1990, Konstantina started her banking career with State Savings and Loan. She then moved to Independence Community Bank in 1992, where she held multiple positions such as Head Teller, Assistant Branch Manager, Branch Manager and Area Manager. Prior to joining Dime Community Bank, Konstantina held the position of Vice President, Area Manager for Sovereign Bank, with responsibilities for sales and operations in Queens. Today she serves as the Assistant Vice President and Branch Manager of Dime’s Bayside Branch, which is located at 61-38 Springfield Boulevard, Bayside, New York.
As a Dime Branch Manager, Konstantina actively participates in community events and organizations in Queens. For the past two years, she has supported TSINY on behalf of Dime Community Bank. She has also supported the Bayside Historical Society with events for five years. As a personal philosophy and approach to community service, Konstantina believes in lending her time and skills to support the community. “I believe that as a manager of a community bank that has a legacy of over 150 years of supporting our communities, it is important that I give back to the community I serve,” noted Konstantina. “In addition, I want the community to know that Dime understands, and I am here to assist them with their needs” she added.
Konstantina has grown up in Queens and continues to live in the Queens area with her husband and 2 children.
Konstantina’s educational background in finance and management stems from her studies at Empire State University in Old Westbury, New York.
Konstantina (Dina) Foukas
Assistant VP / Branch Manager
Dime Community Bank
61-38 Springfield Boulevard
Bayside, New York 11364
718-782-6200 Ext. 5579
Cell: 917-770-6980
Michael Golub, Executive Fleet Consultant
Enterprise Fleet Management
Michael began his career with Enterprise as a college intern and after receiving 6 promotions and numerous accolades, he now serves as an Executive Fleet Consultant in the NY/NJ/CT Regional Headquarters. Michael works closely with organizations that operate 20+ non-CDL vehicles and helps them lower their expenses related to vehicle acquisition, fuel, maintenance, funding & resale. His experience and expertise in the automobile industry allows him to develop customized fleet plans that not only reduce expenses for his clients, but also improve safety & brand image.
Michael Golub
Executive Fleet Consultant
Enterprise Fleet Management
83-34 23rd Avenue, 2nd Floor
East Elmhurst, New York 11370
718-334-7543
Cell: (631) 388-1569
Brendan Leavy, Business Development Manager
Queens Chamber of Commerce
Brendan Leavy, Business Development Manager at Queens Chamber of Commerce, Bayside, New York has over 25 years’ experience in sales, sales management and business development and relationship management. The bulk of his career has been spent as a licensed insurance broker/risk management professional with extensive commercial and personal lines experience. Brendan owned and managed his own insurance agency for over 16 years. Commercial Insurance experience includes managing insurance & risk management programs for General Contractors, Large Trade Contractors, Developers, Hotel Owners & Operators, Property Owners & Managers, REITs, Wholesale Food Distributors, Staffing Companies, Non-Profit Organizations, Private Schools, Religious Institutions and more. Expertise insuring Construction/Development projects, Artisan Contractors Programs, et al, Personal lines experience includes Automobile Insurance, Homeowners Insurance, Personal Umbrella Policies, Term and Permanent Life Insurance policies, Annuities.
Brendan Leavy
Queens Chamber of Commerce
75-20 Astoria Boulevard #140
Jackson Heights, New York 11370
718-898-8500
Cell: 718-541-0715
Nathan Lewkowicz, President
Grober Imbey
Nathan is the President of Grober Imbey Insurance agency. Nathan provides overall leadership for the agency and in addition manages many of the largest carrier relationships. His main areas of expertise include personal lines high net worth insurance & commercial insurance. Nathan Lewkowicz brings to this role over 15 years of experience in the Insurance Industry. Prior to joining Grober Imbey Insurance Agency, Nathan spent time working in leadership positions for AIG Private Client Group, Progressive Insurance, and most recently NatGen Premier. Nathan graduated from the University of Rhode Island with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing. He is a board member of multiple not- for-profits in New York. Away from the office, Nathan devotes his free time to the enjoyment of family and his love of sports.
Nathan Lewkowicz
President
Grober Imbey Agency, Inc.
One Sunrise Plaza
Valley Stream, New York 11580
516-872-9500
Cell: 201-913-3843
Fax: 516-872-1594
Anita Mancini, LCSW, MBA
Zucker Hillside Hospital
Anita Mancini, LCSW, MBA is the Director of Business Development at Zucker Hillside Hospital, a behavioral health facility, part of Northwell Health, providing comprehensive inpatient and outpatient services for people suffering with mental health issues throughout the life cycle.
Anita began her career as a social worker in 1984 at a Continuing Day Treatment Program, part of Catholic Charities, working with individuals with chronic mental illness. This was followed by a social work position at St. Vincent’s Hospital inpatient substance abuse detox/rehabilitation program. She then worked at Holliswood Hospital in several positions in the Marketing Department.
Anita is a co-founder of the HBA – Health & Business Alliance – and serves on the Boards of several organizations.
Anita Mancini, LCSW
Director of Business Development
The Zucker Hillside Hospital
Ambulatory Care Pavilion
75-59 263rd Street
Glen Oaks, New York 11004
718-470-8250
Fax: 718-470-4373
Janet Miele-Powers, MA, LNHA, HSE
Experienced Licensed Nursing Home Administrator
Experienced Executive Director with a demonstrated history of working in the hospital & health care industry. Skilled in all aspects of long-term healthcare including performance Improvement, Medicaid, healthcare Industry and physician relations. Strong administrative professional with a Master of Arts (M.A.) focused in Health/Health Care Administration/Management from Hofstra University. Recently retired.
Janet Miele-Powers, MA, LNHA, HSE
Cell: 917-373-8748
Susan E. Preslier, CFM
First Vice President, Merrill Lynch
Susan focuses on offering a comprehensive approach to managing wealth that begins with getting to know a client and the client’s family, financial situation and what matters most to them. She then helps them create a customized wealth management approach that can be flexible as their needs and market conditions change. She provides access to the investment insights of Merrill and banking convenience of Bank of America to help address the various aspects of clients’ financial lives. She is driven by her passion for delivering excellent service and helping clients pursue their goals.
Susan E. Preslier, CFM
First VP/Certified Financial Manager
Merrill Lynch
36-35 Bell Boulevard
Bayside, New York 11361
718-281-7750 or 888-264-5912
Fax: 1-718-577-1118
susan_preslier@ml.com
Edward Probst
Founding Partner of Vanguard Insurance Agency
Ed Probst is an Employee Benefit Specialist and seasoned veteran of the Insurance industry. Ed is a founding Partner of Vanguard Insurance Agency, which was established in 1999. He currently acts as President and is responsible for the strategic direction of the organization. He has a particular expertise and knowledge in the areas of Employee Benefits, Group Insurance, The Affordable Care Act and ERISA. While throughout his career he has worked with clients in a vast array of professions, he has carved a niche in working with the Non-Profit Sector.
Ed holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the New York Institute of Technology. Over the course of his career, he has earned numerous professional designations including Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU), Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC), Registered Health Underwriter (RHU), Healthcare Reform Specialist (HCR), Chartered Healthcare Consultant (ChHC) and Registered Employee Benefit Consultant (REBC). He has also been a long-time member and supporter of the National Association of Health Underwriters (NAHU).
Ed Probst
Vanguard Insurance Agency
155 Pinelawn Road, Suite 210N
Melville, New York 11747
516-872-2017 X201
Cell: 917-658-3962
Fax: 516-888-7496
Joseph Sciame, Vice-President for Community Relations
St. John’s University
Joseph Sciame, Vice-President for Community Relations at St. John’s University since 1994, has been a seasoned administrator in higher education, having been a vice-president in several areas, namely, enrollment management for admissions and financial aid. He commenced his studies at the University and transferred to evening classes while working at the University in 1962 in the registrar and admissions offices. A staunch believer in consensus building, he has been a major force in sound community relations at St. John’s, as he helped to guide the community during the years of transforming the University from a day hop school to on campus living, and was, therefore, involved in community meetings that brought about a greater respect for the growth and ongoing development of a university that celebrates this year its 150th Anniversary. He has been the National Chair of the National Association of Financial Aid Administrators and is currently the President of the Sons of Italy Foundation, having been its National President. Born in East New York, he is a resident of New Hyde Park since 1955.
Joseph Sciame
Vice President for Community Relations
St. John’s University
8000 Utopia Parkway
Jamaica, New York 11439
718-990-1941
Fax: 718-990-1920
Joan Serrano Laufer, Executive Director
Queensboro Council for Social Welfare
Joan Serrano Laufer, LMSW, ACSW, has been the Executive Director of Queensboro Council for Social Welfare (QCSW) for over 30 years. Established in 1922, as one of five community councils, it is the only one remaining. QCSW currently provides information about human services to Queens residents and training to human service providers especially those entering these professions. QCSW assists service providers and community groups, such as senior centers, by connecting speakers with the community groups to share-up to-date information. Individuals get assistance and support finding needed services.
Joan has extensive experience working with people with intellectual disabilities and community organizations. Joan has served on a variety of Queens Advisory Boards including Queens Mental Health Council, Visions and Queens Legal Services. She currently serves on the Board of Queens Public Television.
Joan Serrano Laufer, LMSW, ACSW, Executive Director
Queensboro Council for Social Welfare, Inc.
120-55 Queens Blvd., Room 325
Kew Gardens, NY 11424
she,her,hers
Sasha Soon, Ph.D
Bleuler Psychotherapy Center
Dr. Sasha Soon holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology with a history of working in education and behavioral health for over 11 years. Before attaining her doctorate, Dr. Soon completed a master’s degree in Forensic Psychology and worked with the mental health needs of the criminal justice population in Brooklyn and Queens. In her early career as a psychologist, Dr. Soon worked in higher education as a counselor and an adjunct professor that set the stage for her current position at the Bleuler Psychotherapy Center, Inc. (BPC). Dr. Soon has been employed at the BPC for over 11 years beginning with a position as a clinician and for the last four years as the agency’s Director of Intake and Community Relations. She is currently focused on connecting Bleuler to other community-based organizations in an effort to bring vital services to the agency’s clients as well as promote the reputation of the center.
Dr. Soon has been a member of the TSI CARES advisory board for the last two years and brings her experience in Behavioral Health to the table in an effort to promote the mission and vision of TSINY.
Sasha Soon, Ph.D.
Director of Intake & Community Relations
Bleuler Psychotherapy Center
104-70 Queens Boulevard, Suite 200
Forest Hills, New York 11375
718-275-6010
Fax: 718-275-6062
Lori Starita
TD Bank
Lori Starita, with over 30 years of banking experience, joined TD Bank N.A. as a Store Manager in 2008 at the Francis Lewis and Northern Boulevard store in Flushing, New York. Her focus in the community centers around creating and building long lasting relationships that enrich the organizations, businesses and personal clients she and her team serve. A recent transplant from Whitestone to Long Island, Lori’s love of the community is what has made her an expert daily commuter. She just can’t part with the community! On the personal side, she’s become an avid traveler and is always looking for a recommendation to see a new land and meet new people. Rather than picking up souvenirs, she enjoys bringing back recipes she can cook for family and friend gatherings.
Lori Starita
Auburndale Manager
TD Bank
196-41 Northern Boulevard
Flushing, New York 11358-3096
718-428-8649
Cell: 917-239-1481
Fax: 718-428-3014
Keren G. Birnbaum, Esq.
Schwartz Ettenger, PLLC
Keren G. Birnbaum, Esq. is a senior associate with Schwartz Ettenger, PLLC where she concentrates her practice in the areas of Estate Planning, Trust and Estate Administration and Elder Law. She has over 10 years of experience advising clients on how to protect themselves, their loved ones and their business in the event of death, incapacity or disability.
For many clients, estate and long-term care planning can be an intimidating process. Ms. Birnbaum walks them through the steps, listening to their concerns and educating them about their options. Her practice covers a wide range of matters, including: Wills, Trusts, Estate Planning, Health Care Proxy, Living Will, Durable Power of Attorney, Trust and Estate Administration, Probate, Asset Protection, Medicaid and Long-Term Care Planning, Charitable Giving, Business Succession Planning, and Disability Planning.
Ms. Birnbaum earned her law degree at Hofstra University School of Law and her Bachelor’s Degree at Brandeis University. She is admitted to the New York State Bar, is a member of the New York State Bar Association, Queens County Bar Association, Brandeis Association, and is an active member of the Elder Law and Trusts and Estates Sections of the New York State Bar Association. Ms. Birnbaum has also lectured and published articles on various elder law and estate planning issues.
Ms. Birnbaum is a devoted wife and mother to three beautiful girls. She enjoys spending time with her family and is an active community member dedicating her spare time to her local synagogue and her children’s schools as Corresponding Secretary of the Parent Teacher Organization.
Keren G. Birnbaum, Esq.
Schwartz Ettenger, PLLC
445 Broad Hollow Road, Suite 205
Melville, New York 11747
631-777-2401 ext. 31
Fax: 631-777-2402
kb@selawny.com
Michelle Greco, Vice President
Land Star Title Agency
Michelle Greco is a Vice President of Business Development at LandStar Title Agency. LandStar Title Agency is a national service provider for commercial and residential transactions.
Michelle grew up on Long Island where she attended St. Anthony’s High School. She holds a BS in Business Management from the University of Miami. She is part of the membership committee for CREW New York.
Michelle Greco
Land Star Title Agency55 Cherry Lane
Suite 200
Carle Place, NY 11514
516-336-2020 Cell: 516-754-4212
Daniel Hochler, Managing Associate
Forest Hills Financial Group (FHFG)
Daniel’s primary focus is being a resource and advocate to his clients for both their professional and personal needs. He understands that going above and beyond to meet the needs and desires of his clients is crucial to building and keeping long standing relationships based on trust and integrity.
Daniel is passionate about helping millennials and their parents plan for a comfortable and secure retirement by offering them time-tested financial strategies that will help them reach and surpass their goals.
Daniel graduated from Hofstra University with a B.A. in Psychology. During his college years, he worked with attorneys in different areas of practice and describes himself as a business strategist and critical thinker for young entrepreneurs, small business owners and professionals.
After one semester of law school, a family friend introduced him to the financial services industry and to FHFG. Daniel realized it gave him the opportunity to not only help himself, but to help others as well and his alternative career path from law was chosen.
Dan’s strong sense of community keeps him actively involved as a member of the Hofstra University GOLD Alumni Association, the Gotham City Networking Organization, which includes over 900 members in 45 different groups, a member of The Friars Club, a Fraternal Organization made up in a large part of celebrities and comedians, and the Secretary Treasurer of BNI Chapter 47. In his spare time Dan enjoys collecting sports memorabilia, playing poker and going to rock concerts.
Daniel Hochler
Managing Associate
Forest Hills Financial Group
122 East 42nd Street, Suite 220 New York, NY 10168
646-638-9863
(Cell) 516-712-9556
Matthew A. Thompson, CFP, CIMA
Morgan Stanley
Matthew A. Thompson, CFP®, CIMA® has been providing highly customized advice, personalized investment solutions and financial planning services to individuals and multi-generational families for more than 23 years. As the financial services industry has moved to a more consultative approach, his corporations and non-profit organizations have looked for guidance in strategic planning, employee engagement and corporate benefits in addition to the traditional financial services. His numerous titles include: First Vice President; Family Wealth Advisor, Alternative Investment Director, Senior Investment Management Consultant, Senior Portfolio Manager, Financial Planning Specialist and Financial Advisor.
A graduate of Occidental College with an Advanced B.A. in both Economics and Geology, Matthew is committed to continued higher learning. In 2006, he received his Certified Investment Management Analyst® (CIMA®) certification from The Wharton School of Business. This prestigious designation focuses on asset allocation, ethics, due diligence, risk measurement, investment policy and performance management and is the only credential designed specifically for financial professionals who attain a level of competency as an advanced investment consultant.
In addition, Matthew earned his CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) designation in 2011. As a CFP®, Matt has successfully completed the rigorous education, examination, experience and ethics requirements required by the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Board of Standards, an independent professional regulatory organization. As such, he holds himself to and is held to the highest standards of ethics and competency for his clients.
Having a presence in the local community is one of his personal undertakings. He is currently Chairman of the Board for the American Red Cross on Long Island and on the Board of Directors for the Greater New York Region. In 2020, he was asked to join Board of Directors for the Bayside Business Association. He is also a member of the regional planning community for his alma mater, a member of ADDAPT, the Queens Chamber of Commerce, the 2019 Class of Molloy College’s Energeia Partnership and teaches financial literacy to local high schools as a SIFMA Foundation volunteer. He was recognized as a “King of Long Island” by Star Network/Schneps Communication in 2017.
For the past 9 years, Matthew has resided in Pelham Manor, NY, with his wife, Heather, and their two children, Neala and Liam. In his leisure time, he can be found coaching his daughter’s soccer team, playing golf with family and friends and is an avid wine collector.
Matt Thompson, CFP
First VP / Senior Portfolio Manager
Morgan Stanley
1010 Northern Boulevard, Suite 214Great Neck, New York 11021
516-773-7236
Fax: 516-773-7283
matthew.a.thompson@morganstanley.com