STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Ever wonder who the most powerful people are on Staten Island? Who wields the most influence on the political, cultural, business, non-profit and government landscapes on our borough?
Well, wonder no more. A list of the 50 most powerful people on Staten was released yesterday.
City & State, a media company focused on government and politics in New York, compiled the “Staten Island 50” most influential men and women.
In the No. 1 spot on the list of power brokers and community leaders are hoteliers and philanthropists, Lois and Richard Nicotra, owners of the Hilton Garden in Bloomfield as well as the Commons Cafe, which donates back 100 percent of profits — close to $500,000 since 2011 — to Staten Island non-profits.
“We are thrilled that the prestigious City & State media powerhouse thinks we are worthy of this award and we congratulate all the fellow Staten Islanders on the list,” said Richard Nicotra of the recognition.
Lois Nicotra added, “Anytime a light shines on the great things that happen on Staten Island, especially to a national audience, it makes our hearts sing. We’ve always loved and believed in Staten Island – and we feel that affection reflected on us.”
Former Borough President James Molinaro, who still has tremendous influence over the Conservative Party, came in at No. 7. “I’m very grateful to the people of Staten Island who made this happen by giving me the opportunity to serve them,” he said during a phone interview.
David Sorkin, Executive Director of the Staten Island JCC, and former Councilman Alfred Cerullo III, the President and CEO of Grand Central Partnership, made the Top 10.
College of Staten Island President Dr. William Fritz, who has forged countless partnerships with businesses and non profits, also made the list.
“It is a real honor and a humbling experience to be named along with so many distinguished Staten Islanders who have given of themselves to make our borough a better place,” said Dr. Fritz. “I am also especially proud of the leadership role that the College of Staten Island is taking in the community.”
Lynn Kelly, President and CEO of Snug Harbor Cultural Center, came in at No. 38. Lynn also leads NYC & Company’s mission to promote arts and tourism on Staten Island.
“I am humbled to be recognized amongst so many Staten Islanders who love this borough and work for its betterment every day,” she said. “I am particularly honored to be in the same company as several of Snug Harbor’s board members and eight other accomplished women.”
The Staten Island 50 most influential people, as compiled by City & State are:
1: Rich and Lois Nicotra, Owners, Nicotra Properties
2: Brian Laline, Executive Editor, Staten Island Advance
3: Vincent Ignizio, CEO, Catholic Charities of Staten Island
4: John Alexander, Chairman and CEO, Northfield Bank
5: David Sorkin, Executive Director, Staten Island JCC
6: Donna Proske, Executive Director, Staten Island University Hospital
7: James Molinaro, Chairman Emeritus, Richmond County Conservative Party and Senior Managing Director, Pitta, Bishop, Del Giorno & Giblin
8: Rev. Dr. Victor Brown, Senior Pastor, Mount Sinai United Christian Church
9: Linda Baran, President and CEO, Staten Island Chamber of Commerce
10: Alfred Cerullo, President and CEO, Grand Central Partnership
11: Vincent Pitta and Jon Del Giorno, Founding Partners, Pitta Bishop Del Giorno & Giblin
12: John Gulino, Richmond County Democratic Committee Chairman
13: Ed Burke, Deputy Borough President
14: Jim Easley, General Manager, General Growth Properties
15: Allen Cappelli, Attorney, NYC Civil Service Commission
16: Terry Troia, Executive Director, Project Hospitality
17: William Fritz, President, College of Staten Island
18: Yaakov Lehrfield, Rabbi, Young Israel of Staten Island
19: Edward Delatorre, NYPD Borough Commander, Staten Island
20: Anthony Pascale, Anchor/Reporter, NY1
21: Steve Fiala, Richmond County Clerk
22: Anthony Ferreri, Executive Vice President and Chief Affiliation Officer, Northwell Health
23: Pat Caltabiano, Founder and Executive Director, World of Women
24: Frank Siller, Chairman and CEO, Tunnel to Towers Foundation
25: Deirdre DeAngelis, Principal, New Dorp High School
26: Sandy Krueger
27: Stu Brenker, Community Activist
28: James Prendamano, Managing Director, Casandra Properties
29: Farid Kader, CEO, Yellow Boots
30: Dennis Quirk, President, New York State Court Officers Association
31: Ray Masucci, President and Founder, Masucci Developers LLC
32: Kathryn Krause Rooney, Chairwoman, Richmond University Medical Center
33: Tom Cocola, Staten Island Borough Commissioner, NYC DOT
34: Dennis Mckeon, Executive Director, Where to Turn
35: Murray Berman, Real estate developer, community activist
36: Harold Wagner, Chairman, Richmond Country Conservative Party
37: Anthony Lodico, Superintendent, Staten Island Public Schools
38: Lynn Kelly, President and CEO, Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden
39: John Fusco, Staten Island Borough Hall Counsel
40: Leticia Remauro, President & CEO, The Von Agency
41: Daniel Cassella, President, Amalgamated Transit Union Local 726
42: Guy Molinari, Former Borough President
43: Al Curtis, Chairman, Staten Island Salvation Army
44: Grandmaster Jhong Uhk Kim, Businessman
45: Teddy Atlas, Founder and Chairman, Dr. Theodore A. Atlas Foundation
46: Vito Fossella Jr., Managing Director, Park Strategies
47: Bill Smith, President, Staten Island Youth Soccer League
48: Joseph Delaney, Founder, Bread of Life Food Drive
49: Ralph Porzio, Attorney
50: John Hudson Dilgen, Activist