Mission & Leadership
Our Mission
The APDC strives to responsibly and effectively manage the publicly-owned maritime Port of Albany-Rensselaer, contributing to the economy of the Capital Region and beyond while emphasizing transparency and public stewardship. The APDC’s mission consists of three main tenets:
Effective Management of the Public’s Asset
The APDC leads and manages the maritime operations and infrastructure of the publicly-owned Ports of Albany and Rensselaer the public deserves effective management of, and a return of investment on, their asset – the Port of Albany-Rensselaer.– Economic
Economic Contribution to the Region
The APDC’s activities should foster maritime and land-based economic activity, emphasize safety and security, and promote environmental/energy sustainability the port should add value to the Capital Region’s economy.
Integrity, Professionalism and Customer Service
The APDC’s decisions and actions must always be rooted in public stewardship – integrity, professionalism, and customer service guide every Port decision and activity.
Through the execution of this mission, APDC has emerged as an award-winning, multi-faceted organization offering world-class facilities and services with a world-wide economic influence.
Performance Measurements
The following are the measurements by which the Albany Port District Commission’s performance and the achievement of its mission may be measured:
- Estimated total economic Impact
- Estimated total local and statewide jobs supported
- Ships entering the Port during per year
- Tonnage crossing the wharfs per year
- Tonnage being stored in the maritime area
- Number of longshore labor hours worked during the year
- Percent of available real property in the Port being leased for commercial activity
- Rent per acre being realized from leases to tenants
- Operating profit/loss
Board Members
The Albany Port District Commission (APDC) is the government entity charged with operating the Port of Albany. Created by the laws of the State of New York in 1925, the Commission consists of five members, four appointed by the Governor upon nomination of the Mayor of Albany, and one appointed by the Governor upon nomination of the Mayor of Rensselaer.
Commission Board and Bios
Georgette Steffens
Commissioner of the Albany Port District Commission appointed by the Governor in April 2015, she was first appointed to the board in 2012. Georgette Steffens has been the Executive Director of the Downtown Albany Business Improvement District, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the vitality and vibrancy of New York’s Capital City, since 2009. In her current capacity she has overseen the marketing of and visual improvements to Downtown, office attraction and retention programs, residential conversion incentive programs, and special events targeted to draw visitors to the Downtown area.
Prior to accepting the position with the Downtown Albany BID Georgette served as the Director of Operations for Triad Consulting Group of Cambridge, Massachusetts, a 15 year old consulting firm with over $3 million in sales that specializes in communication and negotiation. Ms. Steffens streamlined their internal processes and was responsible for human resources, marketing, and the expansion of the company with a new location in London.
Previously, Ms. Steffens worked for the City of Albany, serving as Director of the Albany HomeStore. Her accomplishments there included the development and implementation of an Employer Assisted Housing Program for local colleges and a down-payment assistance program for prospective homeowners. Georgette also served as an Economic Developer for the City of Albany with her main focus being on Downtown and waterfront redevelopment, with the pedestrian bridge that crosses I-787 to connect Downtown to the waterfront as one of her main projects.
She is a Board member on both the New York State Urban Council and the Albany Roundtable. She is also a member of the Steffens Scleroderma Center Advisory Board.
Dominick Tagliento
Appointed to the Albany Port District Commission in 2009. Commissioner Tagliento served as the Commissioner for both the Department of Public Works and the Water and Sewer Department for the City of Rensselaer from 2013 to 2019. Prior to that he served the City of Rensselaer as a Councilman representing the 5th Ward. Dominick was also a successful small-business owner, operating Tagliento’s Deli in Rensselaer for over forty-five years. Commissioner Tagliento serves as Chairman of the Governance Committee.
Michael Cinquanti, Esq.
Appointed to the Albany Port District Commission in 2019, Michael brings a background in law and government relations to the Board. He has worked in Albany for over ten years representing various interests before federal, state and local governments. His advocacy spans across multiple areas including labor, business regulations, procurement, infrastructure and tax law. Currently he serves as the Senior Vice President and Counsel at O’Donnell & Associates. Prior to that he represented the North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters, where he managed the union’s legislative agenda in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware and Maryland. A long time resident of Albany, Michael has a passion for economic development and local revitalization that the Port’s efforts are creating. Recognized as a Rising Star by City & State, he holds a B.S. from Ithaca College and a J.D. from Albany Law School.
Joseph E. Coffey, Jr., P.E.
Appointed Commissioner of the City of Albany Department of Water and Water Supply in January 2014. In this role, he is responsible for the leadership, management, operation and maintenance of the City of Albany’s water source, treatment and distribution system; the combined sewer system; and administration of the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit program. licensed NYS Professional Engineer, Joe has held Executive Leadership and Management positions for over 35 years with several Environmental and Engineering Consulting firms and was also the Executive Director of the University Heights Association, a not for profit consortium of the Albany Medical Center, the Albany Law School, the Albany College of Pharmacy and the Sage Colleges created to enhance the academic mission of each institution through campus expansion and renovation, shared business services, integration of technology, economic development, neighborhood revitalization and program development and management. Joe has also served on many professional, business and community Boards.
Joe holds a BS Degree in Engineering from Boston University and a MEng Degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. His thesis topic was “Water Quality of Saratoga Lake” and his technical expertise is in Environmental Engineering.
Warren W. Abriel Jr.
Warren was appointed Chief of the Albany Department of Fire and Emergency Services in March of 2014. Chief Abriel was responsible for the leadership and management of this 260 person department. Warren is a fourth generation Albany firefighter who retired from the Department in July 2018 after a forty-six year career. He has been an adjunct professor at SUNY Empire State College for thirty-three years teaching management and fire service courses to fire officers and firefighters in the eastern United States, Canada, and Abroad. Shortly after his retirement Warren was selected to be Board Member on the “Albany Municipal Water Finance Authority”.
Warren holds a Master’s Degree in “Public Administration” from Russel Sage College in Albany. He also has membership in numerous organizations such as the “International Association of Fire Chief’s”, the “National Fire Protection Association” and the “New York State Association of Fire Chief’s”.
Management Team
Richard J. Hendrick,
Chief Executive Officer
Rich was selected by the Board of Commissioners to serve as the Chief Executive Officer of the Port of Albany-Rensselaer beginning in June 2008. During this time the Port has experienced historical increases in ships, tonnage and longshore labor hours worked at the Port. Rich has also overseen the largest capital investment and infrastructure upgrades since the Port was established in 1932, nearing $100 million. Rich serves on the Board of Commissioners of Pilots of the State of New York and is on the Board of Directors of the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) United States – North Atlantic Ports and serves as Secretary/Treasurer of the North Atlantic Ports Association. Rich is also on the Board of the Historic Cherry Hill in South Albany and serves on the Board of Directors of the W.F. Bruen Hose Company [Clinton Heights Fire Department] in East Greenbush, NY. Prior to serving as GM, he was the Director of Security and Threat Assessment for the Port of Albany. Rich retired from City of Albany Police Department as a Detective after serving for 17 years.
Patrick K. Jordan,
General Counsel
Summary of duties: Chief legal officer of the Port of Albany-Rensselaer, serving as principal legal counsel to the Board of Commissioners, the Chief Executive Officer and APDC staff in the execution of the Port’s mission and duties. Represents the APDC in litigation and any other legal proceedings. Directs the work of legal staff and retained outside counsel. Drafts and/or reviews all legal agreements (e.g. contracts, leases, bids) regarding APDC tenants, vendors, consultants and projects. Coordinates the drafting of APDC policies and procedures to ensure legal compliance. Drafts Board resolutions and regulations and coordinates Board agendas to ensure compliance with public authority statutory requirements. Designated as the Port’s Ethics Officer and Freedom of Information Officer. Reports directly to both the Chief Executive Officer and to the APDC Board.
Professional Background Summary: Before joining the Port, Patrick was the Deputy Corporation Counsel for the City of Albany, where he was charged with advising the City administration and various departments. Additionally he was responsible for handling civil litigation and for matters relating to real property including defending the city’s tax assessments of commercial properties in Supreme Court. While with the City, Patrick was also the counsel to the City’s Common Council, Planning Board and the Citizens’ Police Review Board. In an earlier position, he worked for the law firm of Read & Laniado, LLP handling legal matters related to the environmental regulation of power plants. Patrick is a 2002 graduate of Albany Law School, where he was an associate editor of the Albany Law Journal of Science and Technology. He is a former member of the law school’s Board of Trustees and is currently a member of the National Alumni Association, serving as President from 2016-18. Patrick earned his BA from Siena College in 1998.
John C. Kosa,
Director of Operations and Facilities
Provides oversight of the APDC maintenance team on maintenance and investment in APDC buildings/equipment and real property. Ensures that appropriate strategic investments are planned and made to maintain necessary standards for APDC operations, tenants and customers. Assists in the planning, development and management of Port projects for infrastructure investments.
Professional Background Summary: Prior to joining the Port of Albany, John worked for the City of Albany Department of Water & Water Supply for over 24 years. During his tenure, John served as Assistant Commissioner for the Department for 5 years, Operations Manager for 12 years and held other management and blue collar union positions. John served as a NYS licensed Home Inspector for several years and is currently a Certified Professional Trainer.
Roddy Yagan,
Senior Construction Project Manager
Summary of duties: Responsible for oversight and management of the Port’s Offshore Wind Tower Manufacturing Expansion Project. Coordinates all aspects of a multi-disciplinary construction project from integrating the design stage, bidding, contract execution, through construction and project closeout in accordance with the contract documents.
Professional Background Summary: Roddy joined the APDC with a broad background in structural engineering design, construction, and project management across a range of markets including power, heavy industrial, water/wastewater, education, healthcare, aviation, government/public/municipal, and entertainment. Before joining the Port, he was an Engineer with CG Power Solutions then CHA Consulting, and Project Manager with OGS Design & Construction and with Peter Luizzi & Bros. Contracting. He is a 2012 graduate of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and is a licensed professional engineer. A City of Troy resident, Roddy is also a commissioner for the City of Troy Planning Commission.
John Schneidawin,
Director of Strategic Initiatives
Summary of duties: The Director of Strategic Initiatives, under the direction of the Chief Commerce Officer, is responsible for development and implementation of APDC’s economic development planning and practices, commercial recruitment, and site development programs, as well as programs to encourage the retention and expansion of existing businesses in the Port. This includes: the strategic development of economic opportunities, grant development and project assistance.
Professional Background Summary: John previously served as the Chief Business Development & Innovation Officer for Suffolk County’s Department of Economic Development and Planning. Throughout his time at Suffolk County, he oversaw the department’s business development functions, industry and workforce development initiatives, communications, intergovernmental relations, foreign trade and investment efforts and its Office of Cultural Affairs. He also managed the county’s tourism and promotion agency contract and was appointed by the County Executive to the County’s Renewable Energy Jobs Task Force. During the onset of the pandemic, he was assigned to work with the County’s Dept. of Health Services to help develop a business response and recovery plan along with a website to help bring awareness to the many executive orders coming from the Governor’s office impacting the business community. Shortly after successful implementation of the business recovery plan and response website he was assigned to lead a specialized team to procure PPE for the county’s first responders, healthcare professionals and essential workers. John has collaborated with and maintains meaningful relationships with multiple organizations, various governmental agencies and industry associations that foster economic development and enhance the quality of life throughout Long Island and across New York State.
Prior to his first role in government administration John was a Business Development Officer for Teachers Federal Credit Union where he assisted business owners and commercial real estate professionals in obtaining funding to grow their businesses and manage their expenses. He has served as the Treasurer and Executive Board member of the Huntington Arts Council and as a Director and steering committee member of the Huntington Township Housing Coalition.
John is the Founder & President of Millennial Leadership, Inc. and past chair of the Millennial Leadership Coalition. He was a board member of REFIT-NY and a member of the HIA-LI’s HYPE advisory squad. He was a member of the Suffolk County Legislature’s Next Generation Advisory Council and a previous appointee to Suffolk County’s Citizens Advisory Board for the Arts. John previously served as a Board of Education trustee for the North Babylon School District and has been recognized by community groups, associations and other organizations such as being named one of Long Island’s 30 Young Professionals under the age of 30 in 2016, was the recipient of the prestigious Scott Martella Alumni Award in 2022, was recognized by the Long Island Business News as an honoree of its 40 under 40 award in 2022 and recognized by the Parkdale Civic Association for his service as its past President. John obtained an MBA in Strategic Business Management from Hofstra University and a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Dowling College.
Penelope Vavura,
Director of External Affairs
Summary of duties: Responsible for communications and managing the Port of Albany’s brand, messaging, engagement among its community, governmental, industry, and media relationships. Manages communications contribution to the Port’s mission and works to advance strategic priorities through media relations, special events, community engagement, collateral development, advertising and marketing, social media, and internal communications.
Professional Background Summary: Prior to joining the Albany Port District Commission, Penny spent 25+ years building on her experience in public relations, marketing and development in the arts (New York State Museum Institute, Albany Institute of History & Art) and agency-side (Sawchuk Brown Associates and Pierce Communications) where she counseled health care, energy, retail, food, financial, cultural/tourism, education, and association clients from the Capital Region, New York State and across the country. Her client work has been recognized with a Mark of Excellence Award from the Albany chapter of the American Marketing Association, with Silver ADDYs from the Albany Ad Club and with Empire Awards from the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Capital Region Chapter. In 2012, Penny was named the Outstanding Public Relations Practitioner by PRSA Capital Region. She is an active community volunteer and current serves as vice president of the Board of Directors for the Friends of the Pine Bush Community in Albany.
Megan Daly,
Chief Commerce Officer
Summary of duties:
The Chief Commerce Officer (CCO) oversees APDC’s economic development, business development, strategic development and opportunities, grant development, project assistance, communications, marketing, and sales. Must be keenly aware of organizational growth initiatives related to international, national and regional markets. Reports directly to both the Chief Executive Officer and APDC Board; the CCO serves as the CEO in the CEO’s absence, exercising authorities specifically delegated for these occasions.
Professional Background Summary: Prior to joining the Port of Albany, Megan served as lead staff for the New York Governor’s Statewide Regional Economic Development Council Program. This included coordinating 10 Regional Councils, tracking more than 1,400 awarded CFA projects; $1.5 Billion in funding and leveraging more than $5 Billion in matching funds. From 2007-2012, Megan was the Deputy Commissioner for the City of Albany Economic Development and served as a senior member of the Economic Development team for the City of Albany since 2002. Megan was a Senior Economic Developer for Albany County beginning in 1999. Megan holds a Masters in Urban and Regional Planning from the University at Albany. She studied for a year at the University of Maryland’s Master’s program where she participated in an industrial study at the Port of Baltimore.
Christine Stuto,
Chief Financial Officer
Summary of duties: Responsible for APDC accounting and financial management programs and processes. Supervises, coordinates and executes internal control and auditing functions, including budget management, cash management, general ledger, investments, prompt payment of invoices and financial reporting. Reports to the CEO and Board of Commissioners, providing financial leadership. Works with the APDC CEO related to the operation planning process and assists the APDC leadership with the annual APDC business plan.
Professional Background Summary: Christine comes to the Port from Berkshire Farm Center and Service for Youth, a child welfare agency serving youth and families throughout the state of New York, where she was the Director of Finance and responsible for the financial operations of their $45 million budget. Christine has an extensive financial management background, with the majority of her career spent working at not-for-profit and government related agencies. She also worked locally for CFO-For-Hire, providing consulting and accounting services to various clients. Christine holds her Bachelor of Science in Accounting degree from Bentley College in Waltham, MA.
Eileen Criscione,
Accounting and HR Manager
Summary of duties: Coordinates all accounting processes following internal procedures. Contact for accounts payable and receivable transactions including review of purchase order and payment requests. Provides financial data for required for grant and administrative reporting. Administers payroll and processes retirement transactions. Assists APDC employees with human resources transactions and inquiries.
Professional Background Summary: Eileen joined APDC with an extensive background including professional work with real estate, grant funded non-profit and medical insurance/billing organizations. Eileen has worked as a Staff Accountant and has performed consultant work with private as well as government funded entities. She is a graduate of the College of St. Rose and a licensed personal lines insurance agent. A lifelong City of Albany resident, Eileen has volunteered much time with the Albany City Schools and is the former treasurer of Albany Booster Club.
James P. Williams,
Maintenance Supervisor
Summary of duties: Responsible for the oversight of all maintenance & repair of APDC equipment, grounds, buildings, including financial and quality control tracking for maintenance, repair, and inventory of port owned fleet and supplies.
Professional Background Summary: Served the APDC as a Laborer, Fleet Mechanic and Maintenance Foreman for several years. Jim offers oversight and experience in several areas of the Port Maintenance and Operations Departments. Jim is also a Safety Officer and works closely with PERMA to ensure safety is prioritized.
Josh Ostrander,
Maintenance/Operations Foreman
Summary of duties: Responsible for oversight and management of the Maintenance and Operations Staff. Schedules daily work duties and provides oversight and assistance to his staff. Maintains records and tracks time and attendance.
Professional Background Summary: Josh served the APDC for several years as a laborer. He handles staff training as well as oversight of Port maintenance projects performed by the Maintenance and Operations Staff. Josh also holds a certification in soil and erosion control issued by the NYSDEC.
Cheryl Stock,
Facility Security Officer (FSO)/ Security Director
Summary of duties: The FSO at the
Albany Port District Commission oversees the security of operations of the Port of Albany which includes facilities encompassing 400 acres of land on both east and west sides of the Hudson River. Ensure the development and implementation of a Facility Security Plan (FSP) per 33 Code Federal Regulation or 33CFR § 105.220 Drill and exercise requirements and ensure the FSP is exercised.
Professional Background Summary: Prior to joining the Port of Albany, Cheryl has worked in the retail industry in both a management capacity as well in buying. She has worked in both residential and commercial real estate as a licensed real estate agent. And worked in business development and marketing capacities for not for profits. Cheryl holds an Associates Degree in Buying and Merchandising as well as a Bachelors Degree in Marketing from the Fashion Institute of Technology. Cheryl is an artist in her spare time.
Ann DiLillo,
Administrative Assistant
Summary of duties: Provides administrative support to the General Counsel. Creates monthly agendas, processes and distributes meeting minutes for the APDC Board of Commissioners, Audit Committee, Finance Committee and Governance Committee. Also supports Port staff with various office functions as needed.
Professional Background Summary: Prior to joining the Albany Port District Commission, Ann worked for the City of Albany for over 34 years. During her time at the City of Albany, Ann served as Purchasing Director where she was responsible for the procurement of materials, supplies and services for all city departments. Ann also served as Deputy Purchasing Director, Deputy City Clerk, as well as other supervisory positions throughout her tenure.
Jessica Lansing,
Compliance Procurement Coordinator
Summary of duties: Responsible for oversight, implementation, and periodic review of the Albany Port District Commission procurement policies and procedures. This includes working in conjunction with the CFO and Accounting Manager on day-to-day transactions, review of policies, and understanding of best practices. In addition, RFP?RFB development and vendor outreach. Coordination of compliance reporting which includes development, utilization and tracking of MWBE and Green Marine annual goals.
Professional Background Summary: Prior to coming to the Port, Jessica worked for Rensselaer County Unified Family Services as a Program and Policy Specialist maintaining compliance with state and federal regulations related to grants, funding and fiscal reporting. In addition, she conducted several trainings on the State’s Healthcare System data for staff utilizing the system for reporting program services.
Jessica also served as the Director of Community and Recreation/Town Services Coordinator for the Town of East Greenbush for six years. During her tenure she revitalized and improved programming for all residents, created new programs and Town events, and managed all five Park facilities in Town.
She worked closely with the Department of Public Works on major park improvements including the construction of the Red Barn in the Town Park and a large playground project. She has extensive experience working with vendors, labor unions, and all areas of procurement related to contracts and NYS procurement laws.
Jessica has also volunteered for many years with several non-profits and the East Greenbush Central School District where she first gained experience with construction bidding and vendor relations serving as Chairperson for the Playground Build Committee at Green Meadow Elementary School.