Page 12 - 12th Annual Long Island Imagine Awards Program

Meet the Judges Meet the Judges

Alison La Ferlita Gregory Lavine
CEO Vice President Government Affairs
Plum + Copper, LLC McBride Consulting
Greg Lavine brings over twenty years of experience in government
Alison La Ferlita is a distinguished figure known for her relations, public affairs, communications, and political strategy to
dedication to business and community advancement. CEO of McBride Consulting and Business Development Group.
Plum + Copper, LLC, an esteemed executive management
firm specializing in supporting and scaling the businesses of her Greg has served in all sectors of government at the municipal,
nonprofit and trade associations clients. With over 25 years in the state, federal, and international levels. He possesses a deep
Association/Nonprofit Management business, Alison exemplifies understanding of public affairs and governance, allowing him to
leadership and expertise in her field, advise clients using sophisticated strategies for complex issues. He
has represented a diverse array of interests, including a specialized
Beyond her professional endeavors, Alison has made a personal practice in the emerging cannabis industry in New York.
commitment to serving the community and the people in it. With
a robust history of board memberships including Baby Essentials Prior to joining McBride Consulting, Greg worked with a large public affairs firm serving clients in
Long Island (BELI), the Chamber of Commerce, the Association non-profit, corporate, political, healthcare, retail, transportation-technology, and real estate spaces.
for Professional Fundraisers, Long Island (AFPLI), and active involvement as a Special Education
Advocate, she stands as a pillar of support for local initiatives. Her engagement with the Long Greg had a seat at the table in local and federal matters as District Director to Congresswoman Grace
Beach Community Collaborative (LBCC) underscores her tireless efforts to foster collaboration and Meng and Chief to Staff to former New York City Councilmember Karen Koslowitz.
progress within the nonprofit community.
He started his career as an aide to former Delaware Governor Ruth Ann Minner, a Legislative
In 2021, Alison was honored with a prestigious Women of Distinction Award, presented by Assistant in the Delaware State Senate, and as an intern in (former) United States Senator Joe
Assemblywoman Melissa Miller, in recognition of her outstanding contributions. This accolade Biden’s office.
served as a testament to the work she did to support and re-open local businesses in Long Beach
after they faced significant financial losses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Greg also has experience in the international realm, working at the United Nations and with a global
NGO. He is a proud alumnus of the University of Delaware and attended the Graduate Program in
In addition to her professional and community engagements, Alison is widely admired for her role International Affairs at The New School.
as a mentor, particularly for women embarking on entrepreneurial journeys. Through her guidance
and support, she empowers aspiring business women with the skills and knowledge necessary for Greg’s community commitment extends to his board memberships with the American Red Cross
success. Furthermore, she extends her mentorship to seasoned entrepreneurs, aiding them in scaling Long Island Chapter, Maple Grove Cemetery, and Friends of the Queensway.
their enterprises and navigating the complexities of business growth.

In her capacity as the CEO of Plum + Copper, LLC, Alison assumes the pivotal role of Executive
Director for the Nonprofit Resource Hub and the Bayside Business Association. Through these
leadership positions, she continues to champion the causes she holds dear, driving positive change
and fostering growth within both the nonprofit and business sectors.

Alison La Ferlita’s unwavering dedication to business excellence, community development, and
mentorship serves as an inspiration to all who have the privilege of crossing paths with her. Her
impact resonates far and wide, leaving an indelible mark on the individuals and communities she
serves.

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