2024 Speaker Lineup

Dan Biederman is a pioneering urban redeveloper who transformed neglected areas of midtown Manhattan. He founded the Bryant Park Corporation, 34th Street Partnership, and Grand Central Partnership in the 1980s, focusing on revitalizing public spaces through private management. His consulting firm, BRV Corp., has supported similar efforts across major U.S. cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, and Miami. Bryant Park, reopened in 1991 under Biederman's leadership, saw crime reduced by nearly 100%, earning national recognition. His work on the 34th Street District, including the redesign of Herald and Greeley Square parks, has similarly enhanced the area's safety, cleanliness, and aesthetics. The streetscape projects he initiated have won numerous awards, helping to "brand" the district.

Erik Bottcher is a dedicated public servant and activist who has devoted his life to progressive causes and to the betterment of the community he loves. In 2021, he was elected to represent City Council District 3, which includes the neighborhoods of Greenwich Village, Chelsea, Hell’s Kitchen, Hudson Square, Flatiron, Times Square, the Theater District, and the Garment District. Growing up in a small town in the Adirondack Mountains as the only gay person he knew, Erik’s personal struggles with depression sparked in him a lifelong dedication to helping the most marginalized members of our society. His career in public service began in 2009 as the LGBTQ & HIV/AIDS Community Liaison in the City Council’s community outreach unit, where he organized grassroots campaigns on issues including hate crimes, transgender rights, housing for people with HIV/AIDS, and marriage equality. Erik then served as the statewide LGBTQ Community Liaison in the governor’s office, where he helped organize the fight for marriage equality in New York State, working with activists from Buffalo to Montauk in an unprecedented grassroots campaign to garner support for the Marriage Equality Act. New York State made history as the largest state to legalize same sex marriage.Erik Bottcher is a dedicated public servant and activist who has devoted his life to progressive causes and to the betterment of the community he loves. In 2021, he was elected to represent City Council District 3, which includes the neighborhoods of Greenwich Village, Chelsea, Hell’s Kitchen, Hudson Square, Flatiron, Times Square, the Theater District, and the Garment District. Growing up in a small town in the Adirondack Mountains as the only gay person he knew, Erik’s personal struggles with depression sparked in him a lifelong dedication to helping the most marginalized members of our society. His career in public service began in 2009 as the LGBTQ & HIV/AIDS Community Liaison in the City Council’s community outreach unit, where he organized grassroots campaigns on issues including hate crimes, transgender rights, housing for people with HIV/AIDS, and marriage equality. Erik then served as the statewide LGBTQ Community Liaison in the governor’s office, where he helped organize the fight for marriage equality in New York State, working with activists from Buffalo to Montauk in an unprecedented grassroots campaign to garner support for the Marriage Equality Act. New York State made history as the largest state to legalize same sex marriage.

Sarah Brown is Chief Strategy Officer at Tech:NYC. Prior to joining the founding team, Sarah worked with several leading network-driven philanthropic organizations, including Solidaire, ArtPlace America, Purpose Foundation, and the Educational Foundation of America. In addition, she worked with network-based nonprofits such as the International Refugee Assistance Project, America: Now + Here, and New Leaders Council. Prior to working in the philanthropic and non-profit space, Sarah worked in Democratic politics where her work focused on voter protection, electoral reform, policy research, and messaging. Sarah is a graduate of New York University where she studied Film & Television Production and Law & Society. While in college she co-founded Roosevelt Institute Network--a 2015 recipient of the MacArthur Prize for Creative & Effective Institutions. A native New Yorker, Sarah is also involved with several cultural institutions and initiatives across the city and sits on the Steering Committee of ABNY Next. She prides herself on the ability to make a solid restaurant recommendation for any occasion and/or neighborhood.

Shawn Cargil is the Director of Operations at Little Island, overseeing the daily management, maintenance, and logistical functions of New York City's unique park on the Hudson River. With a strong background in facilities management and urban park operations, Shawn ensures that the park runs smoothly, safely, and efficiently for all visitors, while preserving its architectural beauty and environmental sustainability. Before joining Little Island, Shawn held key operational roles in several prominent urban parks and public spaces, where he developed expertise in large-scale event coordination, infrastructure management, and sustainable park practices. His leadership ensures that Little Island remains not only a destination for cultural and artistic experiences but also a well-maintained, accessible, and green space for New Yorkers and tourists alike. Shawn's attention to detail and commitment to operational excellence have been instrumental in the seamless integration of nature, art, and visitor experience at Little Island. Under his direction, the park continues to thrive as a beloved public space that combines world-class performances with a welcoming atmosphere for people of all ages.

Laura Clement serves as the Executive Director of Little Island, New York City’s innovative public park located in the Hudson River. With a background in arts management and urban public spaces, Laura leads the vision, programming, and operational strategies of the park, ensuring it remains a dynamic hub for cultural engagement and community gathering. Before joining Little Island, Laura held leadership roles in various cultural and urban initiatives, focusing on the intersection of the arts, community development, and sustainable public space management. Her commitment to fostering accessible, inclusive environments has made Little Island a vibrant destination for visitors and locals alike. Under her leadership, Little Island continues to blend nature and art, hosting a wide range of performances, educational programming, and family-friendly events that enrich the lives of New Yorkers and visitors from around the world.

Emily Edwards is the Executive Director of BID Organizational Development at NYC Small Business Services. She oversees the strategic development and implementation of community-based programs and initiatives. With over 15 years of experience, Emily is an accomplished nonprofit leader who has built connections at the intersections of civic engagement, racial equity, social justice, and the built environment. She leads the development of strategic initiatives that focus on supporting and evolving just and equitable communities

Ellen Goldstein is the Senior Vice President of Policy, Planning, and Research at the Times Square Alliance. In this role, she plays a critical part in overseeing urban planning, public space management, and research initiatives that helped reshape Times Square. Goldstein’s leadership has been instrumental in key projects, including the implementation of advanced pedestrian traffic monitoring systems, which provide real-time data to optimize public events, advertising space, and improve mobility and congestion management within the iconic district. Her efforts have significantly contributed to the economic and spatial planning that keeps Times Square at the forefront of New York City’s commercial and cultural life, helping to attract businesses and enhance public space utilization​.

Jeffrey C. LeFrancois is the Executive Director of the Meatpacking District Management Association. He ensures the Meatpacking District remains a dynamic neighborhood in Lower Manhattan with thriving retail, commercial, and residential communities. LeFrancois has overseen the creation and management of 30,000 square feet of plazas and four open streets. He is deeply connected to the westside and works to improve access to city services, expand housing opportunities, and make NYC safer and more equitable. Previously, he served as Chief of Staff to Council Member Corey Johnson and Deputy Chief of Staff to Assembly Member Richard N. Gottfried.

Elena Madison, a planner and placemaking expert at Project for Public Spaces, has over two decades of experience in transforming public spaces. She leads community visioning, programming, and management initiatives, and has worked on a variety of impactful projects, from park development to disaster-affected areas. Elena oversees placemaking programs, develops grant-supported social impact initiatives, and collaborates with funders. She is passionate about advocacy and public space education, often sharing her expertise through training and media. Outside of work, Elena co-founded the Jackson Heights Green Alliance, supporting community-led public space initiatives.

Carolyn Nagler is the Site Lead for Meta New York, where she oversees the operations and strategic initiatives across the company's New York City campus. In this role, she focuses on employee experience, from managing key stakeholder relationships across multiple organizations and disciplines to inform Meta’s real estate and workplace design, to developing and scaling a unique culture that drives collaboration and innovation. Based in NYC, Carolyn plays a critical role in shaping the work environment while growing and scaling a culture that is aligned with Meta’s goals and values, while delivering a world class employee experience.

Larisa Ortiz is the Managing Director of Public Non-Profit Solutions at Streetsense and was named one of Crain’s New York Business 2023 Notable Leaders in Real Estate. She leads economic development consulting for Streetsense’s municipal and non-profit clients, including Business Improvement Districts. With a background from MIT, Larisa has traveled the world collecting case studies on thriving cities. She spearheaded multiple COVID recovery efforts and created capacity-building toolkits for NYC. Her community involvement includes roles with the NYC Planning Commission, ICSC, RPA, IDA, Scenic Hudson, and the Small Business Anti-Displacement Network.

Bradley Petersen is the Managing Director and Head of Capital Raising at Jamestown, where he leads institutional capital raising and supports current investors. He joined Jamestown in 2020 after 12 years at Aetos Capital Real Estate and Garrison Investment Group. Previously, he worked at Morgan Stanley and Cravath, Swaine & Moore, LLP. Bradley is a member of several industry groups, including the Pension Real Estate Association and the PREA Institute Committee. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from Colby College.

Katie Scallon is a seasoned real estate executive currently serving as Project Executive for Real Estate Design & Delivery at Google, where she oversees major projects that prioritize sustainability, wellness, and adaptive reuse. One of her significant contributions includes leading the transformation of New York’s historic St. John’s Terminal into a LEED Platinum-certified workplace, focusing on biophilic design principles to enhance creativity and reduce stress for Google’s teams.

Preeti Sodhi is an urban planner with over 15 years of experience working at the intersection of equitable development, public space, and civic engagement. As Senior Director of Community and Government Relations at the High Line, she oversees the development of the organization's comprehensive community engagement strategy. Previously she was Project Director at Spaceworks, a nonprofit developer/operator of subsidized artist workspace. In addition, as a Design Fellow with Architecture for Humanity, she directed the redevelopment of the LES Skatepark through a public private partnership with Nike and the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation.

Diane Undi-Haga is an accomplished leader in urban development and project management, currently associated with Amazon. She has been involved in key initiatives across several sectors, including environmental and community development. Diane has served in various leadership roles, including being a board member of NatureBridge, a nonprofit organization focused on outdoor environmental education, where she has been recognized for her contributions, including helping raise significant funds for environmental projects​. Her expertise in urban planning and sustainability is evident from her prior experience with Wright Runstad & Co., where she oversaw major development projects. Diane's work includes extensive LEED design expertise, contributing to the successful execution of high-profile urban projects​. At Amazon, she continues to shape impactful projects while maintaining a commitment to community engagement and sustainability.

Michael Wiggins serves as the Director of Engagement and Strategic Programs at Little Island, where he leads the development and implementation of the park's community outreach, partnerships, and educational initiatives. With a deep commitment to equity and inclusion, Michael ensures that Little Island's programming reflects the diversity and vibrancy of New York City, creating opportunities for all visitors to connect with nature, the arts, and one another. With over two decades of experience in cultural programming and nonprofit leadership, Michael has a proven track record of fostering meaningful collaborations with artists, educators, and community organizations. Before joining Little Island, he worked in various leadership roles that focused on enhancing public engagement through arts and culture, particularly in underserved communities. At Little Island, Michael's vision shapes programs that engage local communities and offer a broad spectrum of artistic experiences, from performances and workshops to hands-on educational opportunities for youth. His leadership has played a critical role in making Little Island a welcoming space that inspires creativity, learning, and connection across all ages and backgrounds.