Megan Galbraith brings extensive experience in executive management, strategic planning, business development, and organizational leadership across private and nonprofit sectors. As an executive consultant, she advises businesses and organizations on growth strategy, revenue development, and stakeholder engagement. Megan is a proud alumna of Horizon’s on the Hudson, North Junior High, and Newburgh Free Academy. She received her undergraduate and graduate education at The New School, George Washington University, and SUNY Oneonta. She resides in the City of Newburgh with her husband and daughter.

Ali is a planner focused on urban redevelopment, public realm, and historic preservation. She is currently the Director of Planning and Development for the City of Newburgh, NY where much of her work focuses on redevelopment and economic development, remedies for severely distressed property, and inclusionary and participatory planning. She has previously held positions with the City of Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority and with several consulting firms focusing on municipal planning and economic development. Ali holds an undergraduate degree from Bard College and graduate degrees in City Planning and Historic Preservation from the University of Pennsylvania. She lives with her family in Newburgh, NY.

Vickiana DeMora serves as the City Collector for the City of Newburgh, where she oversees the collection of real property taxes, water and sewer payments, sanitation bills, and other municipal revenues. She has dedicated many years to serving the City of Newburgh in various roles within municipal government and brings extensive experience in public finance and local government operations. A City of Newburgh resident, Vickiana is committed to strengthening her community through responsible economic development. As Treasurer of the Newburgh Industrial Development Agency Board of Directors, she supports the Agency’s mission to foster investment, create jobs, and encourage sustainable economic growth throughout the city.

Julian de Mayo is a public affairs and international relations professional with more than a decade of experience in government, diplomacy, civil society, and strategic communications. He served as Foreign Policy and Diplomacy Officer at the Consulate General of Canada in New York and Head of Communications and Marketing for the Americas at Malteser International, with earlier roles at the NYC Mayor’s Office for International Affairs and the Global Coalition on Migration. A West End resident, Julian is a founding member of the Newburgh Lyceum, which creates cultural and civic programs that strengthen participation and cross-sector collaboration. Inspired by Newburgh’s vibrancy, diversity, and history, he sees the city as a microcosm of America. He brings the IDA a community-centered, coalition-building approach and a global perspective on responsible investment and equitable growth.

Gregory Daley is the Owner & COO of Heights Lumber, a locally owned lumber and building materials company serving the Newburgh community since 1939. Previously, he served as Director of Farm & Breeding Operations at Old Tavern Farm, where he led the organization from startup to profitability while overseeing operations, budgeting, workforce development, and business expansion. Gregory holds a Master of Science in Sustainability Management from Columbia University and a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Providence College. As a member of the Newburgh Industrial Development Agency Board, he is committed to fostering responsible economic development, supporting local businesses, and promoting sustainable, long-term growth in the community.

Jennifer Gardner is an urban planner, service designer, and civic innovation leader with more than 15 years of experience helping governments and organizations create more effective, equitable, and user-centered public services. She has led strategic planning, organizational transformation, and community engagement initiatives for municipal governments, nonprofit organizations, and national institutions, with a focus on improving how public systems serve residents. Jennifer holds a Master of Science in City and Regional Planning from Pratt Institute and has built a career at the intersection of physical and digital infrastructure. Her approach to government innovation brings expertise in human-centered design, user experience, community development planning, and policy research to help communities develop practical solutions to complex public challenges.

Nicole Russo is a lifelong City of Newburgh resident with nearly four decades of ties to the community. A proud member of Laborers’ Local 17, she has built her career in the construction industry, contributing to major commercial and industrial projects throughout the Hudson Valley. Nicole is also a New York State-certified safety professional and authorized OSHA instructor, bringing extensive expertise in construction, workplace safety, and skilled trades.
Dedicated to serving her community, Nicole volunteers with several local organizations, including Labor Rising, the Newburgh Armory Unity Center, Sacred Heart, and the Newburgh Tool Library.

Cherisse Vickers has been the Executive Director of the IDA since 2018. She has a masters degree in Urban Planning from Hunter College.

More info coming soon!