Accelerate Long Island announces board changes

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Accelerate Long Island, an organization that supports regional economic growth, has announced some changes to its board.

Alon Kapen, a partner at Farrel Fritz, has been elected as a new board member. And Charles Strain, who served as managing partner at Farrell Fritz from 2007 to 2015, is now director emeritus of the board.

A collaboration of the region’s research and academic institutions as well as its business leaders, the organization supports the growth of high-tech startup companies.

Kapen is a corporate transactional lawyer and the head of the Emerging Companies and Venture Capital practice group at Farrell Fritz.  He represents entrepreneurs, emerging growth companies and early-stage investors in a wide range of entrepreneurial and strategic transactions. He is the editor of and chief contributor to New York Venture Hub, a blog focused on issues for high-growth entrepreneurs and investors and the professionals advising them and is widely quoted in print and digital publications and law journals.’s

“We are thrilled to welcome Alon Y. Kapen to our board,” Stacey Sikes, chair of Accelerate Long Island board and vice president of government affairs and communications at the Long Island Association, said in a written statement.

“Alon has worked with Accelerate Long Island since its inception, and his deep knowledge and experience in transactions involving early-stage companies will be invaluable as we continue to foster innovation and drive economic growth across Long Island,” she added.

Kapen said in a written statement that he is “honored and thrilled to be joining such a talented group of individuals dedicated to advancing Accelerate Long Island’s mission of strengthening our innovation ecosystem and making this a place where technology entrepreneurs will want to spin out, start up and scale, building sustainable companies that will attract talent and investors.”

Strain, who recently retired from law, where he focused on corporate, finance and real estate law, has served on the LIA board of directors since 2011. He often served as general counsel to closely held corporations and not-for-profit organizations, including religious organizations.

“I have been privileged to participate in the work of Accelerate Long Island since its inception in 2011,” Strain said in a written statement. “This organization has been instrumental in connecting companies on Long Island with capital necessary for growth and has made a significant impact on the Long Island economy.”

“Charles Strain’s transition to Director Emeritus marks the culmination of a remarkable career and his dedication and leadership over the years have been instrumental in advancing Accelerate Long Island’s mission,” Sikes said.