HIA-LI adds three to its board of directors

Business advocacy group HIA-LI has added three members to its board of directors. 

Joining the HIA-LI board are Devin Kulka, CEO of The Kulka Group, Kelly Murphy, deputy executive director of the Suffolk County Industrial Development Agency and Michael Sabatini, managing partner of Citrin Cooperman. 

“These three outstanding individuals each bring specialized expertise that will help HIA-LI achieve its organizational goals,” Terri Alessi-Miceli, president and CEO of HIA-LI, said in an organization statement. “We are confident that they will all make valuable contributions in helping to fortify our regional economy. I feel fortunate to work with such an outstanding team.” 

Construction exec Kulka has been a prolific fundraiser for Northwell Health and founded The Nexus Pro Group, which raises money for local charities. He serves on the board of the Leukemia Lymphoma Society and the Long Island Builders Institute and co-chairs the Next Generation Committee for the Long Island Real Estate Group. 

With her efforts for the Suffolk IDA, Murphy has helped close transactions generating more than $1.3 billion in private investment, creating or retaining more than 16,440 jobs. She previously served as assistant to Suffolk County’s deputy county executive and commissioner of Economic Development and Planning. 

Sabatini is a certified public accountant primarily serving middle-market companies in a range of industries with varied ownership structures. He previously spent 17 years at a global accounting firm, most recently as a partner in both its New York City and Melville offices and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants. 

In addition to its new board members, HIA-LI elected Carol Allen as chairperson, succeeding Rich Humann. Allen, a former first vice chairperson of the HIA-LI board, is president and CEO of People’s Alliance Federal Credit Union. 

Four additional HIA-LI board members are assuming new responsibilities within the organization. Anthony Manetta, CEO of Standard Advisors Group, was elected first vice chairperson; Kevin O’Connor, CEO of Dime Community Bank, was elected second vice chairperson; Alan Sasserath, CEO of the accounting firm of Sasserath & Co., LLP, was elected as the organization’s treasurer; and Michael Voltz, director of Energy Efficiency and Renewables with PSEG Long Island, was elected recording secretary.