MENTORS
Bruce Toyama
Bruce Toyama is an entrepreneurial leader with broad-based corporate experience, contributing over 20 years of achievement in new business development, general management, sales management, and commercializing of advanced material products. Bruce helped found the IgniteU NY accelerator program in Troy, NY which is sponsorted and partially funded by NYSTEC
Elyssa stewart
Elyssa works at NYSTEC to deliver community event programming through collaboration with internal NYSTEC stakeholders to develop event concept, marketing strategy and materials, outreach and project plan to hold a successful event. Elyssa is responsible for cultivating and developing key partnerships in the region between industry, academia, and state agencies. Build and manage relationships with key stakeholders in the region to form a mentor network of seasoned entrepreneurs. Elyssa also manages the IgniteU NY website, social media accounts, newsletter, email and documentation.
Stephanie black
Stephanie works between the management department and RNA institute here at the University at Albany to develop and license new technology as well as develop grant proposals to fund new research. She also researches in entrepreneurship and the use of technology and innovation in business practices.
William Brigham
William Brigham is responsible for the management of the SBDC Regional Center, its effectiveness as a provider of services to small businesses and its compliance, programmatically and fiscally, with the requirements of the SBDC Lead Center, University at Albany, State University of New York, SUNY Research Foundation, and U.S. Small Business Administration. Some of William's specific responsibilities include supervising all staff functions, administrating fiscal controls, representing the SBDC for continuation of program funding, establishing and maintaining contacts in the business community, and interacting with small business advisory groups.
Evan clandorf
Evan Clandorf is a Vice President in the Legal and Compliance department of The Blackstone Group L.P. Mr. Clandorf supports the firm’s broker-dealer businesses and is also involved in a variety of compliance, regulatory and legal matters for the firm. Mr. Clandorf is also a member of Blackstone’s Legal & Compliance Collaboration and Development Committee. Prior to joining Blackstone, Mr. Clandorf worked in the compliance departments of Barclays Capital Inc., and Macquarie Group.
Jeremy Prawer
Jeremy Prawer is an associate in the Private Wealth Management Group involved in raising capital for Blackstone’s private and public funds. Prior to joining Blackstone in May 2016, Mr. Prawerworked at AllianceBernstein as a sales associate, focused on product distribution for mutual funds, separately managed accounts, closed end funds, and college savings plans. Mr. Prawer received a BA in Economics from Queens College, City University of New York, where he graduated summa cum laude.
Dr. elizabeth searing
Dr. Elizabeth Searing is an Assistant Professor of Public Administration and Policy at the Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy, University at Albany (SUNY); she is also the Director of the Institute of Nonprofit Leadership and Community Development. Dr. Searing’s primary research focus is the financial management of nonprofit and social enterprise organizations. Dr. Searing received a BA in Economics from Texas A&M University, a MA in Economics from Georgia State University, and a Doctorate in Public Policy from Georgia State University.