Laura E. Imperiale
Brooklyn
Summary
Results-driven professional with over twenty years of executive experience in managing and advocating for government and business interests. Proven ability to develop innovative solutions for complex organizational and policy challenges. Skilled in strategic planning, process optimization, and team leadership, ensuring high productivity and efficient operations. Strong communicator and problem-solver, adept at fostering organizational improvement and adaptability.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
CHIEF OF STAFF
Office of Brooklyn Borough President
Brooklyn
05.2024 - Current
- Served as senior advisor and direct report to Brooklyn Borough President.
- Oversaw daily operations of Brooklyn Borough Hall, managing a team of over 70.
- Provided support in strategic decision-making and policy development initiatives.
- Coordinated with city agencies to align projects with borough objectives.
- Managed budget allocations to ensure resource distribution for borough initiatives.
- Developed operational strategies that improved workflows and enhanced productivity.
- Facilitated interdepartmental collaboration to unify borough initiative efforts.
- Monitored project timelines and established success metrics for accountability.
INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS & SPECIAL PROJECTS COORDINATOR
Suffolk County Department of Public Works
Yaphank
04.2022 - 01.2024
- Member of Continuous Improvement team focusing on the Traffic Engineering and Safety Division.
- Member of team devoted to creating a Suffolk County Vision Zero traffic safety plan, coordinating with multiple agencies and elected officials.
- Successfully researched and wrote a federal grant, “Safe Streets and Roads for All” - awarded $568K.
- Wrote and submitted $5M grant for Bridge replacement, the funding request is in the current US House of Representatives appropriations bill.
- Member of Public Outreach team for Suffolk County’s Coastal Resiliency Initiative.
- Ensured accuracy of water sampling testing for the Bergen Plant Industrial Wastewater Treatment Facility database.
- Assisted with Sanitation Budget responses to the County Executive’s office.
- Assisted with drafting press releases and press conference talking points for DPW Commissioner.
- Division of Sanitary Engineering and Construction.
- Created and implemented strategies for community engagement to promote public awareness of initiatives.
- Facilitated problem solving sessions between stakeholders when issues arose during the course of a project.
- Coordinated cross-functional project teams to ensure alignment on deliverables and timelines.
- Developed and maintained comprehensive project documentation to support transparency and accountability.
- Executed project plans focusing on resource allocation and timeline management for successful outcomes.
- Liaised with external stakeholders to gather input and feedback on project proposals and initiatives.
- Conducted regular project status meetings to monitor progress and address any emerging challenges.
- Acted as a liaison between internal teams, external vendors and other third parties associated with the project.
- Assisted in the development and maintenance of project budgets.
- Drafted communications related to special projects including emails, memos, reports and presentations.
PRESIDENT & CEO
Athena Consulting Group Inc.
Brooklyn
06.2017 - 04.2022
- Created and executed strategic vision alongside comprehensive business plan for operations management.
- Developed client base, established growth projections, and wrote competitive proposals.
- Hired and trained a team of four staff members to enhance operational capacity.
- Identified business opportunities through partnerships with engineering and construction firms.
- Pursued contracts while managing projects for public agencies at city and state levels.
- Facilitated community outreach, agency coordination, and stakeholder management database development.
- Established certified WBE/DBE/SBE firm delivering public engagement and government relations services.
- Generated first-year revenue exceeding $500K across diverse business lines including highway and rail.
NORTHEAST DIRECTOR OF GOVERNMENT RELATIONS
HNTB Corporation
New York
03.2016 - 06.2017
- Researched and analyzed legislative issues impacting major transportation programs in Northeast region.
- Collaborated with industry organizations to enhance HNTB's presence in Northeast market.
- Established and managed Public Engagement business line for projects exceeding $25M.
- Facilitated communication on complex infrastructure issues among officials, industry leaders, and communities.
- Oversaw relationships and deliverables of twelve lobbying firms across Northeast to ensure strategic compliance.
- Designed and conducted Government Relations training sessions for engineering teams in Northeast.
- Contributed to proposal development and presentations for public sector clients.
- Developed budget and targets for Northeast Political Action Committee, organizing fundraising efforts and ensuring compliance.
DIRECTOR OF GOVERNMENT RELATIONS
Tully Group
Queens
02.2010 - 03.2016
- Registered as a city and state lobbyist, advocating on behalf of Tully’s business interests.
- Worked extensively with State and New York City agencies.
- Tracked and reported on federal, state and city legislation, budgets, and related industry issues.
- Researched and pursued business development opportunities such as City issued RFPs, industrial real estate acquisitions, government business incentive programs. Provided NYC zoning, ULURP AND planning expertise.
- Set critical meetings for CEO and executive staff with senior NYS and NYC government officials.
- Represented Tully and achieved leadership positions within the highway, infrastructure, construction, contractor, business, and environmental industry membership associations.
- Industry advisor to the NYC Council Environmental Protection and Transportation Committees on transportation, construction materials, and green infrastructure policy and legislative agenda.
- Wrote and delivered testimony before the New York City Council Committees on Transportation, Sanitation and Solid Waste, and Environmental.
- Government relations professional working for a consortium of privately owned national infrastructure and transportation companies: construction, environment, sanitation and solid waste, asphalt, aggregate recycling, and real estate.
VICE PRESIDENT
Constantinople & Vallone LLC
New York
05.2006 - 12.2009
- Registered as a city, state, and federal lobbyist.
- Maintained a portfolio of twenty-five clients specializing in construction, sanitation and solid waste, manufacturing businesses, real estate, land use & zoning, economic development, transportation, and housing.
- Developed city, state, and federal strategies to highlight innovative strategies involving outreach to legislative bodies, government agencies, authorities, and community-based organizations.
- Managed press, messaging, media strategy for clients.
- Government relations professional working for the former New York City Speaker of the City Council.
CHIEF OF STAFF
New York City Council District 34
Brooklyn and Queens
08.2004 - 05.2006
- Advised on policy, political strategy, community concerns, and budget negotiations for NYC Council Member.
- Supervised daily operations of six full-time staff across constituent services and legislative functions.
- Developed and executed strategic vision for legislative and community outreach initiatives.
- Managed internal and external communications as Press Secretary, enhancing press and media relations.
- Collaborated with Mayoral administration, city agencies, elected officials, and community organizations to address critical issues.
DISTRICT DIRECTOR
New York State Senate
New York
05.2002 - 07.2004
- Directed district office operations and staff, overseeing public affairs schedules for Senator and team.
- Created strategic vision for community and political outreach initiatives for NYS Senator.
- Supervised five full-time staff and ten year-round interns, ensuring effective workflow.
- Represented Senator in engagements with elected officials, agencies, labor unions, and community organizations.
- Assisted with committee work focused on Housing, Construction, Community Development, Budget & Tax Reform, Transportation, Agriculture, Mental Health, and Developmental Disabilities.
Education
Master of Urban Planning - Transportation, Infrastructure and Environmental Planning
NEW YORK UNIVERSITY, ROBERT F. WAGNER SCHOOL OF PUBLIC SERVICE
New York, NY05.2011
Bachelor of Art - Political Science
UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS, BOSTON
Boston, MA12.1998
Skills
- Strategic and workforce planning
- Problem solving and analytical thinking
- Innovation management
- Project and budget management
- Stakeholder engagement
Appointed Public Sector Leadership Positions
- NYC Workforce Development Board, Member, Board of Directors, 2011-2018
- Brooklyn Community Board 9, First Vice-Chair and Chair, Housing Committee, 2011-2018
- NYC Economic Development Corporation (EDC), Sunset Park Waterfront Planning and Jobs Task Force, 2011-2018
- NYC Department of City Planning, Advisory Task Force on Open Industrial Use Sites Study, 2011-2018
- NYC Economic Development Corporation, RFP 'Neighborhood Game-Changer Investment Competition' Advisory Panel, 2011-2018
- NYS Governor’s New York City Regional Economic Council, Transportation & Infrastructure Working Group, 2011-2018
Industry Memberships
- American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC)
- American Planning Association (APA)
- Bronx Chamber of Commerce
- Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce
- Government Affairs Professionals (GAP)
- International Association of Public Participation (IAPP)
- JFK International Airport Chamber of Commerce
- Long Island Contractors Association (LICA)
- Manhattan Chamber of Commerce
- New York Building Congress (NYBC)
- New York Women’s Chamber of Commerce
- Queens Chamber of Commerce
- Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA)
- Southwest Brooklyn Industrial Development Corporation (SWIDC)
- The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce
- Women in Transportation Seminar (WTS)
- American Public Works Association (APWA)
Leadership Positions
- American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC), Chair, Membership Committee, 2010-2017
- Associated General Contractors of New York State (AGC NYS), Highway Board of Governors, Director, Region 11, New York City, 2010-2017
- College Point Corporate Park Investment Fund, Member, Advisory Board, 2010-2017
- General Contractors Association (GCA), Executive Committee Member, 2010-2017
- Green Recycled Asphalt Producers Association (GRAPA), Founding Member and Executive Committee, 2010-2017
- National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA), NYC Chapter, Steering Committee, 2010-2017
- New York League of Conservation Voters (NYLCV), NYC Chapter, Board of Directors, 2010-2017
- New York Building Congress Foundation (NYBC), Governor and Secretary, 2010-2017
- Queens Chamber of Commerce, Board of Directors and Chair, NYC Manufacturing & Industrial Committee, 2010-2017
Timeline
CHIEF OF STAFF
Office of Brooklyn Borough President
05.2024 - Current
INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS & SPECIAL PROJECTS COORDINATOR
Suffolk County Department of Public Works
04.2022 - 01.2024
PRESIDENT & CEO
Athena Consulting Group Inc.
06.2017 - 04.2022
NORTHEAST DIRECTOR OF GOVERNMENT RELATIONS
HNTB Corporation
03.2016 - 06.2017
DIRECTOR OF GOVERNMENT RELATIONS
Tully Group
02.2010 - 03.2016
VICE PRESIDENT
Constantinople & Vallone LLC
05.2006 - 12.2009
CHIEF OF STAFF
New York City Council District 34
08.2004 - 05.2006
DISTRICT DIRECTOR
New York State Senate
05.2002 - 07.2004
Master of Urban Planning - Transportation, Infrastructure and Environmental Planning
NEW YORK UNIVERSITY, ROBERT F. WAGNER SCHOOL OF PUBLIC SERVICE
Bachelor of Art - Political Science
UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS, BOSTON