Meet the people responsible for our success
James A Laurenzo - Chairman
Board of Directors 2017 - Present
Jim began with Pyramid Brokerage in 2003 after retiring with 28 years of service from the Economic Development Office of the City of Syracuse. His last position with the City was Chief Economic Development Officer. Aside from running the real estate and financing aspects for the City Economic Development Department, Jim’s specialty was public/private financing used for a long list of job creating City Industries for businesses located in the City and companies attracted to the city as new business.
He is a graduate of the National Development Council as a Certified Economic Development Specialist. He also graduated from SUNY at Delhi with an AAS and SUNY at Brockport with a BS in Business. He has been licensed for over 35+ years. He buys/sells and manages a personal portfolio of industrial/commercial properties and apartments in Onondaga County. He has significant contacts in Syracuse and Onondaga County that he uses to his clients advantage, together with his “hands on” investment, financing and targeted economic development incentives experience.
Nelson Bregon - Co-Chairman
Board of Directors 2022-Present
CIDC’s Senior Vice President, Mr. Bregon has over four decades of on-hand experience in the housing, community, and economic development fields. He has worked in local city government, national not-for-profits and as a senior executive in the federal government for over 30 years
As the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) in the Office of Administration in the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), he was responsible for the Office of Facilities Management Services, which mission is to develop, coordinate, and implement policies and procedures concerning the protection of HUD personnel and the security of property at all locations (field and satellite offices) under the charge and control of the Department.
Mr. Bregón received his Bachelors of Arts degree from Inter-American University of Puerto Rico (Polytechnic Institute) in 1976 and his Master of Arts degree in Urban Planning from Kent State University in Ohio in 1978. He is a Certified Economic Development Finance Professional and a Certified Housing Development Finance Professional by the National Development Council (NDC). He is also a licensed Master Project Manager from the American Academy of Project Management
Timothy R. Warfield - Secretary
Board of Directors 1995 - Present
Mr. Warfield was the Executive Director of the National Association for State Community Services Programs, based in Washington, DC. He formerly served as President and CEO, Pennsylvania Community Development and Finance Corporation, 1990 - 1999. Director, 1988-1990. He was charged with the oversight of the development of a corporate strategic plan and business plans and managing their implementation and holds final authority for all operations. During his tenure, he developed a five-year plan, organized the financing for a statewide business fund, administered that fund, designed and implemented a training program and technical assistance program. He responded to policy issues as they relate to community-based organization development efforts.
Anthony P. Marshall - Treasurer
Board of Directors 2021 - Present
Mr. Marshall began his career in 1982 as a tax professional with Coopers & Lybrand CPAs where he performed transaction tax analysis, tax research and compliance matters. After leaving in 1984, he became a lawyer and onto Partner at Scolaro, Shulman, Cohen, Lawler & Burstein, PC. There Mr. Marshall began his practice in commercial real estate, general corporate law and trusts and estates.
In 1992, Mr. Marshall became a founding member of Pousther, Marshall & Leberman, PC. In 1999, Pousther, Marshall & Leberman merged with Harris Beach, PLLC, a New York statewide firm founded in 1856. During his Harris Beach Tenure, Mr. Marshall chaired the firm’s Tax Credit Practice. He also represented Economic Development 501 (C) (3) organizations in bond financed project development.
Mr. Marshall’s proudest community service achievement was his founding and development of a county-wide law clinic serving low-income communities working in concert with Say Yes to Education Syracuse.
Britt M. Kobularcik - Director
Board of Directors 2022
Mrs. Kobularcik has a multitude of experience in the non-profit sector, having served on many nonprofit boards and committees. Mrs. Kobularcik has a Bachelor of Science in French with a Business emphasis from the Pennsylvania State University. She also earned an MBA with an emphasis in International Business from Saint Joseph’s University. She has had experience in the manufacturing and retail environments,
Mrs. Kobularcik has worked part time as a bookkeeper for the Reading Symphony Orchestra, a non-profit based in Reading, Pennsylvania and has served as Board Secretary for Family Guidance Center, a nonprofit that specializes in Mental Health counseling for families. Mrs. Kobularcik also currently serves on the Fundraising committee for John Paull II Center for Special Learning, a nonprofit school within the Diocese of Allentown, PA.
Mrs. Kobularcik brings not only a passion for volunteering but leadership experience serving in roles such as President, Vice President and Treasurer. She volunteered in many capacities with The Junior League of Reading, La Salle Academy PTO, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Big Brothers/Big Sisters and her church, St. John Baptist de La Salle to name a few.
Frances M. Brandt - Director
Board of Directors 2002 - Present
A member of the Board since 2002, Ms. Brandt first became interested in the challenges of the modern urban community in high school when she was employed as a Lifeguard and Water Safety Instructor serving inner city children. She continued to be aware of and concerned about the social, economic, and cultural issues of the low and moderate-income constituencies of society. Ms. Brandt brings to the Board a solid background in business Management and non-profit knowledge.
Mrs. Brandt is the Director of Operations for Community Initiatives Development Corporation. Ms. Brandt’s responsibilities include management of all real estate entities, monitoring administrative operations; liaison to the Board of Directors; human resource management; day-to-day oversight of ongoing projects; management of accounts receivable and accounts payable. Mrs. Brandt has also worked for CIDC as an independent contractor. She has put together loan applications, analyzed and developed financial worksheets and performed other administrative duties.
Mary Ann Loewenstein- Director
Board of Directors 2022 - Present
Ms. Loewenstein is the Widow of Founder Mr. Bill Loewenstein, who was the President of CIDC until he passed in 2022. Ms. Loewenstein joined the board in 2022 to offer her expertise of CIDC. Ms. Loewenstein joined CIDC’s staff in September, 1999 as Administrative Officer and retired in 2013. Her responsibilities included monitoring administrative operations; liaison to the Board of Directors; human resource management; oversight of HUD compliance issues; management of accounts receivable and accounts payable.
Ms. Loewenstein was the sole proprietor of Secretarial Services located in Hudson, New York from 1987-1999. In 1996 she spearheaded the creation of the Women's Investment Stock Enterprise (WISE), serving as Senior Partner for two years, Assistant Financial Partner for one year and Financial Partner for one year and chair of the education committee. This partnership of 17 women was created for the purpose of educating its members in investment strategies and furthering their control and understanding of their financial destinies.
Ms. Loewenstein also has served as CIDC’s Assistant Secretary from 1996 to 2013.