James Rignall Vice President of Business Development at Safety Facility Services James, the newest member of Safety’s management team, has joined our organization in 2020 as VP of Sales and serves as our organizations COVID-19 expert. He grew up in the facility industry beginning his professional career at the age of fourteen as a cleaning supervisor. Given this background, James understands the intricacies of the industry and will provide a great wealth of knowledge to our customers of all sizes. Prior to joining Safety, James led enterprise sales teams on the business-to-business side of Staples focusing on janitorial products and most recently led the North American Account Management team for a global SaaS organization. James is originally from Southern Indiana and graduated from Miami University in 2010 with a degree in Marketing.
Paul Vallone New York City Council Member at District 19 Paul A. Vallone is the New York City Council Member representing District 19 in Northeast Queens and currently serves as Chair of the Committee on Economic Development. His district includes the areas of Auburndale, Bay Terrace, Bayside, Beechhurst, College Point, Douglaston, Flushing, Little Neck, Malba, and Whitestone. Prior to his election, Paul served as the managing partner for Vallone & Vallone, LLP and has been admitted to the New York and New Jersey Bar Associations since 1992. As Council Member, his primary focus from day one was to put District 19 back on the map, and by working together with his fellow elected officials, schools, sports groups, nonprofits, and every civic and cultural association, he has done just that. For too long, Northeast Queens had faced stagnant funding and a lack of resources. Throughout Council Member Vallone’s first six years, his district has received over $100 million in funding, a number that far exceeds two decades of city budgets before him. He created an Ambassador Program for high school students, improved public safety by working closely with the 109th and 111th Precincts to bring the community policing program to the District, and has co-founded annual events such as the Children’s Holiday Parade in Bayside and Independence Day Fireworks in Fort Totten, which collectively draw in thousands of attendees every year. Citywide, Paul also achieved positive change, including re-establishing the City Council CUNY Merit Based Scholarship (formerly known as the Peter F. Vallone Scholarship), securing millions in funding in the City budget to bring full service animal shelters to Queens and the Bronx, and increasing funding, programs, and services for seniors through advocacy and by creating the Support our Seniors initiative. He also made history by creating the first city agency for veterans, the Department of Veterans’ Services. Prior to his election to the New York City Council, Vallone served on numerous citywide boards and organizations dedicated to community service. He is the Past President of the Clinton Democratic Club and served as a Board Member of Community Board 7 and Board Member to the New York City Board of Corrections. He and his wife Anna-Marie live in Flushing and are blessed with three amazing children, Catena, Lea and Charlie (Charles J. Vallone III). The love and support of family and his passion to serve the community are the cornerstones of his life and his community service.
Jim Quent Partner at Statewide Public Affairs
Jim Quent Partner at Statewide Public Affairs Jim Quent is an accomplished government affairs, communications and public policy strategist with over 25 years of experience in the mechanics of New York City and New York State legislative and regulatory processes, politics and the private sector. Mr. Quent’s experience ranges from representing Fortune 100 companies, technology solutions providers, renewable energy generators and health care professionals, to construction, hospitality, higher education and not-for-profit clients. A highly skilled, bilingual (English / Spanish) communications professional, Mr. Quent has a keen vision and serves as an incredible strategic asset for clients. In 2008, Jim was recognized as one of New York’s “40 Under 40 Rising Stars: The Next Generation of Political Leaders in New York” by City Hall News (now City and State Magazine). Now in 2020, City and State Magazine featured Jim and Statewide Public Affairs in their issue highlighting the Top 50 Lobbyists in New York City. Jim’s vast government experience includes positions as Deputy Chief of Staff to a NYS Assembly Speaker, Deputy Press Secretary for two NYS Comptrollers, Legislative and Communications Associate with the Medical Society of the State of New York, and Chief of Staff to a NYS Assemblyman. A seasoned political operative, Mr. Quent has managed campaigns for the Democratic Assembly Campaign Committee, served as Communications Director for Tom DiNapoli’s 2001 race for Nassau County Executive, and directed statewide field operations for former State Comptroller Carl McCall’s 2002 gubernatorial campaign. As a passionate supporter of civic engagement, Mr. Quent volunteers with multiple organizations to encourage young professionals to get involved in government and politics. He also raises money to combat cancer and support other worthy causes. Mr. Quent graduated with a dual B.A. in Political Science and Spanish from the State University of New York at Albany, and studied abroad at La Universidad de Asturias in Oviedo, Spain.
Vincent Gentile Director of Sales and Business Development at Vassilaros & Sons Coffee Vincent is the Director of Sales and Business Development for Vassilaros Coffee. Vassilaros Coffee is one of the oldest coffee importers and roasters not only in Queens, but in the country. Vassilaros is a Certified MWBE. Vincent brings over twelve years experience, along with a diverse skill set that encompasses the entire value chain of the Food and Beverage Industry. He is also the Co-Chair for the Queens Chamber Hospitality and Restaurant committee. Vincent’s competencies range from Food Service Operations & Management to Supply chain, Procurement, Import Export and F&B manufacturing. Vincent is a graduate of Nassau Community College, Suny Delhi and the world renowned French Culinary Institute. He resides with his wife in Malverne, Long Island.