New Employees - Laberge Group welcomes:

Nicole T. Allen, A.I.C.P., of Amsterdam, New York was recently promoted from Senior Planner to the position of Planning Services Manager. Nicole will manage the planning staff and oversee the activities of the Planning Department of the firm, which provides a wide range of services including strategic development and implementation, downtown revitalization, socio-economic impact analysis, housing condition analysis, public participation coordination, and project and program financing through planning initiatives and the development and administration of state and federal grants and loans.

Michael Hiller of Portland, Oregon in the capacity of Planner. Michael earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Urban Studies and Planning from the State University at Albany, New York. He has experience with the development of regional comprehensive and land-use plans for large metropolitan areas, including Los Angeles' Regional Plan, and Chicago Housing Needs Assessment. He also assisted in collecting and analyzing demographic and market data, created several land-use and zoning maps, and analyzed comprehensive regional workshop maps. Michael has also worked as a Program Assistant, Planning Intern and Research Assistant.

Bryce Pullano of Burnt Hills, New York in the capacity of IT Manager. Bryce is an experienced business and systems analyst with a broad knowledge of network structures and software platforms and the ability to adapt solutions to a variety of computing environments. He also has an extensive background in designing and testing configurable business software, combined with a strong background in the manufacturing processes and practices in various software packages. Bryce is responsible for all aspects of network administration including servers, desktop systems, and security systems.

Curt Lavalla, A.I.C.P. of Hopewell Junction in the capacity of Senior Planner. Curt earned his Bachelors degree in Urban and Regional Planning from the State University at Albany, New York and has been a certified member of the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) since 1995. Curt has extensive planning and community development experience working with diverse municipalities and will be responsible for assisting clients in developing policies and strategies to meet their social, economic, and physical needs.

Kathleen R. Connor of Kittery Point, Maine in the capacity of Planner. Kathy earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Distributed Studies, which consists of Computer Science, Economics, and Political Science from the University of Colorado at Bolder, Colorado. She earned her M.A. in Landscape Design from the Conway School of Landscape Design at Conway, Massachusetts. She will be working with our team, clients, and the public to develop, create, and build future visions.

Richard J. Gordon of Fort Edward in the capacity of Economic & Community Development Specialist. Richard earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Education at Castleton State College in Castleton, VT. Richard served as Senior Asset Manager for the New York State Division of Housing working in Site Development and Capital Improvement Programs where he met with public officials and was accountable for fiscal and financial budgets. Richard will be working with our team in developing funding research, grant writing, along with program development.

Michael R. Wieszchowski, P.E., PTOE of Scotia, New York in the capacity of Senior Traffic Engineer. Michael earned his Bachelor of Science from Clarkson University at Potsdam, New York. Michael will plan, develop and manage vital projects, ensuring that all projects meet specifications and requirements that have been established by governmental agencies. He will also be the point of contact for clients and staff on technical matters.

Laverne J. Stewart of Latham, New York in the capacity of Project Coordinator. Laverne earned her Associates Degree in Liberal Arts from LaGuardia Community College in Long Island, New York. Laverne will be assisting our Planning and Community Development Department by writing applications, develop opportunities for new funding and programming to target the needs for current and potential clients, as well as c oordinate the planning, preparation, and administration for marketing, and implementing of state and federal grants.

Laberge Environmental Award

Each year Laberge Group offers an award to one senior in each of three area schools who plans to enter a 4-year college program to prepare for a career in civil engineering, environmental engineering, landscape architecture or community planning.  Selection is based on the student’s demonstrated interest in the physical reshaping of our environment to better serve human needs.