HIA-LI, a regional business group based in Hauppauge and an advocate for economic development, has appointed five new members to its Board of Directors.  The new board members represent experience across multiple Long Island business sectors.

“HIA-LI continues to benefit from leaders who bring both strategic insight and a genuine commitment to Long Island,” Terri Alessi-Miceli, president and CEO of HIA-LI said in a new release about additional board members.

“This new group of board members reflects the depth and diversity of talent across our region. Their collective experience will help guide our organization as we address the evolving needs of employers and communities alike,” she said.

“Strong leadership is essential to meaningful advocacy,” Anthony Manetta, HIA-LI board chairperson, said in the news release.

“These new board members represent key sectors that drive Long Island’s economy, and each brings a thoughtful, solutions-oriented perspective,” he added. “We are fortunate to have them lend their expertise to HIA-LI’s work.”

The new board members include Babak Beheshti, Dawn Cagliano, Timothy Foley, Katherine Fritz and Robert McBride.

Beheshti is dean and professor of the College of Engineering and Computing Sciences at New York Institute of Technology, based in Old Westbury. He has expanded New York Tech’s programs in artificial intelligence, civil engineering and doctoral-level studies. An advocate for career-focused education, he has built partnerships between higher education and industry to better prepare students for workforce demands.

Cagliano is president of IVCi, an audio-visual company in Hauppauge. She serves on the board of the National Systems Contractors Association Education Foundation, supporting workforce and leadership development in the commercial integration industry.

Foley is the Long Island business banking market executive of Bank of America, in Melville. His teams assist businesses in improving cash flow, investing in growth and planning for the future.

Fritz is president and CEO of Long Island Cares, Inc. – The Harry Chapin Regional Food Bank, based in Hauppauge. With more than 30 years in nonprofit leadership, she is guiding Long Island Cares through its next chapter of fighting food insecurity.

McBride is founder and CEO of Babylon-based McBride Consulting & Business Development Group. A seasoned entrepreneur and business strategist, he has worked in energy, construction, transportation, real estate and healthcare. His experience includes advising public-sector leaders on complex initiatives and public-private partnerships.