About Us

Board Members

Todd Hess – Chairman  (Term expires 12/31/2027)

Originally from Colonie, Todd Hess has lived in Clifton Park for over twenty years with his wife and two children. As a graduate of Rochester Institute of Technology, Todd started out in the civil engineering field before moving on to software. Today, Todd works as Director of Business Applications for a global manufacturer and distributor of safety products. Todd is active in the community as a Scouts BSA leader, a Rotarian and a volunteer in other civic organizations.

Mark Vena, Vice Chair  (Term expires 12/31/2026)

Mark is a Shareholder at Teal, Becker & Chiaramonte, CPAs, P.C. (TBC). Since graduating Siena College, Mark has cultivated over 15 years experience as a tax professional with a focus on the real estate industry. Beyond real estate, Mark provides valuable insights into tax planning, corporate structuring, and compliance for a diverse range of businesses and individuals. He resides in Clifton Park with his family.

Sheila Barkevich – Secretary  (Term expires 12/31/2027)

Sheila Barkevich has a degree from Cornell University in Industrial Engineering and a MBA from University at Albany.  She worked at Callanan Industries for 32 years in various roles including technician, manager and VP roles.  Sheila was Senior Vice President when she moved on to a Divisional role.  She is currently working directly for CRH, the parent company of Callanan.  Sheila currently serves as the President of a national association called Women of Asphalt and is also active in multiple Industry Associations.  Much of her experience has been centered on aggregate and asphalt sales and operations.

Jason Lurie, Member  (Term expires 12/31/2026)

Jason Lurie, MBA works with a variety small business owners and individuals to help achieve their financial goals.  In his practice he works with individual on a variety of financial issues including helping prepare for eventual exit from the business, retirement income, estate planning and wealth transfer, as well as key employee retention. Every day we make choices around our finances, with the potential to bring us closer to achieving our goals. Much like dropping a pebble into a pool of water, our decisions create ripples with far-reaching effects. With guidance, we can be deliberate, tossing each pebble to strategically direct those ripples. Jason helps his clients to know where to direct those pebbles to create positive ripples in their life.

Jason is a lifelong resident of the Capital district.  He went to undergraduate at University of Buffalo with a degree in Communications and concentration in advertising and public relations.  He continued on to get his MBA at Syracuse and moved back to the area in 1998.  He currently resides in Clifton Park with his wife Mary Ellen.

Kamran Baig – Member (Term expires 12/31/2026)

Kamran retired from GE after a 33-year career primarily in their energy business. He had
a number of progressive assignments in engineering, site management, project
management and executive management.
His roles included the responsibility to manage the building of open cycle turnkey gas
turbine projects for the Americas. Following which, Kamran took on the responsibility
for executing on the backlog of thermal gas turbine projects including equipment only,
turnkey and extended scope projects throughout the world.
Prior to retiring, Kamran had responsibility for the power generations services business
in the Gulf and Saudi region where GE provided maintenance and upgrade services for a
fleet of about one thousand installed GE gas and steam turbines.
Kamran has served on the Board of Trustees of the Islamic Center of the Capital District.
Prior to moving to Clifton Park, Kamran served on the Zoning Board of Appeals in the
town of Niskayuna.
Kamran holds a BS degree in Mechanical Engineering from San Jose State University, a
Masters of Engineering from UC Berkeley and an MBA from RPI. He resides with his wife
in Clifton Park, NY.

Raymond W (Bill) Casey – Member (Term expires 12/31/2028)

Bill was born in Plattsburgh, NY.  He graduated from SUNY Plattsburgh with a BA in Political Science.  He served in the US Army Reserves as a Medic from 1969-1974.

Bill worked as a NYS employee at the Office of General Services.  His career started as a Budget Analyst.  He was then promoted to Executive Director of Building Design and Construction Group in 1987.  In 1992 he was promoted to First Deputy Commissioner of General Services.  In addition, he spent 5 years as the Assistant Deputy Comptroller.

In 2003, Bill pivoted to CAPTAIN Youth and Family Services as Interim Executive Director.

 He worked for the Albany Airport Authority on a part time basis from 2006-2024 performing project management, real property leasing and contract oversight.

Bill’s community volunteer activities include 13 ½ years on the Shenendehowa School District Board of Education (5 years as President), a member of the CAPTAIN board (3 years as President), and Grace Chapel Church in Jonesville.

 His wife is a retired Shenendehowa High School English teacher.

 Bill enjoys reading, golf & landscaping in his spare time.  He also enjoys long drives with his wife, being a grandparent and CAPTAIN mentoring.

Staff & Counsel

Kevin Luibrand – Counsel

James Carminucci – Bond Counsel

Melissa Yager – CEO

Thomas Gibbs – CFO

Governance Committee

Mark Vena
Jason Lurie

Audit Committee

Todd Hess
Kamran Baig

Finance Committee

All CP IDA Board Members