Crains New York - July 8, 2013 - (Page 5)

44% BUSINESS PEOPLE Recent downstate New York college grads who have jobs that don’t require bachelor’s degrees Source: Federal Reserve Bank of New York EXECUTIVE MOVES buck ennis FLYING BUFF: Buffy Stevenson pilots a dozen tours a day. She’s always looking out for a quick and safe landing spot. TOURISM GOTHAM GIG High above the Hudson Pilot finds freedom in the city’s not-so-friendly skies It’s like they say, if you can fly here, you can fly anywhere Buffy Stevenson sees the city from a different point of view: hovering over the Hudson River. ¶ “I still have to pinch myself as I fly by the Statue of Liberty,” said Ms. Stevenson, one of seven pilots with Manhattan Helicopters. ¶ She pilots as many as 12 tours a day from Pier 6 on the East River. Most go off without a hitch, but the June 30 emergency river landing by another tour company pilot was a reminder that anything can happen. In 2009, nine people died in a mid-air collision. ¶ “I’m constantly scanning the skyline to know where I can set the helicopter at any point,” she said, pointing out floatation devices on the helicopter’s runners that inflate for water landings. The five helicopter tour companies in the city operate daily, with tours costing as much as $260 per person. ¶ As she described her Bell 206 JetRanger, with a flight range of 430 miles, 6-year-old twin girls approached. Their eyes widened when they met their pilot. They were expecting a man. ¶ “That’s not the first time people have been surprised,” said Operations Manager Dan Vargas. Ms. Stevenson got her license at age 40 after working in hospitality for 25 years. She was drawn to the skies as a child in Cocoa Beach, Fla., watching her dad fly fixedwing planes and viewing NASA shuttle launches. She took her first helicopter flight in Las Vegas. ¶ “I knew when I went up this was what I had to do,” she said. ¶ It took two years and nearly $70,000 to become certified as a flight instructor and commercial pilot. ¶ Flying in New York’s crowded airspace may be the ultimate test. It’s also a new challenge for Ms. Stevenson, who moved to the city from Florida two months ago. ¶ “It’s like they say, if you can make it here, you can make it anywhere,” she said. “Even with —laura lorenzetti flying that holds true.” WealthRight, Philanthropy at Work: Carol Davidson, 58, joined the consulting firm as president, a newly created position. She was previously chief external affairs officer at the Jewish Board of Family & Children’s Services. Digitas: Kenneth Parks, 44, was promoted to chief marketing officer, Digitas North America, at the digital marketing and e-commerce solutions company. He was previously executive vice president and executive managing director. MailOnline: Richard Caccappolo, 47, joined the news website as chief operating officer. He was previously strategic adviser and chief technology officer at Emusic Inc. Prophet: Chan Suh, 51, joined the branding and marketing consulting firm as chief digital officer and senior partner, a newly created position. He was previously chief executive at Broome Crosby Ltd. Holland + Knight: Stuart Saft, 66, was promoted to New York real estate practice chair and co-chair of the global hospitality, resort and timeshare group at the law firm. He was previously a partner and co-chair of the real estate practice. RadiumOne: Eric Bader, 45, joined the advertising agency as chief marketing officer, a newly created position. He was previously global president and chief strategy officer at Initiative. Women’s Initiative for Self Employment: Antonia Bowring, 49, joined the nonprofit as executive director. She was previously chief operating officer at Open Space Institute. Dresner Partners: Alan Mustacchi, 52, joined the investment bank as managing director. He was previously managing director at Navigant Capital Advisors. Mesirow Financial: John Connor, 56, joined the consulting firm as managing director, a newly created position. He was previously managing director at Barclays Capital. Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts at Brooklyn College: Jon Yanofsky, 44, joined the nonprofit as director. He was previously interim director of marketing and communications at BRIC. Douglas Elliman: Michael Allen, 46, was promoted to director of marketing for the Brooklyn region and director of sales for Williamsburg at the real estate firm. He was previously a salesperson. Bachmann-Strauss Dystonia & Parkinson Foundation: Paula Stein, 58, joined the nonprofit as executive director. She was previously vice president at Graham-Pelton See EXECUTIVE MOVES on Page 6 July 8, 2013 | Crain’s New York Business | 5

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Crains New York - July 8, 2013

Crains New York - July 8, 2013
IN THE MARKETS
BUSINESS PEOPLE
SMALL BUSINESS
INSIDER
REAL ESTATE DEALS
OPINION
GREG DAVID
NICOLE GLAROS
IN THE BOROUGHS
TOURISM REPORT
CLASSIFIEDS
FOR THE RECORD
NEW YORK, NEW YORK
SOURCE LUNCH
OUT AND ABOUT
SNAPS

Crains New York - July 8, 2013