Tax Breaks & Accountability: Inside the IDA EcoSystem

PANELIST

Sheldon L. Shrenkel

Executive Director/CEO Nassau County IDA

Sheldon L. Shrenkel was appointed Chief Executive Officer of The Nassau County Industrial Development Agency in November 2022. 

Mr. Shrenkel previously worked as Director of Operations for Chrysler Capital Corporation, a six-billion-dollar company. He was V.P. for Chrysler Capital Funding Corporation, and later reported to the Chairmen of Chrysler First Corporation. 

He was an independent contractor working with Sterling National Bank. He worked with several workout and turnaround firms, Bankruptcy Trustees, and acts as a financial intermediary through his consulting firm Jacath & Shrenkel Assoc. He spans a long financing career in multiple products: Auditing, Accounts Receivable and Inventory financing, Equipment lease financing, and Commercial Real Estate financing. Mr. Shrenkel is a graduate of Hunter College, NY with a B.A. Degree. He earned his MBA degree at Adelphi University where he graduated Delta -Mu- Delta (National Honor Society of Business.) 

PANELIST

Robert Kufner

President/CEO Designatronics, Inc.

Robert Kufner is a veteran manufacturing executive who serves as President & Chief Executive Officer of Designatronics, Inc. (SDP/SI, QBC, QTC Metric Gears, and Wybur Tools).

Kufner holds a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering & Technology from Kent State University and an MBA from Penn State Behrend. Before joining Designatronics, he held senior leadership roles in operations and manufacturing, including positions at Lake Region Medical (formerly Accellent), PerkinElmer (defense division), and Setco. He has been at the helm of Designatronics since July 2013.

Under his leadership, SDP/SI, a Designatronics brand that provides manufacturing and engineering of precision mechanical and electromechanical components (such as gears, molded components, synchronous belt drives, and subassemblies), has pursued consolidation and modernization of its operations. Kufner has publicly emphasized the importance of reshoring supply chains, high standards in quality (ISO 9001:2015 and AS9100D registration), and efficient operational structure. He also prioritizes workforce development and changing public perceptions of modern manufacturing, advocating that today’s factories employ advanced technologies and offer solid career paths.

In 2024, Kufner was honored with the Patriot Award, recognizing his support for employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve.

He is active within industry circles and is currently Chairman of the Emerging Technology Committee on Robotics & Automation for the American Gear Manufacturers Association.

In his free time, Robert enjoys spending time with his wife and family, reading history books and going to car shows.

PANELIST

Daniel Deegan

Partner - Forchelli, Deegan & Terrana, LLP

Daniel P. Deegan heads up the Firm’s Industrial Development Agency (IDA), Municipal Incentives and Government Relations practices, with particular emphasis on facilitating and implementing responsible real estate development projects. He concentrates in Real Estate Development Law, Zoning Law, Municipal Incentives/IDA Law, and Government Relations/Municipal Law. He is experienced in representing companies before the IDAs in Nassau and Suffolk Counties. Dan has a reputation for “getting things done” with efficiency, effectiveness, and integrity.

Mr. Deegan has been awarded an “AV” legal ability and ethics rating by Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory—the highest rating this nationally recognized publication has established. This rating is based upon extensive confidential peer review surveys. He has been selected by his peers for inclusion in New York Metro Super Lawyers lists (Real Estate) annually since 2010. He was also peer selected in LI Pulse Magazine as a “Top Legal Eagle” for being the “most unbeatable” in Real Estate.

MODERATOR

Gerard Luckman

Partner - Forchelli, Deegan & Terrana, LLP

Gerard R. Luckman heads the firm’s Bankruptcy & Corporate Restructuring practice group. Jerry’s pragmatic approach and experience has led him to represent virtually every type of client in a financial workout or chapter 11 bankruptcy case — including clients involved in distressed debt transactions, asset acquisitions, and asset sales outside of bankruptcy; as well as debtors, creditors’ committees, equity holders, landlords, and secured and unsecured creditors in chapter 11 proceedings. He is widely regarded as a leading practitioner in the field of corporate restructuring and bankruptcy. With businesses filing for chapter 11, Jerry can take the client from the initial filing of the bankruptcy petition, through the management of the case, and ultimately confirm a plan of reorganization or liquidation. In representing clients in an out of court work out, Jerry’s hands-on approach assists the client in negotiating and executing the restructuring of their financial obligations while avoiding the uncertainty associated with litigation or a bankruptcy filing.

Jerry has been awarded an “AV” legal ability and ethics rating by Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory — the highest rating this nationally recognized publication has established. He has also been selected to New York Metro Super Lawyers lists (Bankruptcy: Business) annually since 2014.

Prior to and during law school, Jerry worked as a financial manager at two major corporations. That financial background and experience help shape Jerry’s practical approach to practicing law. Gerry is also a Past President of the IMA LI Chapter.

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