Staff
Kristy Verity, Executive Director joined the BID in July 2019 with a passion for transforming downtown Riverhead into a vibrant, thriving, community-driven district. Ms. Verity employs a diverse background in business, design, marketing, communications, placemaking, and project management. An east-end native and small-business owner herself, Kristy leads a New York State Certified Women Business Enterprise [WBE], amplifying the presence of businesses and organizations spanning Long Island.
Jessica Rera, Administrative Assistant graduating from SUNY Oswego with a BA in public relations and political science, Jessica hit the ground running and quickly became the BID’s rock star event assistant during Alive on 25’s 2021 comeback season. Now our year-round admin and a true asset to the BID, you’ll find Jessica highlighting downtown happenings online, managing events and corresponding with the community.
Brian Hanlon, BID Ambassador, acting as our eyes and ears throughout the district, Brian has been a familiar face in downtown Riverhead since 2019. Assisting the BIDMA with various tasks, maintenance, and event operations, Brian actively helps to cultivate a welcoming and safe environment for residents and visitors. Brian is a North Fork local with a work ethic that is second to none.
Executive Board of Directors
Sean Kenna, President, has held a position on the BIDMA Board of Directors since 2017, and was elected president in 2024. Sean is an owner/operator of Cucina 25 and Craft’d, located on Main Street in downtown Riverhead. Sean is an active member of the Riverhead community and coaches boys lacrosse at Riverhead High School.
Gary Hygom, Vice President
Linda Lombardi, Treasurer
Secretary, Open
Board of Directors
Jason Breitstone, Hildreth’s Real Estate Advisors
Michael Butler, North South Development LLC [Appointed Seat by the Supervisor of the Town of Riverhead]
Amanda Capobianco, Richmond Realty Corp
Gary Hygom, Suffolk Theater
Linda Lombardi, M&T Bank
Alberto Longhi, The Preston House & Hotel
Mark McLaughlin, NYS Assembly District 2
Larry Oxman, East End Commercial Real Estate
Jasmine Esquilin, BID Resident [Appointed Seat by the Chief Financial Officer of the Town of Riverhead]
The Town Board sets an annual budget for the BID Management Association, a 501c(4) non-profit organization whose members are the property owners and tenants of parcels within the district. A board of directors elected by the membership and Town Board oversees the affairs of the BID Management Association
The BIDMA meets the Third Wednesday of each month at 5:30pm inside Town of Riverhead Hall 4 West Second Street Riverhead, New York 11901. Anyone wishing to present an item for discussion for the BID board meetings must send an email no later than 24 hours prior to the meeting to hello@downtownriverhead.org. Please check the Riverhead Town website for any meeting notices for cancellations or location change. BIDMA board policies may be viewed here
