About Our Industrial Development Agency
The mission of the Suffolk County Industrial Development Agency (IDA) is to promote economic development in the county by helping businesses expand and grow, increase employment opportunities and add to the quality of life for the residents of Suffolk County. The Suffolk IDA is the lead agency attracting new investment in Suffolk County and driving the region’s innovation economy and job expansion. Carrying out the work of the Suffolk County IDA is a team of experienced, highly skilled economic development professionals. They focus on attracting new business, supporting the expansion of existing industry, and mobilizing local and regional assets supporting regional long-term growth and economic development.
Suffolk IDA Board Members
Sarah Lansdale, Chair
Committee: Audit and Finance; Governance and Compliance
Sarah Lansdale serves as Commissioner of the Suffolk County Department of Economic Development & Planning, where she leads the County’s efforts to advance economic growth, community development, land use planning, environmental protection, transportation, affordable housing, and water quality initiatives.
Prior to becoming Commissioner, Lansdale served as Director of Suffolk County’s Planning and Environment Division, where she played a key role in advancing initiatives focused on protecting farmland and open space, improving water quality, supporting Suffolk County’s agricultural industry, revitalizing communities, and expanding transportation and affordable housing opportunities.
Before joining Suffolk County government, Lansdale served as Executive Director of Sustainable Long Island, a Farmingdale-based nonprofit organization focused on sustainable community planning, economic development, and creating healthier, more vibrant communities across Long Island. Her experience in the nonprofit, planning, and public sectors has provided her with a broad perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing Long Island communities.
Lansdale also serves in leadership roles supporting Suffolk County’s economic development efforts, including as Chair of the Suffolk County Industrial Development Agency.
Ms. Lansdale holds a Master’s degree in Urban Planning from New York University and an undergraduate degree in Environmental Studies. She is also a graduate of the Energeia Partnership at Molloy University.
Lansdale brings more than two decades of planning and community development experience to her role. She is committed to advancing sustainable economic growth, protecting Suffolk County’s natural resources, strengthening local communities, expanding housing opportunities, and supporting the businesses, residents, and industries that contribute to the County’s long-term economic vitality.
Ms. Lansdale was appointed to the Suffolk IDA Board by the Suffolk County Legislature on July 26, 2022.
Kevin Harvey, Vice Chair
Committee: Audit and Finance, Chair
Kevin Harvey was appointed to the Suffolk IDA Board by the Suffolk County Legislature on April 24, 2012. A former business manager at the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Union Local 25, Harvey was elected to Treasurer of the IDA in 2019. He has since moved up to serve as Vice Chair.
X. Cristofer Damianos, Secretary
Committee: Governance and Compliance
X. Cristofer Damianos is currently a principal of Damianos Realty Group, LLC, overseeing acquisitions, development and management of over one million sqft of commercial real estate on Long Island. He has spent over 30 years with the group guiding the organization through its tremendous growth throughout Suffolk County. Mr. Damianos was appointed to the Suffolk IDA Board by the Suffolk County Legislature on June 7, 2022.
Gregory T. Casamento
Committee: Governance and Compliance, Chair; Audit and Finance
Gregory T. Casamento is currently the Managing Partner at Locke Lord LLP, a full service law firm focusing on complex litigation, regulatory, and transactional work. Casamento has spent over 25 years as a practicing attorney and eight years in his current Managing Partner position. Mr. Casamento was appointed to the Suffolk IDA Board by the Suffolk County Legislature on September 9, 2014.
George Schwertl
Committee: Governance and Compliance
George Schwertl, deputy superintendent of the Huntington Town Highway Department, is a graduate of Northport High School. Mr. Schwertl, who lives in Lloyd Harbor, was on the Planning Board before becoming deputy superintendent. In addition to working in the automotive industry for more than 40 years, Mr. Schwertl also has a background in small business as a jewelry store owner in Northport. He also has been on the board of the Cold Spring Harbor Library and the United Asian Alliance. He believes his varied business background will help him with his responsibilities with the IDA. Mr. Schwertl was appointed to the Suffolk IDA Board by the Suffolk County Legislature on March 10, 2026. He and his wife, Alicia, have eight children, ages 38-16.
Christopher Nuzzi
Committee: Audit and Finance
Christopher Nuzzi is president and chief executive officer of Advantage Title, where he began in March 2014 as executive vice president and regional director of the East End. Working closely with attorneys, real estate brokers, developers, lenders, and municipalities to facilitate high-value projects across Long Island, Chris is a trusted resource for navigating complex commercial and residential real estate transactions.
Chris has expertise in land-use practices and a commitment to regional economic development. His years in public service in both County and Town government, culminating in two terms as a Southampton Town councilperson, will complement the work of the Suffolk County IDA. Chris was appointed to the Suffolk IDA Board by the Suffolk County Legislature on March 10, 2026.
Chris is a proud lifelong Suffolk County resident and currently lives with his family on the East End.
Anthony Malizia
Board Member
Anthony Malizia is a Business Agent and Recording Corresponding Secretary for Local 138 of the International Union of Operating Engineers. With more than 22 years of experience in the construction industry, including 13 years in union leadership, Anthony has dedicated his career to workforce development, infrastructure, and responsible economic growth.
Anthony works closely with contractors, labor organizations, and public agencies to support projects that create jobs and strengthen Suffolk County’s economy. Mr. Malizia was appointed to the Suffolk IDA Board by the Suffolk County Legislature on May 12, 2026.

The Team
Peter Ganley
Acting CEO/Executive Director
Read About Peter
Peter Ganley serves as Acting CEO and Executive Director of the Suffolk County Industrial Development Agency, where he oversees the Agency’s day to day operations and works with businesses, developers, and community stakeholders to advance economic development, job creation, and business investment throughout Suffolk County.
Prior to joining the Suffolk IDA, Mr. Ganley served as Director of Operations for the Office of Congressman Nick LaLota, where he managed district operations and worked with government agencies, local municipalities, businesses, and community organizations across Suffolk County. His professional experience also includes management, public administration, and community outreach.
Send E-mail
631-853-4065
Joseph Rastello
Deputy Executive Director
Read About Joseph
Joseph Rastello is the Deputy Director of the Suffolk IDA. Prior to this role, he served as Adjunct Professor at Suffolk County Community College since 2007, teaching courses in Business Communications, Business, Management, Strategic Management, Sales, Marketing, and Global Marketing. Additionally, his experience in construction Sales and Project Management is an added experience for SCIDA. Mr. Rastello holds a Master of Science in Education from Dowling College and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Banking & Finance from Hofstra University.
Send E-mail
631-853-8248

