2014 Judges

AMY BELL
In 1986, Amy was crowned Miss Upstate New York Teenager, but that was just the start of her decorated pageant career. After completing her education at Syracuse University, launching her career as a residential loan officer, and marrying her husband John, Amy was crowned Mrs. New York United States in 2001. Amy then went on to start her own pageant company, Les Belles Pageants, holding competitions for the local titles of Miss Upstate NY and Miss Greater Rochester Teenager for 8 years during which time she produced 5 New York State titleholders and 6 first runners-up. Her passion is mentoring young women to be all they can be! Currently, Amy is the top sales associate at Premium Mortgage, is the proud mother of two boys, and the reigning Mrs. Rochester America who will compete for the Mrs. New York America title later this fall.

MATT A. BOYCE
Matt is an architectural designer and project manager for Green Innovative Design; an associate member of the AIA and sits on several USGBC-LI Committees. His talents were first recognized when he was selected from thousands across the nation to compete in the HGTV show All American Handyman judged by Mike Holmes and Scott McGillery. Since then, Matthew was bitten by the acting bug and has appeared on several television shows with renowned actors such as Jennifer Hudson, Jamie Fox, Debra Messing and Angelica Huston. He has appeared on television shows including Golden Boy, Elementary, Person of Interest, Smash, Law and Order SVU, Deception, Zero Hour and Royal Pains. Matthew has also performed in improvisation Off-Broadway productions as well as national television commercials for Samsung, Verizon and Dick’s Sporting Goods. Most recently, Matthew appeared in films such as Human Trust (2012), The Amazing Spiderman (2013) and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2013).

MARINA BRESLER
Marina is a graduate of Parsons School of Design in New York and a twenty four year veteran of the fashion industry. She has successfully designed over ten name brand dress lines including a namesake line for 5 years, and is currently the lead evening wear designer at Betsy & Adam in Manhattan. Marina launched her evening wear career in couture, and has designed every type of dress from Prom to Mother of the Bride. Her career in fashion brought about extensive travel to Asia and the Far East. Having visited many countries for sourcing, she continues to draw her inspiration from these distant lands. She also frequently travels to Europe for the latest trends and the always inspirational streets of London and Paris. When not working, she loves to do hot yoga and spend time with friends and family. Marina lives in Dumbo, Brooklyn with her husband, her two children and a very large Bulldog named Henry.

SAMANTHA FORDE
Samantha proudly held Dazzle D Productions’ very first Miss Long Island Teen title back in 2009. Presently, she is simultaneously pursuing her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in International Trade and Transportation Management at Maritime College. Although Samantha has hung up her elegant gowns for starchy cadet uniforms, she is always thrilled to support her LI pageant sisters as they each embark on their journeys to make the world a better place! Samantha continues her dedication to volunteerism by lovingly fostering rescued dogs from kill shelters, and helping to rehabilitate them until finding their forever homes. Samantha is also President of Maritime’s chapter of Women on the Water, a volunteer organization built to provide exposure to the current climate women face today working in the maritime industry. Samantha encourages women to break the mold, pursue their interests, be themselves, and strive to be successful in a male-dominated industry.

MICHAEL WATT
For his passion and dedication to supporting this wonderful region, Michael is known by many as “Mr. Long Island”! Currently, he is the proud founder and executive director of LIincs, an association for young professionals on Long Island. Prior to launching LIincs, Michael served as president of the LI Partnership, an umbrella group representing the many economic development organizations across Nassau and Suffolk, and was also the Chief Information Officer for LongIsland.com. Michael also co-founded and edited 516 Magazine, a monthly publication covering Long Island’s entertainment, leisure and recreation industries. The Public Relations Professionals of Long Island recognized Michael for his ongoing dedication to promoting everything Long Island, and he has also received top honors from the New York Press Association and the Long Island Press Club for his renowned humor writing.

OFFICIAL TABULATOR FROM BLANCHFIELD, MEYER, KOBER & RIZZO, LLP
JOSEPH MORTIMER
Joseph Mortimer, CPA, has more than 20 years experience in the public accounting profession. Prior to joining Blanchfield, Meyer, Kober & Rizzo, LLP, in 2000, Mr. Mortimer spent 13 years with large international accounting firms. He has extensive experience in accounting, auditing, tax and business advisory services. He serves the business and accounting needs of companies in many industries, including construction, real estate and manufacturing. He has experience in both the public and private sector. Mr. Mortimer earned his bachelor of business administration from Hofstra University and became a Certified Public Accountant in 1987. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants and the Construction Financial Management Association.