2018 Judges

BRIAN HYDER
Brian Hyder is currently an executive producer and host for “As Seen On TV” marketer Tristar Products Inc. and a Creative Director for web and social media development. Hyder Current spots airing nationally: Flex able Bungee Hose, Clear TV, Star Night Deals, Pocket FlipBrella, Handy Vac, My Cane, Clear Dash Cam, Go Pro Wrench and Lowes, he is an award-winning host for the PBS adventure show Trailside, a veteran 12-year host for the Home Shopping Network (HSN), host of the Mayo clinic’s America’s Health Network and spokesman for numerous national and international commercials. He earned a communications degree from UNC-W and a 2 meteorology degree from Mississippi State University Originally from North Carolina and currently resides in Clearwater Fl.

DOMINIQUE DICKSON
Dominique Dickson is a Project Manager within the Global CEO & Board practice at renowned executive search firm, Heidrick & Struggles. She earned her BA from Long Island University and MBA from Drexel University. As a 25+ year veteran of pageantry competition, coaching and judging, Dominique has held local, state and national titles for various systems including MAC, Galaxy, America’s National Miss, International, East Coast USA and others. Earlier this year, she was named Mrs. Long Island America and will be competing for the title of Mrs. New York America next spring. Dominique has been an annual participant in AIDS Walk NY, volunteers with Animal Haven Shelter, Habitat for Humanity, New York Blood Center and other charitable organizations, recently authored an award-winning feature film screenplay that is currently in development and founded the non-profit membership organization, Working Mothers2, with a mission to empower women, post-motherhood, to continue the pursuit of their personal passions. She resides in Huntington, Long Island, New York with her husband of 5 years, Joseph and 4 year old son, Nathaniel. 

SARA ANNE FINGERMAN
Recently named Long Island’s Top 50 Business Women by The Long Island Business News, Sara Anne Fingerman is the Marketing and Public Relations Manager at The Garden City Hotel. In this capacity, she leads the marketing efforts for this iconic brand that has endured for over 140 years. Fingerman is responsible for defining and executing the marketing, advertising and public relations strategy for the various business segments within the hotel, including the rooms division, food and beverage, corporate sales and catering. Through strategic partnerships with local businesses, charities, television networks and celebrities, Fingerman and the Garden City Hotel have hosted a wide array of events, ranging from press conferences for the Belmont Stakes, to a Luau to raise money for cancer awareness, to Prohibition Night, a costume party celebrating the repeal of prohibition. In addition to her position at The Garden City Hotel, Fingerman is an active member of The Long Island Elite and Inside Connection, two prominent local business networking groups. Through her participation in these groups, she has helped countless local business people connect with one another and has been involved in many charitable endeavors. Previously, Fingerman led the Public Relations and editorial efforts of Milieu Magazine, Gem Magazine LI and other publications. She began her career with various sales positions for online networking registries. Fingerman holds a bachelor’s of Communication Arts with an emphasis in marketing from Dowling College.

C. J. MARIE
C.J. Marie was born and raised in Astoria Queens, NY attended Long Island City High School, Queensboro Community College and Queens College. She worked in her professional career for the Archdiocese of NY for 35 years and was lead teacher for the early childhood curriculum. She has volunteered her time to teaching CCD classes, has had involvement in summer programs and has raised money for charities. C.J. is a Certified Professional Coach Counselor guiding individuals to reach their personal and professional goals. C.J. has been dancing since the age of 5 years old. She feels dancing and writing are the silent expressions of the heart. She has authored 14 books has 5 issued United States Patents and is an entrepreneur and real estate proprietor. She has been recognized in newspapers and magazines and has been named “Woman of the Year” and is featured in the “Who’s Who Among American Business Women”, as well as in the Who’s Who Among American Teachers”. Her passion is to connect with others regardless of age, to touch lives and be the change we want to see in the world. Paying it forward by giving back demonstrates her appreciation for what has been given to her. C.J. is the proud mother of one son, 2 grandchildren and a wife of 27 years. She promotes the over 60’s woman with style and wisdom. C.J. has won many national pageant titles and is also a pageant coach. She was Ms New York Senior America 2015 and currently holds the title of Ms Senior New York USA . C.J.’s mission is to inspire others regardless of age and believes that age has no limits to what you can achieve.

JAMES DENAPOLI
James Denapoli is an owner of a Nationwide Insurance Agency servicing the East Northport and Syosset areas. He is proud to be a part of a family owned business with over 50 years of experience specializing in all personal and commercial lines of insurance. James has participated in the NY Metro Law Enforcement Recognition Luncheon, which recognized the good work of law enforcement professionals who have shown dedication to DWI enforcement, prosecution, and education. James graduated from Bryant College with a degree in finance. While attending Bryant, James was the captain of the soccer team and was awarded the William T O’Hara Leadership Award. This prestigious award was only given to only male and one female athlete. During his spare time James loves to spend time with his wife Cailey and his son Cole. You can also find James working out at the gym, organizing, coaching, and playing softball with his friends.

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.