Staff

Dr. Patricia K. Laino, President
Dr. Laino has been the Executive Director since its inception in the Fall of 1988. She is recognized throughout the State as an expert in small business training. She has had experience in the field of business from 1988 to the present time. Dr. Laino graduated from the New York State University of Buffalo in 1986 with a doctorate in management, research and policy. Dr. Laino has received numerous Awards for Outstanding Services in a multitude of business areas, ranging from the National and State level to many on the local level.Dr. Laino pioneered efforts to:

* Establish the first Entrepreneur Center here in the Mohawk Valley to train minorities and women to start-up their own businesses.
* Train Certified Dislocated Workers across New York State to start-up their own businesses by establishing satellites in various regions.
* Established the partnership with UCSD to develop & implement various training programs including MAGNET School to Work, ESD/SVP Programs, Student Career Initiatives & pioneered entrepreneurial activities in all Utica City School District Schools.

Donna L. Rebisz, WBC Director
Ms. Rebisz has been with BTI Inc. since its inception. In June 2001, she was designated Project Director of the WBC of NYS and she is responsible for the overall management of the Women’s Business Center of New York.Her business background and expertise is derived from the continuous research and studies in the field of business opportunities. She has undergraduate studies and is now pursuing a doctorate in Business & Education. As the WBC of NYS Project Director Donna oversees the day-to-day activities and operations of the center spanning 29 counties in Central New York. She also serves as the point of contact for the SBA/Office of Women’s Business Ownership.

Dina M. Vullo, Chief Financial Officer
Ms. Vullo is the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and has been with BTI, Inc. since its inception. As the CFO she is responsible for the overall management and accountability of the corporation. She must meet stringent rules and regulations to comply with the corporations 501 (c) (3) status and its audits.She has an academic and financial background in successfully owning and operating her own business. Her “hands-on” expertise allows for her to oversee the Institute’s operations in general and in all financial activities. With her strong administrative commitment, her dedication to current accounting procedures, BTI, Inc has continuously passed and succeeded all audits, site reviews, and project evaluations.

Patricia Badgley, Assistant Project Director
As the Assistant Project Director, Ms. Badgley is responsible for ongoing program data collection and electronic reporting to SBA. She is also responsible for the client follow-up and tracking of all WBC clients. As the program data collector, Tricia conducts follow-up activities and reports these activities to the SBA/Office of Women’s Business Ownership. She has assisted in the construction of our database and electronic reporting system. Patricia is furthering her business background by pursuing a degree in Graphics Communications.