Our Team

Co-Founder and Managing Director of Northeast Government Consulting, LLC, and Founder of an upstate New York law office, where he concentrates his practice in the areas of administrative, business, and real estate development law. Previously, David served as Vice President of Government Affairs and General Counsel for a legislative and regulatory lobbying firm in Albany, New York.

Formerly, he served as the New York State Department of State’s Legislative Liaison and Assistant Counsel to the Department’s Division of Corporations, where he was responsible for drafting, monitoring, and lobbying departmental legislation, with a focus on corporate and commercial law. Mr. Carroll also served as Legislative Liaison to the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws. Before joining the Department of State, he was Assistant Counsel to New York State Senate Majority Leader Joseph L. Bruno, advising on key issues including corporations, technology, and health care. Prior to that, he served with the New York State Insurance Department.

Mr. Carroll is a member of the New York State Business Council, New York State Technology Forum, New York State Association of Counties, and New York State Bar Association. He has been published in the New York Business Law Journal and has lectured extensively on government relations, lobbying, and Government Compliance law. He also serves as an adjunct professor teaching leadership and advanced business topics. Mr. Carroll is a graduate of Delaware Law School.

Mr. Podbielski has nearly four decades of experience in the sales and marketing of technology products and services to government, education, Fortune 100 companies, and he spearheads information technology procurement for NGC. He served as the Northeast Director/Regional Sales Manager of State and Local Government for Dell Computer Corporation for eight years. In this capacity, Mr. Podbielski was responsible for approximately a half-billion dollars in revenue, directed sales strategies, and negotiated contracts with states and major cities from Maine to Washington, DC.

Prior to Dell, he managed the Albany branch of Digital Equipment Corporation and led sales efforts to New York State and General Electric. Most recently, Mr. Podbielski served as Vice President of Sales and Marketing for an MBE and 8(a) systems integration firm in New York City focused on federal, state, and local government markets. He also served on the transition team of New Jersey Governor James McGreevey. A graduate of Siena College, Mr. Podbielski is considered the original architect of Dell Computer’s Northeast State and Local Government sector market growth.

Currently appointed by Governor Kathy Hochul as a Regional State Political Representative, Jeff also serves on SEDC’s Regional Economic Development Council. With 30 years of experience in all facets of organized labor, including serving as President of the Building and Construction Trades Council for 8 years and as Business Manager, Jeff currently serves as an advisor-consultant to a large, active labor pension fund with an approximate value in excess of $1 billion. Jeff’s extensive experience includes serving for several years as an elected official in Montgomery County, NY, and he has cultivated deep political relationships and friendships throughout New York.

Mark Barbee is a seasoned labor leader with over 41 years of experience in organized labor as an executive leader, advisor, and former president with the international union United Auto Workers (UAW). He was recently awarded an honorary doctorate by Orange County University, was nominated by the University of California, Irvine for his organizational leadership, and has been nationally recognized for his unparalleled expertise in labor contract negotiations. This distinguished advocate has played a pivotal role in organizing, negotiating, and empowering workers across Region 9 and beyond. With over 100 ratified contracts, dozens of successful arbitrations, and a legacy of mentorship, he has shaped the lives of thousands through collective bargaining, labor education, and political action. He has served as a senior negotiator, international representative, political action chair, and labor educator — bringing deep experience in grievance resolution, organizing strategy, and union leadership development. His work reflects a lifelong dedication to solidarity, service, and the advancement of the American labor movement.

Donovan Lennon is an IT professional with over 25 years of experience. Known for his results-driven mindset and adaptability, he brings a broad technical background, complemented by hands-on experience in systems administration, customer service, and emerging technologies. As IT Director, he leads technology solutions, consulting initiatives, service management, compliance management, and project management. Additionally, Mr. Lennon has developed extensive experience and skill sets across all facets of New York State compliance. He has held progressive roles in network operations, technical support, service assurance, and customer service, including prior leadership as Director of Business Solutions.

Mr. Thomas has significant experience in management leadership, organizational operations, enterprise account servicing, and State and local compliance. He has extensive experience managing all facets of a large organization, from sales and servicing to customer relations. He possesses substantial expertise in identifying large RFPs and ensuring compliance. His unique skill set includes handling enterprise accounts, making him adept at managing complex, high-value client relationships.

NGC has the great benefit of top-tier professionals on its advisory team from high-level positions in the New York State Legislature, executive agencies, and organized labor. These advisors serve to turbocharge and support NGC’s expertise, knowledge, and results-oriented approach with respect to state budget monies, grants, public authorities, and state agency programs. These advisors also strengthen our critical relationships with organized labor and government officials at all levels. In addition, these specialists help businesses navigate the complex, opaque universe of organized labor.

Jennifer Salerno supports our chief financial officer and manages all aspects of payment systems, financial management, and financial bookkeeping. In addition, she interfaces directly with clients to ensure that payments, account management, and compliance are aligned. Mrs. Salerno has over 20 years of experience in directly assisting organizations and individuals in managing the financial day-to-day operations, including payroll.

Sam Nelson is an executive strategist with 15+ years of experience building and scaling digital communications and advertising programs. He began his career in the New York State Senate, building a digital communications department from the ground up. He later founded Downstreet Digital and grew it into a national leader in digital marketing and advertising. Today, Sam partners with senior leaders to set strategic direction, strengthen stakeholder alignment, and govern messaging that wins trust and delivers results.

In addition, Mr. Nelson has a nationally recognized stellar reputation for partnering with stakeholders, coalitions, and government affairs specialists to achieve client objectives.