Entrepreneurial Assistance Center

Phil Rugile has a long history in both corporate and startup business environments. Phil’s current positions include co-Founder of non-profit RecruitLI, as a Corporate Innovation Consultant focusing on workforce and business development, and as the Director of Launchpad Huntington (LPH), a co-working and corporate event space. LPH has become the area’s most successful private startup space by providing connections for entrepreneurs to investment, partnership and mentorship. Through extensive networking and educational events, the space provides invaluabDirector of Innovation, LaunchPad Huntingtonle collaboration opportunities for its tenants and the entire LI region. In his consulting role, Phil is currently engaged with several technology and advanced manufacturing clients. Phil is also is a member of the New York State Regional Economic Development Council’s Education and Workforce Committee. Prior experiences include Human Capital Strategist at eCommerce company eGifter, Entrepreneur in Residence for Accelerate Long Island; co-founder of 100 Urban Entrepreneurs, a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to supporting minority entrepreneurship; co-founder of MYMAG, a celebrity driven marketing company that created unique personalized print and digital products; preceded by stints at numerous media and technology companies such as Reuters, Times Mirror and others.

Barbara B. Roberts is Entrepreneur in Residence at both Columbia Business School and Hofstra University. She is also former NY Chair of Tiger 21 and a speaker and writer about all stages of entrepreneurship, family businesses and the economic progress of women. An economist by training, previously Barbara held senior positions on Wall Street and was the first woman to serve on Dean Witter's board of directors. Barbara also served as president and CEO at the stock photography company, FPG International, now part of Getty Images and at the museum audio tour company, Acoustiguide. Barbara has served as chair of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York's Small Business and Agricultural Advisory Committee and as a member of the Suffolk County NY Planning Commission. As an Entrepreneur in Residence for over ten years, she has helped to launch hundreds of start ups, is an active angel investor and serves on the boards of several private companies. Barbara is the author of four whitepapers about entrepreneurs: Life after an Exit, The Owner's Journey, Women's Entrepreneurial Journeys and Flightpaths. She is certified as a master business coach by the Hudson Institute of Santa Barbara and trained in facilitation and mediation. Barbara has an Economics and Philosophy degree from Goucher College.