Ed Farmer CEO & PRESIDENT
Ed founded Millennium Strategies in 2005 with the goal of establishing a company that provides governments with a comprehensive and aggressive approach to grant writing, research, and administration. As CEO & President, Ed is responsible for the oversight on all facets of Millennium’s operation, with a focus on ensuring that the firm provides the best customer service in the industry. Prior to forming Millennium, Ed served as Chief of Staff to Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr. (NJ-8). As the highest-ranking member of the team, Ed was responsible for running the daily operations of the Congressman’s offices in Washington, D.C. and New Jersey. Congressman Pascrell’s assignments on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the House Committee on Homeland Security have allowed Ed to gain invaluable insight into two issues that are critical for the State of New Jersey.
Throughout his career, Ed has volunteered his time across New Jersey, including serving as the former President of the Passaic County Community College Board of Trustees and current member of its Foundation; member of the 2010 Congressional Redistricting Commission; and, as a 2016 NJ elector for the Democratic Party. He is routinely recognized as one the 100 most influential personalities in New Jersey politics and government by InsiderNJ. Ed graduated from Bethany College in Bethany, West Virginia with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science. He lives in Piscataway with his wife Patti and their three children.
Susan M. Scavone Principal
Sue joined the firm in 2005 as a Principal and has more than 30 years of experience in public outreach, grant writing, and governmental affairs. Through her time with Millennium, she has become the firm’s leader on disaster recovery projects and funding procurement, securing her position as a regional expert in FEMA Public Assistance and Hazard Mitigation Grant Programs. Susan’s knowledge of the field and existing relationships enable her to communicate effectively with multiple levels of stakeholders on complex projects, ensuring that all stages of a project are followed through in the most effective and efficient way possible. Prior to joining Millennium Strategies, Sue served as President of SMS Consulting Services, Inc. for ten years, where she provided governmental relations, grant procurement, and consulting services to both private and public sector clients. In addition Sue also served in the administration of Governor James J. Florio, on the staff of several members of the New Jersey Legislature, and in Essex County government. Sue is a graduate of Montclair State University where she received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science.
Lisa Martinez Director of Operations
Lisa has been a member of the firm since 2006. In her role as Director of Operations, Lisa manages the day-to-day operations of Millennium. Prior to joining Millennium, she served as Field Director and Scheduler for Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr. for nine years. In this critical position, Lisa was responsible for maintaining the Congressman’s New Jersey schedule and managing all community outreach activities for the congressional office. She strategically coordinated field activities with the Congressman’s legislative agenda and administered government relations issues with all state and local entities. Lisa has an extensive knowledge of the federal government and enjoys an excellent reputation and track record for her work on projects in the public and private sector. Her organizational skills have helped Millennium become an industry leader and one of the fastest growing government affairs firms in the region.
Dave Jenkins Director of New York Operations
Dave has been a member of the firm since 2012. In his role as Director of New York Operations, Dave is responsible for overseeing all facets of the firms New York operations and clients. His responsibilities include overseeing client management and grant writing operations, leading team members, developing and implementing policies and procedures, ensuring quality control and identifying and developing new business. Prior to joining the firm, Dave served as Chief of Staff to Assemblyman Joseph Cryan during his tenure as Chairman of the New Jersey Democratic State Committee, and Majority Leader of the New Jersey General Assembly. Dave is a graduate of Elon University where he received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science with a Minor in History
Chris Sprague Director of Client Services
Chris has been a member of the firm since 2010. In his role as Director of Client Services, Chris co-leads the service team working with New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware clients. His responsibilities include, but are not limited to: overseeing client management and grant writing operations, leading team meetings, developing and implementing policies and procedures, ensuring quality control, and managing data. Prior to this, Chris was a Senior Grants Manager working with cities and nonprofit organizations to secure grant funding for various projects and programs include early childhood education, parks, transportation infrastructure, restorative justice, and health and human services. Chris is a graduate of Seton Hall University where he received a Bachelor’s Degree in History, English and Italian as well as a Master’s Degree in Diplomacy and International Relations, specializing in Policy Analysis
Catherine Kapura Director of Client Services
Catherine has been a member of the firm since 2015. In her role as Director of Client Services, Catherine co-leads the service team working with New Jersey clients. Her responsibilities include, but are not limited to: overseeing client management and grant writing operations, leading team meetings, developing and implementing policies and procedures, ensuring quality control, and managing data. Prior to this, Catherine served as a Senior Grants Manager working with municipalities and counties to secure grant funding for various projects and programs focused on education, parks, transportation infrastructure, restorative justice, and health and human services. Catherine is a graduate of Fairfield University where she received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English. Additionally, Catherine holds a Masters Degree in Environmental Policy and International Development from the University of Maryland.
Peter Blanos Director of Business Development
Peter has been a member of the firm since 2011. In his role as Director of Business Development, Peter oversees all aspects of the firm’s sales and marketing related efforts. His responsibilities include, but are not limited to: developing and overseeing the firm’s annual business development strategy, managing the RFP/RFQ process for the firm’s 90+ public sector clients, and attending various conferences. Prior to this, Peter served as Director of Client Services where he was responsible for overseeing client management and grant writing operations, leading team meetings, developing and implementing policies and procedures, ensuring quality control, and managing data. Peter is a graduate of the University of Scranton where he received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science.
Tony Ardis Chief Financial Officer
Tony has been a member of the firm since 2017. In his role as CFO, Tony is responsible for overseeing a number of the company’s administrative and financial operations. Prior to joining Millennium, Tony served for nine years as the District Director for Congressman Bill Pascrell Jr. In this role, he supported the District’s 21 municipalities by supervising casework, field activities and representing the Congressman. Tony has over 30 years of experience serving in administrative positions for various local, state, and federal government agencies. Tony is a graduate of William Paterson University where he received a degree in Political Science.
Bernadette P. McPherson, Esq. Director of Outreach
Bernadette has been a member the firm since 2012. In her role as Director of Outreach, Bernadette is responsible for marketing Millennium Strategies to municipal and county governments. Bernadette brings extensive municipal and county government experience to Millennium, having served as a member of the Bergen County Board of Chosen Freeholders from 2003 to 2011 and as Mayor of Rutherford from 2000 to 2007. Bernadette remains active in politics and currently serves as the Legislative District 36 Chairwoman for the Democratic Committee of Bergen County. Bernadette is a graduate of La Salle University where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and English. Additionally, Bernadette holds a Juris Doctorate from Temple University School of Law.
Andrea Ramalho Director of Research
Andrea has been a member of the firm since 2014. As Director of Research, Andrea is responsible for overseeing all research conducted by the firm, ensuring quality control, and continually evaluating governmental and non-governmental funding sources on behalf of clients. In this role, she is responsible for overseeing services provided to all clients enrolled in Millennium’s Grant Research Portal Service. Additionally, Andrea maintains consulting responsibilities for multiple county and municipal clients that she served during her previous role as a Senior Grant Manager. Andrea has a record of securing funds to address a variety of client priorities, including homeland security, opioid epidemic response, prisoner reintegration, lead hazard remediation, transportation infrastructure, recreation, and economic development. Andrea is a graduate of the Catholic University of America where she received Bachelor’s Degrees in Politics and Anthropology. Additionally, Andrea holds a Master’s Degree in Conflict Analysis and Resolution from George Mason University and a Master’s Degree in Conflict Resolution and Security from the Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic Studies.
Laura Wintroub Senior Grant Manager
Laura has been a member of the firm since 2015. In her role as Senior Grants Manager Laura is responsible for servicing several of the firms municipal and education clients. Prior to joining the firm, Laura spent 13 years working with several community development non-profit entities, focusing on economic development and entrepreneurship training. She has led program development, managed community investment pooled loan funds and overseen grant writing activities. In addition, Laura currently serves on the Strategic Advisory Board of Rising Tide Capital, a nonprofit entrepreneurship training organization located in Jersey City, N.J. Laura is a graduate of Haverford College where she received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History.
Megan O’Brien Senior Grant Manager
Megan has been a member of the firm since 2018. In her role as Senior Grant Manager, Megan is responsible for managing a grant portfolio that includes municipal clients in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. Prior to joining Millennium, Megan worked in the non-profit sector in both Florida and New York State. Megan spent the last three years working with medically fragile children in New York, advocating for their needs at the local, county, and state level. Megan holds Bachelor of Arts in American Politics with a minor in Theology from The Catholic University of America in Washington, DC.
Katie Kocher Senior Grant Manager
Katie has been a member of the firm since 2019. In her role as Senior Grant Manager, Katie is responsible for working with Millennium’s municipal and county clients to help them secure funding for key projects. One of her biggest passions is education. Katie was previously an assistant editor at a not-for-profit publisher, and taught English at Seton Hall and in Baltimore City. She earned her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees in English from Seton Hall University.
Melani Filosa Senior Grant Manager
Melani has been a member of the firm since 2018. In her role as Senior Grant Manager, Melani is responsible for working with several municipal clients throughout New Jersey. She works alongside her clients to find and pursue grant opportunities that will make their vision a reality. Prior to joining Millennium, Melani worked with several non-profit organizations. She applies this experience and passion into her everyday work by identifying the best ways to explain project goals in an application, seeking the right grant opportunities for those projects and executing that process meticulously. Melani is a graduate of Seton Hall University where she received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in both Political Science and English, receiving the departmental Citation in Literature & Writing.
Alyson Trowbridge Grant Manager
Alyson has been a member of the firm since 2018. In her role as Grant Manager, Alyson is responsible for servicing Millennium’s municipal and county clients within New York state. Prior to joining the firm, Alyson worked as a Project and Grant Coordinator for a complex municipality in Southeast Virginia. During this time, she played an integral role in designing and developing policies and procedures while leveraging sound industry and business practices to advance the City’s strategic goals. Alyson holds a Bachelor of Science degree from California Polytechnic State University
Caitlin George Grant Manager
Caitlin has been a member of the firm since 2020. In her role as Grant Manager, Caitlin is responsible for working with the firms municipal clients to secure public and private grant funding for their key projects. Prior to joining Millennium, Caitlin worked in various nonprofits in Northern Jersey where she managed and administered state and federal grants. In 2019, Caitlin was elected to the Passaic County Democratic Committee representing her hometown of Hawthorne. She has also served as the Treasurer of the Hawthorne Domestic Violence Response Team since 2015.Caitlin is a graduate of William Paterson University, where she received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science.
Karen Spicer Grant Manager
Karen has been a member of the firm since 2020. In her role as Grant Manager, Karen is responsible for working with several of the firms municipal clients throughout New Jersey. Prior to joining Millennium, Karen worked for museums and cultural institutions in the Philadelphia and New York City areas focusing on exhibition development, public engagement, and historic preservation. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from Franklin & Marshall College and a Master of Arts in Museum Professions from Seton Hall University.
Evan Covello Grant Manager
Evan has been a member the firm since 2018. In his role as Grant Manager, Evan is responsible for working with the firms municipal clients to secure public and private grant funding for their key programs and projects. Prior to joining the firm, Evan served as the Student Body President of Rutgers University – New Brunswick, representing over 35,000 undergraduate students. He also served as an intern for the Phil Murphy for Governor Campaign, and the Passaic County Department of Human Resources. Evan is a graduate of Rutgers University where he received Bachelor of Arts Degrees in Planning/Public Policy and Human Resource Management.
Taryn Pronko Grant Writer
Taryn has been a member of the firm since 2019. In his role as Grant Writer, Taryn is responsible for servicing several of the Firm’s municipal clients. Some of her daily responsibilities include working with the Directors of Client Service to service clients and the preparation of narratives as well as other supporting documentation associated with various grant applications. Prior to joining the firm, Taryn was a Deputy Clerk Intern within the U.S. Federal Court system, where she assisted in numerous departments, including jury, pro se law offices, and the circuit library. Taryn graduated from Penn State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in English, receiving the Academic Excellence Award for the Humanities.
Caleb Duncan Grant Writer
Caleb has been a member of the firm since 2019. In his role as Grant Writer, Caleb is responsible for servicing the growing number of municipalities and nonprofits in New York by assisting the Grants Manager and Director of New York Operations in their commitment to providing a high level of management. Caleb prepares narratives, applications, and other supporting documentation for the various grants associated with Millennium Strategies’ growing New York based clients. Prior to joining the firm, Caleb worked for at tech startup where he helped create a quality assurance department to service Fortune 500 clients and as an editing consultant for a growing sports news website. Caleb is a graduate of the University of Houston where he received a Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature.
Sarah Moloney Grant Writer
Sarah has been a member of the firm since 2019. In her role as Grant Writer, Sarah is responsible for servicing several of the Firm’s municipal clients. Some of her daily responsibilities include working with the Directors of Client Service to service clients and the preparation of narratives; as well as other supporting documentation associated with various grant applications. Prior to joining the firm, Sarah interned for the 11th Congressional District of Pennsylvania, where she assisted the Congressman and Deputy Chief of Staff with numerous administrative and constituent related activities. Sarah is a graduate of Shippensburg University where she received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science.
Michael Weiss Grant Writer
Michael has been a member of the firm since 2020. In his role as Grant Writer, Michael is responsible for working with several of the firms municipal clients to help secure both public and private sector grant funding on their behalf. Some of his daily responsibilities include working closely with the Directors of Client Service on different projects as well as preparing narratives, applications, and other supporting documentation associated with various grant applications. Prior to joining the firm, Michael worked as a graduate assistant for the West Chester University History Department. Michael graduated from West Chester University with a Bachelor’s Degree in History, with a minor in Political Science, and a Master’s Degree in History. During his time as a graduate student he was inducted into the National History Honor’s Society, Phi Alpha Theta, and earned the Award of Excellence for Excellence in Scholarship and/or Creative Activity from the History Department.
Sheila Mondejar Portal Grant Writer
Sheila has been a member of the firm since 2020. In her role as Portal Grant Writer, Sheila is responsible for working with Millennium’s Grant Research Portal clients. Some of her daily responsibilities include working with the Director of Research to prepare narratives as well as other supporting documentation associated with grant applications being submitted on behalf of these clients. Prior to joining Millennium, she served as a legislative intern for Senator Robert Menendez and a finance intern for Rep. Josh Gottheimer’s Congressional Campaign. Sheila is a graduate of Montclair State University where she received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science and Public Administration.
Kamari Moore Research Associate
Kamari has been a member the firm since 2018. In her role as Research Associate, Kamari oversees all aspects of the firms grant research related activities. Her responsibilities include identifying, analyzing, and summarizing available governmental and non-governmental grant opportunities that match the needs of Millennium’s clients; communicating with various funding agencies; and managing Millennium’s grant research portal. Prior to joining Millennium, Kamari proudly served as a member of the service fraternity Alpha Phi Omega, where she participated in community outreach programs aimed at servicing disadvantaged populations. Kamari is a graduate of Seton Hall University where she received Bachelor of Arts Degrees in Political Science and Philosophy.
