Board of Directors
Michael Nozzolio
Chairman, LOCATE Finger Lakes
Partner, Harris Beach LLC
NY State Senator, ret.
“My mission is to assist clients advance their goals by identifying opportunities available to them when doing business in New York. The significant leadership experience I’ve gained as the Majority Whip of the New York State Senate, Deputy Leader of the New York State Assembly, and as a key advisor to New York State Governors and United States Congressmen enables me to provide the highest level of strategic counsel to our clients.”
Mike utilizes his diverse background and extensive government experience to advise clients and help them meet their strategic challenges. His primary practice focus is on matters relating to economic development, energy, cybersecurity, the food and beverage industry, government regulatory compliance, and general corporate matters.
Mike served as an elected representative for over three decades, in both the New York State Senate and State Assembly. As a State Senator, he rose to become the Majority Whip of the Senate. While serving in the State Assembly he was one of the youngest in history to attain the position of Deputy Minority Leader.
Prior to his elective service, he worked for four years as a Legislative Counsel in the United States House of Representatives on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. Mike also served as a JAG officer in the U.S. Navy Reserve, and as a Commander in the New York Naval Militia.
Representative Matters
Leader of the Stardust Finger Lakes Initiative, focused on economic development through building business and career opportunities in the Finger Lakes region.
Professional + Community Activities
- Fred L. Emerson Foundation, member of the Board of Directors
- Real Eats, Corporate Advisory Board Member
- Cornell College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Advisory Board Member
- Institute for Food Safety at Cornell University, Advisory Board Member
- Cornell University Catherwood Library, Board Member
- Cornell Agriculture and Food Technology Park, Advisory Board, Member Emeritus
- Cornell University Council, former member
- Seneca Falls Historical Society and the National Women’s Hall of Fame, former member of the Board of Directors
Recognition
- The Senator Michael Nozzolio Fund for Viticulture and Enology, endowment fund supporting wine and grape research at Cornell University named in recognition of contributions to New York state agribusiness during his time in the Senate
- Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, special recognition for stewardship of
- the Institute for Food Safety at Cornell, the New York State Food Venture Center, and service to the
- Land Grant mission
- Cornell University, McGraw Clock Tower Award, a special recognition from the President and
- Board of Trustees
- Cornell University School of Industrial and Labor Relations, Jerome Alpern Distinguished Alumni Award
- Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Outstanding Alumni Award
- Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters Degree
- New York Chiropractic College, Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree
- Father Joseph P. Beatini Award, Two-time recipient for contributions to community and charitable endeavors
- Rotary International, Paul Harris Fellow, in recognition of exceptional contribution to “doing good in the world” in the fulfillment of the aims of Rotary International and the Rotary Foundation
- Seneca County Chamber of Commerce, Lifetime Achievement Award
- Mike has also received public recognition for his contributions to:
- The Manufacturers Association of Central New York
- National Federation of Independent Businesses
- New York Farm Bureau
- The Finger Lakes Library Association
- The Smith Center for the Arts
- Boy Scouts of America
- Happiness House
- The New York Association for Behavioral Analysis
Recent Publications + Speaking Engagements
- Author, “Historic week for ag, food safety,” Finger Lakes Times, February 9, 2017.
- “Ex-Gov. George Pataki: Nozzolio ‘among the handful of the best’ NY legislators,” The Citizen, January 6, 2017.
- “Nozzolio reflects on 34-year career in NY Legislature, work with Auburn constituents,” The Citizen, January 2, 2017.
Areas of Experience
- Corporate
- Cybersecurity Protection and Response
- Economic Development
- Energy
- Food and Beverage, Co-Leader
- Real Estate Developers
Education
- JD, Syracuse University College of Law
- MS, Cornell University
- BS, Cornell University
Admissions
- New York
- United States District Court
- Western District of New York
- Eastern District of New York
- Southern District of New York
- United States Bankruptcy Court
- Western District of New York