N’dolo and Slack Added to SmarterLocalGov Roster
MRB Group, a Rochester-based Engineering, Architecture and Planning firm, recently announced that nationally-acclaimed economic development expert Michael N’dolo will head its Economic Development team. N’dolo will be supported by Alyson Slack, currently a Vice-President with Empire State Development in Albany.
N’dolo joins MRB Group following fifteen years with Saratoga-based Camoin Associates, where he most recently served as a Vice-President, supporting public and private sector clients in the areas of strategic economic development planning and economic impact analysis of strategies and projects. He is recognized nationally as a foremost expert in the Opportunity Zone program.
Slack has served as a Vice-President with Empire State Development’s Science, Technology, and Innovation Division; supporting the State’s deployment of an unparalleled emphasis on innovation as an economic driver.
“Michael and Alyson offer a unique insight into economic opportunities that can be game-changers for communities,” said Ryan Colvin, President of MRB Group. “Our clients and potential clients have unrealized economic potential at their disposal. With experience in developing — and implementing –innovative strategies to foster economic development, the SmarterLocalGov team will help local governments make their communities stronger,” Colvin stated.
“With the team’s strong affiliation and involvement in national organizations, we’re excited about the impact that SmarterLocalGov can have in communities not only in New York, but throughout the U.S.,” Colvin continued.
MRB Group’s staff of more than 80 professionals, technicians, planners and support staff have been recognized for highly publicized, award-winning water, wastewater and civil engineering projects for communities across New York State. The firm is also heavily involved in improving local government operations, providing behind-the-scenes support for community planning, grant writing, planning board reviews, shared services studies, capital improvement plans, and strategic plans for infrastructure maintenance.
“Since 1927, community leaders have leaned on our staff to help them transition into their positions and effectively support government operations,” Colvin continued. “Because of our strong familiarity with the communities we serve, we are sometimes the primary source of institutional knowledge that helps new staff and leadership manage operations efficiently,” Colvin stated.
According to Colvin, MRB Group’s long-term relationships with communities have often spanned decades, with staff becoming trusted advisors to municipal leaders.
“Our role goes well beyond the expected. We become part of the municipal team that community leaders rely upon, every day,” he said.
In 2011, the enhanced planning and community development role was recognized as a new division at MRB Group called SmarterLocalGov. Economic development is viewed as the next frontier in that effort. “This expanded team augments the investments we’ve made over the last decade to better serve our client-communities. We are now in a position to offer complete management solutions to local governments nationwide,” Colvin stated.
“MRB Group’s vision for total community success represents an innovative approach at addressing local government needs in the 21st century,” stated N’dolo. “I am excited to support MRB Group in their effort to advance regional economies, and increase the capacity and resilience of local governments around the country.”
“Our local governments are best suited to leverage innovation and the new economy for economic success,” Slack noted. “MRB Group’s comprehensive approach toward community development—planning, organizational development, grants acquisition, sound engineering solutions, and now economic strategy—puts us in a position to integrate solutions at all points on the spectrum. It’s really exciting to join such an effort,” Slack stated.
N’dolo and Slack join MRB Group in May, and will support the launch of a new Capital District office for the firm, located in Saratoga Springs. MRB Group now maintains offices in Rochester, Syracuse, Waterloo, and Geneva in New York; as well as Austin and Temple in Texas.
