Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island (BBBSLI) welcomes Michael Brown, Owner-Operator of Empire Automotive Group and Michele Cusack, Executive Vice President, and Chief Financial Officer Northwell Health onto their Board of Directors.
Michael Brown grew up in the car business, washing cars, running errands for his father’s Jaguar-Porsche dealership in Huntington. In 2001, after his dad’s dealership was sold, Michael Brown went to work for Roger Penske and the Penske Automotive Group in Fairfield, CT. He was named the Regional Vice President for the Penske Auto Group after he transferred to oversee the Inskip Auto Mall in Rhode Island, directing day-to-day operations for the 10-franchise luxury auto mall. During his tenure at Inskip, Michael and his stores were the recipient of multiple accolades and factory awards, including the “BMW Circle of Excellence” (three consecutive years), “Porsche Premier Dealer,” and “Audi Magna Society.”
Michael Brown strongly believes in the civic responsibility of business owners giving back to the community. He has been honored for his support of such organizations as Island Harvest, Big Brothers and Sisters, the Diocese of Rockville Centre’s Telecare operation, and many other similar worthy causes. He presently serves on the board for the Greater New York Auto Dealers, is a former member of the Huntington Hospital Board of Trustees and is the President of the Team Suffolk Swim Club. “Helping children grow into mature into responsible adults is needed everywhere. Serving on the board of BBBSLI is a way I can do my part. I am honored to serve and help contribute to such an impactful organization.” Said Brown.
Michele Cusack is a senior health care executive with more than 20 years of experience. As Northwell Health’s chief financial officer, she manages the health system’s day-to-day finance operations. She also oversees all financial reporting, financial planning, overall budgeting, treasury services as well as internal audits. As senior vice president, she manages various corporate financial operations, including financial reporting, budgeting, cash management, tax management and other financial functions that collaborate with revenue cycle, managed care, and operational teams across the organization. Ms. Cusack, a certified public accountant, has an administrative role on the Finance and Audit Committees of Northwell’s Board of Trustees, she is a member of Hofstra University’s Zarb School of Business Dean’s Advisory Board and a member of the Girl Scouts of Nassau County Board Finance Committee. “I am so happy to join the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island Board. This organization's commitment to empowering youth through mentorship is truly inspiring. I look forward to further supporting the impactful work of their staff and volunteers.” Said Cusack.
“We are thrilled to welcome two exceptional leaders, Michele Cusack, and Michael Brown to our board. With a long history of dedicated involvement within our organization and a strong presence in the Long Island business community, their extensive experience and visionary leadership will be invaluable as we continue to drive our mission forward. Their commitment and expertise will undoubtedly enrich our strategic initiatives and strengthen our impact in the region,” Said Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island CEO, Mark Cox.
About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island
For over 40 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island (BBBSLI) has operated under the belief that inherent in every child is the ability to succeed and shine. Our mission is to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. To learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island, please visit us at www.bbbsli.org.