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Meet the BRC Team
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Valerie Scott, CEO, CPCA
Director"I think those of us in Code Enforcement take our jobs very seriously, as we should...we are First Preventers. It is our responsibility to help mitigate situations that put the public and First Responders in possible jeopardy." Valerie feels strongly about her chosen field and works to ensure her fellow Code Enforcement Officers receive continual training and networking opportunities.
Valerie has over 30 years of experience in the Public Safety sector, having worked for Albany County and the City of Albany in the field of Code Enforcement. She is a nationally recognized speaker, having presented on topics such as "Alternative Methods to Achieving Code Compliance: Sometimes You're the Carrot, Sometimes You're the Stick" and "Expanding the Tools in your Law Enforcement Toolbox."
She holds certifications from both New York State and the International Code Council. She is a member of both the New York State Building Officials (NYSBOC) and the Capital District Building Officials (CDNYSBOC), for which she has served as Chapter Secretary and 2nd Vice President and continues to chair numerous committees, while currently serving as the 1st Vice-President. Valerie currently serves on the New York State Code Enforcement Disaster Assistance Response Team (CEDAR) and as the President for the New York State Building Officials Conference, in addition to being a Board Member of the International Code Council (ICC) Region 6.
She enjoys traveling and spending time with her family.
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Kelly McGuire, CEO
Office SupervisorKelly began her years of service within the City of Albany with Department of General Services in 2020. She then joined the BRC team in 2022. When asked what she enjoys about working in City Government, Kelly is quick to respond with… “ being able to provide quality service, streamlined processes and protections for the residents and first responders of my home city is great. Growing up in a first responder and building family brings everything full circle being here at BRC!"
Kelly attended Maria College and has made her life here in Albany being of service to those in the community and her hometown of Delmar. When not at work Kelly is soaking up every moment with her two young kids, husband and awesome family.
Food is her passion and she can be found creating, preparing and entertaining as often as possible….in the midst of constantly planning her next Disney trip! Golf, yoga and cheerleading are close in line as far as passions go!
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David Lussier, CEO
Sr. Building InspectorAs a Building Inspector, "I do my best to move projects along and to usher permits, start to finish, through the process," David says. "My goal is to streamline the process, to make things go smoothly. It can be difficult because there's a lot of old buildings that are not conforming and the code is always changing." What he likes about the job is that it "keeps me busy. The days go by like lightning."
In his spare time, David likes to work on a recently purchased house, although it's "nothing that requires permits."
In June of 2022, Dave was promoted to Sr. Building Inspector.
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Joshua Gold, CEO
Sr. Code Enforcement InspectorJoshua has worked as a Code Enforcement Inspector since 2013, and is a certified Code Enforcement Officer with New York State. His job is to ensure that buildings are being maintained in compliance with the state and city building and fire codes. "My job is to get compliance with the city and state codes, but the ultimate goal is to make Albany a more beautiful place to live in. The best thing about my job is it's different every day."
Outside of work, he follows football and baseball as a Jets and Mets fan.
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Monique Kimble
Sr. ClerkMonique serves the public by answering public queries by phone, email, mail, or at the front counter. She also oversees the Support Staff & the Parking Garage Registry. "My philosophy is to treat people the way I want to be treated," she says. "People are here for help, and we want them to have a positive experience. If I can make it easier and less stressful, I've done my job."
As well as working two stints in the Department of Buildings and Regulatory Compliance, Monique has worked for the City since 1996 for the City Clerk's Office, the Department of Cultural Affairs, the Department of General Services, and the Department of Assessment.
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Ashley Brennan
Permit TechnicianAshley has worked in customer service for most of her adult life. "I'm a people person so it just came naturally," says Ashley, a Permit Tech. She went to college at Johnson and Wales, where she studied business management. She likes the people in the Department and the work. "The job is a challenge, but in a rewarding way," she says. "Customers help me grow as a person. Sometimes they teach me what they know, sometimes it's patience, and sometimes I experience what it's like to walk in somebody else's shoes."
Ashley has always loved to learn-she's a voracious reader and used to pick up a word a day when she was younger. "Since I've been here, I've learned something new every day," she says. In her spare time Ashley reviews newly released mysteries and romance novels.
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Jennifer Cruz
Permit TechnicianJennifer joined the Department in January 2022 as an Information Clerk and finds the job a challenge in a rewarding way and feels she has learned much already. "I'm happy to be of service to my community, my job is to be able to assist and answer questions the residents of the City of Albany may have. I am grateful to be a part of a great team that helps and challenges me to be better every day", says Jennifer.
In January 2023, Jennifer was promoted to Permit Technician.
Outside of her day job, Jennifer enjoys being a mother and spending most of her time with her sons.
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Harold VanSchoick
ClerkHarold, known as Van, answers public queries by phone, email, mail, or at the front counter and often sets up schedules for the Code inspectors. He previously worked in the Albany Fire Department, rising to lieutenant over 30 years. "I retired there on a Friday and started here on a Monday," he says. "People come in here with problems. I listen and try to hear them out. Whether it's mice, or leaking water, or whatever, our job is to get someone in there to inspect and begin to correct the problem."
Outside of his day job, Van has an appliance repair business and helps his wife with their two English Springer Spaniels, one of which has won best of breed in competition. "It's like having little kids. You have to teach them what to do."
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Victoria Landers
Information ClerkVictoria joined the BRC Team in December 2022. She is a life long resident of the City of Albany, for which she takes great pride.
It is important to Victoria to approach everything in life and work with enthusiasm & dedication. She never takes a learning opportunity for granted. Vicki throughly enjoys not only being part of such a wonderful team; but, having the opportunity to serve the community for which she is so fond. She looks forward to doing so for many years to come.
Victoria has a great appreciation for all things history and is an avid animal & house plant lover. In her down time she also enjoys watching baseball, camping and fishing.
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Katelynn Wood
Information ClerkKatelynn has always been a very hard worker, no matter what the job. She is a mother, so helping people is something that comes naturally to her. Katelynn moved to Albany in 2020 with her husband and young son. Moving here has made her appreciate how much the city does to keep our community safe and Katelynn wanted to be a part of a team that helps and enforce this goal.
Katelynn loves spending time with her family as her husband and amazing son are her source of motivation. She loves to sing karoke, play music games, go fishing in the summer and spend weekends camping.
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Brendon Green, CEO
Building InspectorA lifelong resident of Albany, Brendon joined the Department in 2022. Prior to joining the BRC, he worked in various fields of the construction industry and feels that these experiences are all coming together now.
Brendon takes pride in his job and wants to ensure that construction is done to provide safe buildings for the residents and visitors of the City. He has always had an interest in architecture and wants to see buildings in Albany preserved and reused.
He is the father of two great boys and is excited about what the new projects going on around the City that will continue to make Albany a great place to live and raise a family.
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Alfred Hargett, CEO
Building InspectorBefore moving to Albany, Alfred worked in construction in NYC for 32 years, where he learned how to hang sheetrock and frame a building, do plumbing and electrical, and even how to lay brick. When he came to Albany, he got a job at Home Depot, and had stints in practically every department. One day, Alfred was serving an Albany Building Inspector who suggested that he had the right experience for a job in the Codes Department. Alfred was hired as a Code Enforcement Inspector.
When he lived in New York City, Alfred was both a renter and a landlord. "So I understand both sides," he says. "I see my job as helping property owners and tenants understand what needs to be done to comply with the Code. Respecting the Code benefits them and the communities around them. I like what I see the Mayor doing," he says. "She's helping the City to grow stronger and improve its look, its housing, and she's getting rid of vacant buildings. I wish I had come to the City sooner because I like participating in change."
Alfred is also a pastor. "I really enjoy serving people because that's what it's about. If I can't help, I try to find someone who can." In his spare time, Alfred makes jewelry, draws and paints.
In early 2023, Alfred was promoted to a Building Inspector.
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John O'Connell, CEO
Building InspectorJohn was born and raised in Albany and has spent most of his life in this community. He has previous experience in the construction field, and served the public during his employment with the New York State Attorney General’s office. He has also worked in the restaurant industry and has owned businesses in the city. “Having worked with the Buildings and Codes department as a resident, business owner, and a contractor, I understand the importance the office plays in keeping our neighborhoods safe, and wanted to be a part of that” John says.
The father of two girls, John is also an avid sports fan and enjoys a number of outdoor activities. “I think of myself as a people person, and enjoy the process of building relationships with the people I get to meet and help every day”.
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Ryan Rusiecki, CEO
Building InspectorAfter graduating Hudson Valley Community College with a criminal justice degree, Ryan served in the U.S. Army Infantry for 4 ½ years, where he deployed in Lithuania and Poland. He came back home to the Capital District in 2018, and started working in the Codes Department later that year.
In January of 2022, Ryan was promoted to a Building Inspector from his previous position as a Code Enforcement Inspector.
"I like being able to get out in the field," he says. "You're helping the City look better and helping make sure the places people live are safe. It's definitely a job where you can find a sense of fulfillment." His passion outside of work? Sports - particularly the Yankees, Jets, and Nets.
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James Futia, CEO
Code Enforcement InspectorJames is a lifelong resident of the City of Albany, having worked previously for the Department of General Services for over a year doing cement work. He has a Criminal Justice degree from Hudson Valley Community College and is pursuing his interest in code enforce. "I enjoy making a difference in the community where I was born and raised."
Outside of work, James enjoys camping and fishing.
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Vincent Giovannone, CEO
Code Enforcement InspectorVincent has worked for the City of Albany since 2002, when he started as a Security Officer for the Water Authority. He later transferred to the Albany Police Department/Parking Authority working as a Public Service Officer and later a Traffic Safety Aide. He joined the BRC Team as a Code Enforcement Inspector in December of 2021.
In addition to holding degrees in Math, Science & Fire Protection Technology, Vincent has experience with firefighting and USAR operations.
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Jacob Hobbs, CEO
Code Enforcement InspectorJacob joined the BRC Team in December 2024. He previously worked for the Department of General Services. He views the change as a dedicatin to directly serving the residents of the City of Albany.
In addition to being a proud father of three he is a dedicated Eagles fan. When he is not working he enjoys coaching his son’s flag football team team.
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Marios Katsanis, CEO
Code Enforcement InspectorMarios started with the BRC as a Code Enforcement Inspector in October 2022. Previously Marios has worked as a property manager in the Capital Region. He has lived in the City of Albany for 9 years.
"Being a Code Inspector is a good opportunity to improve the way of life and relationships in the community." says Marios. He looks forward to improving the issues faced by landloards and tenants.
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Ilir Kita, CEO
Code Enforcement InspectorIlir joined the Department of Buildings & Regulatory Compliance in 2024. He likes being able to help residents directly and enjoys serving his city.
Outside of working, Ilir enjoys speaking time with his family.
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Corey Norfleet, CEO
Code Enforcement InspectorPreviously, Corey has held a variety of jobs, including courier, construction worker, and maintenance worker. He took the job as a Code Enforcement Inspector because, he says, "I wanted more experience working in the property field." Corey's family has always owned apartment buildings, but Corey never knew what happened behind-the-scenes to keep them safe for all involved. "I didn't know about fire codes and building codes," he says. "It's about safety. That's what I tell people: 'Do what's safe.'
I've lived in Albany my entire life and it's good to do something that makes the city look better too. I like being a helping hand." He also likes absorbing information. "You can't do the job well unless you keep learning." He also enjoys a job that puts him in contact with people day-in and day-out. "We talk to people all day long," he says. "You never know who you're going to meet and that makes it interesting."
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Jeremy Putorti
Code Enforcement InspectorJeremy started with the BRC in November of 2025. He is a lifelong resident of the City of Albany, having started working for the city when he was 14 years old for the summer youth program. He has held jobs at City Hall and DGS working on the lots and forestry crews. Jeremy has a love the city and its residents. He looks forward to his new role as a Code Enforcement Inspector and doing his part to help his city prosper. In his free time Jeremy is an umpire and plays softball. He is a proud dog dad of three pitbulls, Solomon, Bonnie and Klyde.