(Albany, NY) Friday, Jan. 2, 2026 – In her first significant act after taking office, Mayor Dr. Dorcey Applyrs today signed an executive order establishing the Capital City’s inaugural Advisory Council on Nightlife Economy and named its leaders, who will advise her on how to best fulfill her longstanding pledge to “turn the lights back on” in Albany.
The Advisory Council will provide recommendations on how to best enhance the vibrancy of Albany's nightlife industry – a critical contributor to the overall city economy.
In addition, Mayor Applyrs announced the appointment of Sean Millington as Albany’s Mayoral Fellow, a position created to help address a wide range of issues important to young people with an eye toward nurturing and retaining local talent. Like the mayor, Millington is a University at Albany alum. His appointment will further strengthen the important bond between City Hall and the State University of New York campus, as well as the entire higher education community.
“A city is a 24-hour ecosystem, but too often, we fail to recognize this critical reality and the need to ensure that our city remains vibrant after the sun goes down,” Mayor Applyrs said. “Nightlife is an essential part of Albany’s cultural and economic fabric; it requires thoughtful, coordinated leadership to bring it to the next level. This Advisory Council brings together experienced professionals who understand the delicate balance between preserving public safety and quality of life issues while supporting our arts and entertainment business owners.”
“Equally important to the vitality and longevity of our Capital City is giving our talented and energetic young people a reason to stay right here and build their personal and professional lives with us,” the Mayor continued. “The first-ever Mayoral Fellow will serve as a bridge between the next generation and City Hall, ensuring that the voices, ideas, and energy of our youth are not only heard but meaningfully reflected in how we shape Albany’s future.”
Modeled after initiatives in cities such as Boston and Washington, DC, the Advisory Council members will explore strategies to best support business owners, employees, residents, visitors and other relevant stakeholders, identifying priorities and providing proactive solutions to build a nightlife economy that is safe, inclusive and fun for all ages.
Mayor Applyrs has directed the Advisory Council to start by conducting an analysis of the economic impact of Albany's current nightlife landscape and use its findings to advance policy recommendations on how to best support and expand this important industry while keeping workers and patrons safe.
The Advisory Council co-chairs are:
- Dora Philip, partner, Philip & Croteau Hospitality, housing The Hollow Bar + Kitchen and Rosanna's in Albany and Ravenswood in Clifton Park.
- Kevin Johnson, executive director, The Palace Theater.
- Todd Shapiro, proprietor, The Albany War Room Tavern and The Greenhouse Social Club of La Serre.
- Craig Earle (DJ TGIF), owner, the Fuze Box.
- Colin Pratt and Lauren Slezak, co-owners of Delaware Supply.
Dora Philip, a restaurateur and marketing professional, is a partner of Philip & Croteau Hospitality, housing The Hollow Bar + Kitchen and Rosanna's, both in historic Downtown Albany, along with their newest acquisition, Ravenswood, located in Clifton Park.
Philip has been instrumental in growing large-scale public events that define Downtown's energy and identity, such PearlPalooza and YogaPalooza. Her contributions have helped transform these festivals into must-attend experiences. Along with The Hollow's storied tenure as a live music venue and private event venue, the kitchen has been a proving ground for culinary skill in the Capital Region.
Kevin Johnson was named the first Black executive director of the Palace Performing Arts Center (locally known as “The Palace”) in 2021. He previously served as director of corporate partnerships for the Palace before becoming an independent events promoter. An Albany resident for over 30 years, Johnson is a graduate of the College of St. Rose, earning a degree in business management with a marketing concentration and a minor in communications. He gives generously to his community and sits on numerous boards in the including: the Capital Region Chamber, Discover Albany and Fair-Game. Johnson is also a mentor and advisor to individuals and organizations throughout the community.
Todd Shapiro is the President/CEO of Todd Shapiro Associates Public Relations, which is headquartered in New York City and has offices in Suffolk and Nassau counties. In November 2022, he opened the Albany War Room Tavern - a politics-themed restaurant and bar - and Todd’s Back Room Cigar Lounge at 42 Eagle St. In 2026, he will open the Greenhouse Social Club of La Serre at 14 Green St., transforming a shuttered historic downtown mainstay of the Albany hospitality scene into a private club and restaurant that caters to the under-40 crowd and has 20 percent of tables set aside for the general public.
Craig Earle (DJ TGIF) is a self-described “conduit of culture through music”. Which means he’s good at bringing people together. For the last 18 years he has DJ’d in every venue (MVP Arena, Palace Theater, Lark Hall, etc.) greater capital region. He’s co-headlined Tulip Fest and is a regular staple at “Alive @ 5” & the Capital Concert Series at the Plaza. Part of the Albany Business Review Class of 2023 & also congressionally recognized for his community work, Craig has always shown his passion for Albany whether it be through playing music, volunteering, mentorship & now owning the historic nightclub, Fuze Box, right in the heart of Albany! If it’s fun, vibrant & lit in the city of Albany, Craig will likely be a part of it or at the very least, be an enthusiastic supporter of it.
Colin Pratt and Lauren Slezak, an Albany native and 20-year resident of the city, respectively, are co-owners of Delaware Supply, a craft beer bar on Delaware Avenue. After working together for years at Westmere Beverage, they decided to bring their shared passion for beer and hospitality to life in 2017 with a space that serves both their local community and beer lovers from all over Upstate. With a focus on quality, tradition, and community, Pratt and Slezak offer a carefully curated selection of beers, especially lagers and saisons, that reflect their love for both old-world styles and modern craft. When they’re not running the bar, you’ll find them enjoying a movie next door to Delaware Supply at the Spectrum Theater, where they go once a week.
Sean Millington is a graduate of the University at Albany, earning a BA summa cum laude in Political Science. He most recently served as Chief of Staff to the SUNY Student Assembly, where he helped lead advocacy efforts on behalf of more than 1.3 million students. Millington was the President of the UAlbany College Democrats and served as the Undergraduate Student Representative on the University Council at UAlbany. He serves on the inaugural National Grid Foundation Youth Advisory Council and is a member of the Rensselaer County Democratic Committee. He has held internships with Rep. Paul Tonko and the UAlbany Office of Government and Community Relations.