Our Founders

Mary & Michael Levine

Mary began her career when she was a small child sitting at the kitchen table stuffing gum ball prizes after diner. From there, she would go with her Dad and brothers to clean laundry mats and churches in the evening. Joining her brothers with a retail opportunity in flooring lead the way to a retail maintenance facility business servicing the United States and Canada for 30 years. Our company, Whelan’s International was a forerunner in the industry, leading the way with many new programs, methods and value added services. During her years in business, Mary and her partner Larry Whelan, were very involved in community service and helping others. Since retiring, Mary has kept up with her mission to give some help to those in need and enjoys time with her three daughters, sons in law, and grandchildren. Mary resides in Bayport with her husband Michael.

Michael owned a beer distributorship on Long Island for many years before selling it and beginning his retirement. Previously, Michael worked in the printing and card store business servicing many clients in Nassau and Suffolk counties. He has a passion for cars, watches, and his children and grandchildren. Together with Mary, Michael is looking to make sure that ACE Family Foundation continues with the good work that he and his wife have always kept close to their hearts.

Our

Board

Emily Isselbacher

 

Emily is the oldest of the Levine daughters. She currently works as a special education teaching assistant on Long Island and has a master’s degree in teaching. Emily is a mama and step-mama to four boys, Christopher, Jayden, Gavin, and Ryder, and together with her husband Chris they love to spend time outside, at the beach, and spending time with their family and friends.

Allison Levine

 

Allison works as an Assistant Professor in Rehabilitation Counselor Education at the University of Iowa, where she recently relocated with her partner Greg. Allison completed her doctorate at Michigan State University in 2018. She enjoys hiking, reading, running, and exploring new craft beer breweries with Greg. Allison and Greg live with their doggos, Boris and Piper and cat, Iggy. They are expecting their first child in August 2021.

Carolynn Koller

 

Carolynn is the youngest of the Levine daughters. She graduated from Manhattanville College with a Bachelors Degree in Communications and works as a manager in the facility management field. In her spare time she loves riding her Peloton, reading, running races, and spending time with her husband, Mike, their two daughters Charlotte and Madelyn, and two fur babies Axel and Jim.

Victoria Russo

Victoria graduated from SUNY Oswego in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science in Geology. She is a NYS Licensed Geologist and is currently working at Preferred Environmental Services of Merrick as a Senior Associate. Professional associations include; NYC Brownfield Partnership – Board Member, IPEP QEP and CPG of AIPG.  Residing in Long Beach with her husband Ron and daughter Avery, Victoria enjoys playing beach volleyball and Soccer for the Long Island Ladies Soccer League.  Victoria is an active member of the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians– Division 17 which is dedicated to goodwill and charity.

Valentine Longano, Cpa

Val served in the United States Army from 1968 through 1971. He then working as a cost accountant from 1971 to 1979 for an electrical manufacturer. Val was then employed by a regional CPA till 1984 where he then began his private accounting practice in that September. Additionally he conducts audits and tax consulting for many not-for-profit organizations.

Val is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants, Nassau and Suffolk Chapter-National Conference of CPA Practitioner and is a Certified Specialist in Estate Tax Planning. Val is a graduate of Queens College with a degree in accounting. He enjoys golfing and spending time with his wife, children and grandson.

James Verdi, CFP

James Verdi, CFP®, is President of Synergy Wealth Strategies, an independent financial services firm. Jim specializes in using an in-depth, overall,financial analysis approach to assist his clients in creating wealth management strategies that enable them to achieve their financial goals.