Candidate Profile: Gina Evangelista For Harrison Town Board

HARRISON, NY — In 2021's general election, residents of the Hudson Valley will be voting for local officials. In anticipation, Patch asked candidates in the contested races to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as Election Day draws near.

Gina Evangelista is seeking election to the Harrison Town Board in November. The 51-year-old is running as a Republican candidate.

Learn more about Evangelista on HarrisonUnited.com

Check out Patch's full Q&A with Evangelista:

Why are you seeking elective office?

I am seeking elective office to Unite the Town of Harrison. As a lifelong resident of Harrison my experiences will allow me to make the right decisions based on knowing what residents want the town/village to provide them throughout the year and how to keep Harrison financially sound.

I believe that our community has been purposely divided by the current minority party for political reasons. My main goal will be to unite Harrison into a community that respects all views regardless of party affiliation, race, creed, religion, sex, or ethnic background.

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Many residents are concerned with the Town's development boom. As a Town Board member I will ensure the future development will have a positive impact both economically and socially. I fully support the development of a new Master Plan.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

My business responsibilities required meticulous detail, critical thinking, and organization. Having years of experience with audit, compliance and government regulatory agencies makes me highly qualified to serve as Harrison's Councilwomen/Trustee.

How do you think local officials performed in responding to the coronavirus? What if anything would you have done differently?

The local officials did a wonderful job of responding to the coronavirus. The Mayor advised the community on a daily basis of Harrison's statistics, the total number infected, current and new cases.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Keeping Harrison safe is important for me as a parent, my family respects and admires our local police and I am 100% against bail reform and defunding the police.

I will also focus on Senior programs by developing new ways to keep them engaged and active through different programs through the recreation department.

I believe in hiring and promoting from within our Town based on Civil Service rules and merit. We have many talented, qualified residents who are more than capable of fulfilling the requirements for the services we provide our residents. Most of our employees are residents. They are dedicated to the end goal because this is their community too.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I am a self-starter and motivated to serve our community. Like all our candidates for office I am an independent thinker and will bring fresh ideas to the table. I have a strong understanding of the past, but I am not stuck in it. I have the ability and desire to combine the best qualities of Harrison’s past with plans for the future.

Family

Brianna Losito daughter 21, Amber Losito daughter 16

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

BA in Finance from Fordham University

Occupation

Seller Audit Management, Senior Vice President
Responsible for the Annual Seller Audit Review process for Global Securitized Markets Duties include:
Engaging Audit firms Updating the audit scopes Work as liaison between the audit firm and the business regarding review findings Compile review findings with Follow-up Actions and Target Dates
Maintain the Audit data to be in compliance with the business’ Audit Policy Responsible for monthly SFA/SSFA Basel Reporting for business Responsible for management of Asset Tracking System
Assist in monthly servicer reporting

Balance Sheet/Consolidation, Vice President
Primary responsibilities are:
Consolidation of 5 Third Party owned ABCP conduits, to Citibank books due to FAS 166/167 Work closely with Financial Control to complete the month end closing of the balance sheet and income statements for legal vehicles of the bank Work with Internal Treasury department for daily funding requirements Assist the bank’s Regulatory department with monthly Federal Reporting requirements Assist department head with ad-hoc requests Train employees on General Ledger and Product Processor systems

Securitization Conduit, Vice President
Activities included:
Coordinated fund payments and increases with CP Traders and Portfolio Managers Established deal setups in the operating system Prepared detailed bank reconciliations Reconciled daily CP trading activity with DTC positions Calculated estimated invoices for customers Compiled weekly customer rates for Senior Management.
Also, implemented new processes for the department to simplify tasks and increase efficiencies. As needed, complete ad hoc requests and reporting.

Section Manager, Vice President
Managed the Operations and associated staff supporting the Franchise Finance Business (On Books, Off Books, Participated and Syndicated deals), all remaining Securitizations, and off books / service only deals entered into by the BTF and Vendor Healthcare businesses, and the runoff of the TSG and EAB Bank Notes activities included in the PDG Business.
Worked with the Remedial Management, Credit, Financial Control, and Compliance departments on ad hoc requests (e.g., Non accrual deal management, SOX testing, Data Warehouse, etc.) Participated and contributed to various business/operations projects to improve services provided, cost efficiencies and increase overall productivity Managed the control environment to ensure compliance and an embedded RCSA process Compiled employee’s annual reviews, worked with management on annual raises and bonuses Employee VOE advocate through activities and approach

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

None

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

While attending college, continued to work to gain experience and pay for my college education. I am the first grandchild on my mother’s side to receive a bachelor’s degree in Finance from Fordham University. I helped to foster and built the Girls Harrison Youth Lacrosse program as a feeder for playing at Harrison High School. I am passionate about fundraising for St Jude’s thru Christmas bake sales. My family has raised well over $150,000 throughout the past 17 years. We were honored with plaques at the St. Jude’s Hospital.

I have also served the community in several capacities, I was a volunteer coach for Harrison Little League, Harrison Soccer League, Harrison Youth Lacrosse and Saint Gregory’s CYO Basektaball. I am member of the Harrison Girls Lacrosse Booster Club and former board member of the Harrison Youth Lacrosse.

Find information about absentee and early voting here: Election 2021: New Systems For Early Voting In Westchester. To find all your candidates, as well as statewide, county and local propositions, follow the links offered by the Board of Elections:

• View the 2021 General Election Candidates List.
• View the 2021 General Election State Propositions.
• View the 2021 General Election County and Local Propositions.