Business for Good announces the hiring of Richard DeJesus, Chief Operating Officer of Hospitality, and Mare Pieper, Director of Giving & Grants.
Richard DeJesus will be responsible for steering business strategy, revenue generation and growth, and operational oversight across the portfolio of hospitality assets, including Hattie’s Restaurants in downtown Saratoga Springs,Wilton, and the soon-to-launch Albany location; Bread Basket Bakery in downtown Saratoga Springs and Bread Basket Cake Shop in Wilton; and the soon-to-be-opened Blackbirds Tavern and Blackbirds Bike Cafe in Voorheesville. His team will play an important part in supporting Business for Good’s mission of making lasting change in local communities.
DeJesus is a seasoned finance executive with a proven record of leading companies to meet and exceed their revenue and profitability goals year-over-year. He brings more than 15 years of experience in various industries, including sports and entertainment, as well as three years in Big 4 accounting. DeJesus was the Vice President of Finance at Madison Square Garden Sports, where he achieved record revenues in 2022 and 2023. Prior, he was the Senior Director of Finance at Legends, where he facilitated investments and promoted future growth. He began his career as an Accountant at Centerplate (now Sodexo Live!), with oversight on financial details for that company’s exclusive food service agreement at Yankee Stadium.
Pieper brings more than 30 years of non-profit experience to the Business for Good team. With expertise in organizational development, strategic growth, relationship-based donor cultivation and community engagement, Pieper has a profound understanding of how to turn a hopeful, aspirational idea into a reality.
Prior to joining BFG, Pieper served as Executive Director of The Maternity & Early Childhood Foundation, which provides grants, training, and advocacy for community organizations in New York State. Pieper was part of the founding board of Pitney Meadows Community Farm in 2016, where she also served as Interim Executive Director from February through August 2023.
“Both Richard and Mare will bring a collaborative leadership style to our team, which will only help propel our projects and initiatives to an exciting new level,”said BFG co-Founder Ed Mitzen. “We are excited to have them join us as we continue to grow and expand.”
“The success of our team hinges largely on the passion and talent of everyone in our organization,” added BFG co-Founder, Lisa Mitzen. “The additions of Richard and Mare will be essential to BFG’s continued growth and success.”
In its continued quest to have its business model become an example for cities across the country, Business for Good is proud to be a 2023 Award winner of Fast Company’s third annual Brands that Matter. The list recognizes brands and honors companies and nonprofits that have built cultural relevance and impact through compelling branding and efforts that naturally extend their presence in communities. Business for Good was distinguished as one of just four companies nationally in the “On the Rise” category, which honors businesses that have been in operation for less than four years.
Business for Good has also recently added team members to its finance, operations, and marketing departments, as the organization continues to extend its presence into communities across the region.