Executive Staff

James Mettham became the Flatiron NoMad Partnership’s President in 2019. He is a downtown management practitioner and leader with a proven track record in economic development, urban planning, and placemaking. James is responsible for strategically guiding the Partnership’s multi-year BID expansion process to completion. This effort has nearly doubled the size of the Partnership’s service and program footprint. James champions all things Flatiron and NoMad and is committed to making the Partnership the energetic, savvy, and visionary steward that the greater district deserves.

Before joining the Flatiron NoMad Partnership James held multiple leadership positions in local economic development, place management and real estate investments across New York City. At the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership, James’s role as Managing Director of Finance & Operations included the day-to-day management of Downtown Brooklyn’s local development corporation and three BIDs. Prior to that, he served as Assistant Commissioner for the NYC Department of Small Business Services Neighborhood Development Division where he oversaw the nation’s largest network of BIDs and the deployment of multi-million dollars in commercial revitalization grants to neighborhoods across NYC. James holds a Master of Urban Planning from New York University’s Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service, a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Pittsburgh, and is an alumnus of the Coro New York Leadership Program.

Kurt Cavanaugh joined the Partnership in 2016. As Vice President of Planning, Streetscape & Capital Projects, he manages the daily operations of the Flatiron Public Plazas & seasonal Open Streets including the NoMad Piazza Pop-Up; various public art installations; and everything related to bike and pedestrian safety. Kurt also oversees the district-wide horticulture program and works closely with the Partnership’s Field Operations, Marketing, and Economic Development departments on strategic initiatives, advocacy, and planning.

He has a B.S. from Guilford College, an M.S. in Urban Design & Park Management from the University of North Carolina, and 15+ years NYC nonprofit and BID experience. Kurt lives in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, and prefers to commute to Flatiron and NoMad on two wheels.

John joined the Flatiron NoMad Partnership team in April of 2024 and will be leading the Partnership’s Field Operations. He spent 22 years with the New York City Police Department with 19 of those years spent in the 13th Precinct. While at the 13th Precinct, he was the Community Affairs Officer responsible for maintaining relationships with local community groups and elected officials. His most recent role with the Police Department was with the Business Improvement District Unit, in which he dealt with quality-of-life issues in Manhattan South. John is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Partnership’s sanitation, public safety and the homeless outreach programs.

Greg Godfrey joined the Partnership in November 2023. As Vice President of Marketing & Communications, he manages the the external communications of the organization and collaborates with the team on public programming, business connection, and social media. He also helps to set the strategy of making Flatiron and NoMad the ultimate go-to destination in Manhattan.

Before joining the Flatiron NoMad Partnership, Greg worked within the district for years helping build the brand of SPIN, the original ping pong social club which redefined the entertainment space with ping pong, social connection and play. Greg holds a B.A. in Business from The George Washington University. His 2024 goal is to visit every bakery in the neighborhood as he has quite the sweet tooth from growing up in the Midwest.

Angelos Kontos joined the Partnership in October of 2022. As Director of Administration and Finance, Angelos directly supports the President and Vice Presidents to coordinate and enhance the operation and administration of the Partnership’s programming and services. Angelos oversees organizational budgeting and financial management, serves as a centralized manager of the BID’s contractual agreements, and facilitates strong functional relationships with vendors and government.

Angelos brings eight years of experience building the capacity and impact of New York City’s network of community-based development organizations at the NYC Department of Small Business Services, serving most recently as Director of Finance & Operations for the Neighborhood Development Division. In this role, he oversaw the agency’s grantmaking operations, which deployed local and federal funding to 60+ organizations annually across multiple programs, advancing place-based commercial revitalization initiatives to promote economic equity across the five boroughs. Angelos holds an M.A. in International Political Economy & Development from Fordham University.

Ali Begazo joined the Partnership in January 2024. As Director of Economic Development, she leads economic data analysis, reporting, and strategy; identifies workforce and real estate development trends; and engages with key stakeholders in the Flatiron and NoMad districts. She also works with Partnership staff to develop strategic planning initiatives and tenant attraction/retention programs.

She has a B.A. in History and Hispanic Studies from McGill University and a Masters in Urban Planning and Policy from the University of Illinois Chicago. She brings with her experience in the public, private, and non-profit sectors. Prior to joining the Partnership, she worked in community affairs, data analysis, stakeholder engagement, and a wide range of planning initiatives across the Midwest.

Claudia Rincon leads all placemaking initiatives at the Flatiron NoMad Partnership, transforming public spaces into vibrant, people-centered destinations. With experience at the Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy, DUMBO Improvement District, Two Trees, and Myrtle Avenue Partnership, she brings a passion for public art, community connection, and playful urban experiences to the district.

Peter joined the Flatiron NoMad Partnership team in September of 2024. He manages the districts field operations including the Partnership’s sanitation, public safety, and the homeless outreach programs, ensuring the highest standards of quality and efficiency. Peter brings experience in operations and public safety management having worked at the Department of Small Business Services, managing commercial properties in Brooklyn, and building data collection systems for the Northeast Organic Farming Association. He holds a B.A. in International Affairs and Spanish from the University of Wyoming.

Jane Rossman joined the Flatiron NoMad Partnership in November 2025. As Director of Planning and Public Space Management, through collaboration with both Placemaking & Field Operations, she manages the Flatiron Plazas and NoMad Piazza, the neighborhood’s streetscape beautification program, and supports the implementation and maintenance of all public realm projects.

Jane brings extensive NYC BID experience, having previously served as Manager of Streetscape & Planning with the Garment District Alliance. Jane’s background also includes consulting work for complex infrastructure projects with the MTA, and program development at the urban planning arts nonprofit Open House New York.

Born and raised in Brooklyn, she holds a B.A. in the Growth & Structure of Cities from Bryn Mawr College and an MSc in City Planning & Urban Design from the Bartlett School of Planning at University College London.

Arianne Maliwanag currently serves as the Marketing Manager of Content & Business Outreach at the Flatiron NoMad Partnership. She brings over a decade of experience in marketing, cultural programming, and community engagement. Before joining the Partnership, Arianne managed programming and marketing for The Filipino School of NY & NJ, a cultural nonprofit focused rooted in education and diaspora storytelling. Previously, she spent over five years at The Children’s Place, where she led brand marketing, consumer insights, and partnership efforts —including the launch of two brands.

Born and raised in New Jersey, and now based in Brooklyn, Arianne is passionate about creating meaningful connections and uplifting local communities through creative strategy, collaboration and cultural advocacy.

Melissa Benedek began as a Content Writer Intern at the Partnership in September 2021 and later became the Marketing & Content Coordinator in July 2022, and then Senior Marketing & Content Associate in July 2024.

She supports our Marketing efforts through managing our weekly email newsletter, The Latest, writing engaging articles for the website that highlight the vibrancy of the neighborhood and our local businesses, assisting with business outreach to coordinate marketing and content collaborations, and supporting our social channels. Originally from Miami, Florida, Melissa holds a B.A. in Literature from Bard College.