Leadership
Bennett Weiss, MS, CF APMP - Founder and President
Bennett is a distinguished government contracting and non-profit consultant with over 13 years of experience in business development in the government and non-profit sectors to empower businesses and nonprofits. With a Master of Science degree from Dowling College and a Bachelor of Science from Towson University, Bennett combines educational expertise with practical skills to navigate the complexities of proposal development and management.
Bennett's commitment to excellence is underscored by his APMP Foundation Level Certification, highlighting his proficiency in industry best practices. Throughout his career, he has successfully assisted clients in securing contracts and funding from State, Federal, and Local Governments and private foundations, earning a strong reputation and a vast network of professional connections.
As a dedicated consulting professional, Bennett leads a team of experienced experts at Long Island RFP, specializing in proposal operations, business development, and government contracting readiness. His comprehensive knowledge spans MWBE certifications, Federal Acquisition Regulations, and grant writing, allowing him to identify opportunities and develop winning strategies tailored to small and medium-sized businesses, MWBEs, and nonprofits.
Prior to founding Long Island RFP, Bennett held key positions in various Fortune 500 companies within the government contracting space. His diverse background also includes teaching and curriculum development, where he improved educational programs within the New York City Department of Education.
Bennett's passion for helping organizations succeed in the public sector drives his work, as he remains committed to enhancing the capabilities of his clients and fostering long-term growth.
Sharon Mahin - VP
Sharon works with Long Island RFP in strategic business development and consulting, where she champions supply chain diversity, social responsibility, and sustainability. Sharon empowers diverse businesses by providing strategies for the rapid and effective development of profitable business relationships and assists our clients in the areas of businesses, government agencies, and nonprofit entities in building and revitalizing supplier programs, ensuring they select procurement-ready vendors to achieve their long-term strategic goals.
Sharon is actively engaged in several professional organizations, including the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), where she serves on the National Board of Directors and the National Leadership Forum. She is also part of the Steering Committee for WBENC's New York chapter, Women Impacting Public Policy (WIPP), the Institute of Supply Management (ISM-NY), and Women Construction Owners and Executives (WCOE) - Metro New York. Furthermore, she is a founding ambassador for WEConnect International, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering women-owned businesses globally.
Sharon pursued her higher education at Hofstra University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting. Throughout her career, she has held C-suite financial and operational positions at notable organizations, including the Nassau County Bar Association, Nationwide Ultra Seal, GMAC Mortgage, and Cohen Fashion Optical. With over 30 years of experience across various industries—ranging from construction and real estate development to banking and the automotive aftermarket—Sharon has established herself as a versatile leader.
Erin Crouthamel, MS - VP of Marketing and Business Development
Erin Crouthamel is a versatile and accomplished professional with a marketing, public relations, and project management background. She has a proven track record of success in developing and executing marketing campaigns, managing public relations efforts, and overseeing projects to ensure timely completion and client satisfaction.
As VP of Business Development, Erin leads her efforts to identify and pursue new business opportunities. This involves developing and implementing strategies to increase revenue, expand the company's customer base, and strengthen the organization's position in the marketplace. Erin works closely with other executives and department heads to ensure that business development initiatives align with the company's goals and objectives.
Erin earned her dual BS from St. Joseph's College in Childhood Education, Birth to Grade 6 General and Special Education, and an MS in Literacy Education from Long Island University, honing her public speaking, interpersonal communication, and media studies skills. This strong educational foundation has propelled her career forward, allowing her to excel in various marketing and public relations roles.
In her professional career, Erin has worked with various clients, ranging from small businesses to large corporations, nursing centers, and nonprofit foundations. Her expertise in crafting compelling marketing materials, managing social media accounts, and coordinating public relations initiatives has made her an invaluable asset to clients and employers. Erin's ability to adapt to the unique needs of each client and project has earned her a reputation for being a reliable and results-driven professional.
Erin has also made significant contributions to the nonprofit sector. With her experience at the New York Sportscene Children's Foundation, she has gained valuable skills in fundraising, grant writing, and event planning. Erin's ability to secure grants and other funding sources has played a crucial role in supporting the foundation's initiatives and ensuring the organization's continued success. Her dedication to helping children in need and her passion for giving back to her community is evident in her ongoing involvement in the nonprofit sector. Erin's expertise in grant management and her commitment to positively impacting the lives of others makes her a valuable asset to any organization seeking to further its mission and improve the lives of those it serves.
Erin is also an active member of her community, volunteering her time and skills to various nonprofit organizations and local events. Her passion for helping others and giving back to her community is evident in her dedication to these causes.