Michelle Di Benedetto has worked in every facet of Retail Banking in her career in the financial services industry over the past 45 years. She is currently responsible for insuring that Citibank is represented in communities throughout Long Island by providing lending, grants and technical assistance to the not-for-profit community.

Since taking on the position of Government/Community Relations Director for Citibank on Long Island in 1996 she has looked for ways to make a difference in the economic life of the people on Long Island. Michelle has worked with the Federal Reserve Bank on New York on their “Long Island Home Purchase Process Initiative” (LIHPPI). The main purpose of LIHPPI is to eliminate barriers to homeownership. The curriculum developed by LIHHPI is now being rolled out throughout New York State. Michelle serves as the Educational Chair of the LIHPPI, which has been renamed “Community Home Purchase Process Initiative” and is now a not-for-profit organization.

She also serves as Immediate Past President of the Women Economic Developers of LI – member of Executive Board, Treasurer of the Long Island Coalition for Fair Broadcasting, Treasurer/Secretary for the Long Island Small Business Assistance Corporation, Secretary of the Long Island Housing Partnership, a member of the Business Advisory for Black Women Enterprise, Chair of New Directions’ Board of Directors, Board Member of Family & Children’s Association and on the Board of the Campaign for Affordable Rental Housing.

In May of 2005, Michelle was appointed as the Vice Chair of the SUNY Old Westbury Foundation.

In 2004 Michelle was promoted to Region Director of Community Relations for Long Island and Queens.

Michelle resides in Garden City with her daughter Katie, who attends Bishop Kellenberg Memorial High School.