Appleseed provides economic and social research and analysis, economic development planning, strategic planning and program development services to government, non-profit and corporate clients.
Since 1993, our work has been guided by a commitment to working closely with our clients, and tailoring our services to meet each client's needs. Appleseed team members come from a variety of backgrounds, bringing a diverse set of skills to each project. This fusion of talents helps us think strategically, flexibly and multi-dimensionally.
Backgrounds of team members include:
- - Economic development
- - Economic analysis
- - Public policy analysis
- - Strategic planning
- - Urban planning
Specific skills that help us provide value to our clients include:
- - Regional economic research and analysis
- - Industry analysis
- - Labor market analysis
- - Economic impact analysis (IMPLAN modeling)
- - Non-profit program evaluation
- - Geographic information systems (GIS)
- - Graphic and information design
Many of Appleseed's projects involve collaboration with other firms. We have had extensive experience in assembling and leading teams that bring together firms from a variety of specialties, including real estate analysis, urban planning and design, traffic engineering and construction cost estimating.
Many of our assignments also involve the preparation and production of reports aimed at helping clients achieve specific public policy, community or business objectives. Appleseed's graphic design capabilities help clients to further communicate with key audiences concerning their current activities, future plans, issues that affect them or their contributions to the community.
Appleseed's work generates a variety of positive results. For example:
- - In 2010, Appleseed’s analysis of the economic impact of developing a new commercial office building on the site now occupied by the Hotel Pennsylvania helped Vornado Realty Trust secure the City Planning Commission’s approval of the project.
- - Appleseed's work on intra-city ferry service for the New York City Economic Development Corporation was incorporated into PlanNYC 2030, the strategic plan prepared by the Mayor's Office of Long-Term Planning and Sustainability and released by Mayor Bloomberg in April 2007. Appleseed subsequently assisted the Economic Development Corporation and the New York City Department of Transportation in preparing an RFP for private ferry operators, and in evaluating responses.
- - In 2004 Appleseed helped NYCEDC evaluate trends, issues and opportunities in New York City’s telecommunications industries; and then worked with EDC and the City’s Department of Information Technology and Telecommunications to prepare a plan for integrating the telecommunications sector into the City’s economic development strategies.
- - In Yonkers, Appleseed's collaboration with the Office of Economic Development helped the City win a federal Empowerment Zone designation for several areas in Southwest Yonkers.
- - Appleseed's analysis of the potential economic impact of a new cruise terminal, prepared for Carnival Corporation, helped persuade the New York City Economic Development Corporation to develop a new terminal on the Brooklyn Waterfront.
Hugh O'Neill, President, founded Appleseed in 1993. From 1975 through 1978 he was Deputy Commissioner at the New York State Department of Social Services. He later served as Deputy Secretary for Economic Development under governors Hugh Carey and Mario Cuomo, and as Assistant Executive Director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Mr. O'Neill is a graduate of Manhattan College, and holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from Columbia University.
Scott Hong, Senior Consultant, joined Appleseed in 2006. His work has focused on economic development analyses for a number of clients, including the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and the New York City Economic Development Corporation. Prior to joining Appleseed, he worked for the New York City Economic Development Corporation, the New York City Department of Small Business Services, and the Sam Schwartz Corporation. He holds a B.A. in Urban Studies from McGill University and a master's degree in urban planning from New York University.
Abby Fanelli, Senior Consultant, joined Appleseed in 2006. Her work has focused primarily on workforce development, community development and non-profit organizations. She previously worked with The After School Corporation, evaluating New York City after-school programs and the Ann Arbor Art Center, developing their education department. She has also worked with a variety of New York non-profit organizations on strategic marketing, organizational development, and public policy analysis. Ms. Fanelli holds a B.A. in Political Science and Art History from the University of Michigan and an M.P.A. with a focus in Public Policy from New York University.
Amy Schoeman, Senior Consultant, joined Appleseed in 2010. Prior to joining Appleseed, she worked for Dubai Holding in the United Arab Emirates. At Dubai Holding, Ms. Schoeman collaborated on the development of a comprehensive strategic master plan for the Dubai municipality, and performed feasibility and land value analyses of mixed use development projects. Ms. Schoeman has also worked with the Local Initiatives Support Corporation and American Express, and has been a consultant with the United Nations Development Program and the New York City Department of City Planning. Ms. Schoeman holds a B.A. in liberal arts from Sarah Lawrence College and an M.S. in urban planning and an M.S. in international affairs from Columbia University.
Deborah Helaine Morris, Senior Consultant, joined Appleseed in 2011. Prior to joining Appleseed, she worked in the Office of Manhattan Borough President Scott M. Stringer. In the Borough President’s Office, Ms. Morris evaluated and developed recommendations on land use and urban planning issues. Ms. Morris has also worked with the Alliance for Downtown New York on community and intergovernmental affairs, and collaborated on a climate change adaption plan for Sekisui House, a housing developer in Japan. Ms. Morris holds a B.A. in History and History of Art from the University of Michigan and an M.C.P. in City Design and Development from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Anna Chelius, Research Associate, joined Appleseed in 2011. A recent graduate of Hamilton College, she holds a B.A. in Economics and Fine Arts. She previously worked for Appleseed during the summer of 2010, focusing on economic impact analyses for several clients, including Johns Hopkins University and Health System and the Maryland Independent College and University Association.