Our Team Behind
The Empire City Wire
Many of the key people that have made The Empire City Wire into what it is today have contributed in various different capacities and at various different times.
Comprising a diverse ensemble of passionate and talented individuals, our team is dedicated to bringing our audience insightful and engaging content that captures the essence of New York City and its dynamic landscape.
Michael HALEBIAN Sr.
Founder Emeritus
Michael Halebian Sr. was a World War Two veteran and an NYC tri-state area businessman. He passed away in 2014 but his legacy continues on. The wealth he generated through his businesses are what fund “The Empire City Wire.”
Publisher & Part Time Contributor
Jack Halebian wears many hats. He is an advertising manager and also a part time contributor for The Empire City Wire. He assists in overseeing the logistical operations of the business and also engages in collaborations with other creators and media companies.
JOHN HALEBIAN
CHIEF LEGAL COUNSELOR
John Halebian is a registered lawyer in New York state. He practices financial and securities law. John Halebian graduated from Georgetown university in 1974 and Villanova Law School in 1977.
FINANCIAL CONSULTANT & Part Time Contributor
Mario Veneroso is an Accredited Investment Fiduciary, a Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor, and holds a Juris Doctorate. He is a highly experienced financial advisor with knowledge of a variety of industries, markets, and sectors.
JEFF PERRILL
Content Consultant
Jeffrey Perrill has worked in the fashion and fine jewelry industry. He is a New Yorker and provides valuable insights to The Empire City Wire team.
Freelance Contributor
Nadia Pentolino is a graduate from the University of Rochester. She’s written articles for the Campus Times, the Rochester Beacon, and was an intern at Open Letter Books.
Freelance Sports Writer
Chase occasionally submits articles that are sports related. His coverage primarily includes articles related to New York or NYC based sports teams (i.e. the Knicks, Yankees, Mets, NY Giants, etc.).
Freelance Contributor
Lauren contributes articles that provide a voice for small businesses and entrepreneurs based in New York City. She has contributed to Forbes as well as other notable publications.
Emily Berliner
Summer Intern
Emily Berliner ran the TikTok page during the summer of 2025. She has contributed in many ways to ensure content was produced with high quality and in a timely manner.
Ava Chieffo
Student Intern & Social Media Manager
Ava Chieffo produced content for The Empire City Wire across TikTok and YouTube throughout 2026. She was also a key person for expanding The Empire City Wire’s online footprint through consistent, high quality, content production.
Part Time Contributor
Jeremy Price White is a consistent contributor to The Empire City Wire.
Part Time Contributor
Jeremy Price White is a consistent contributor to The Empire City Wire.
Rachel Goldstein
Part Time Brand Ambassador
Rachel Goldstein assists in outreach for The Empire City Wire and helps develop conversations and potential content sponsorships and ideas into long term relationships with partners and collaborators.