Jeannine Smith is NYSTEC’s Marketing Communications Manager. 

With more than 30 years’ experience in corporate communications and public relations, Jeannine leads a team dedicated to comprehensively supporting NYSTEC’s internal and external communications needs, including digital and printed materials, photography and videography, social media, website maintenance, community relations support, and press relations.  

Before joining NYSTEC, Jeannine served as the deputy director of public information at the state Office of Children and Family Services, where she also managed various internal and external communications and supervised staff. She served in the Governor’s Office of the State of New York as a deputy communications director overseeing press responses for six state agencies and advising leadership on related communications strategy, was the vice president of public relations for a corporate credit union, and was a communications specialist at GE.  

Jeannine also has a background in psychology and entrepreneurship, founding public relations consulting and geriatric care management firms. She has a bachelor’s degree in English from Hamilton College and a master’s in clinical social work from Boston University. 

Girk Cakmak serves as a business development manager for NYSTEC. He is an accomplished, goal-oriented professional with a wide range of experience, including business development, digital marketing, sales, and project management. With more than 18 years of experience in the government and healthcare sectors, Girk’s skill set includes developing and executing business development strategies, redesigning sales operations, and creating new digital marketing processes. He also has extensive experience with New York State contract vehicles.

Maria Ayoob is NYSTEC’s culture and engagement manager. She is an experienced project manager, researcher, and consultant in the healthcare field. Maria previously served as practice leader for the Population Health—Data Insights practice, overseeing projects related to health information technology–enabled quality measurement and clinical data quality for the New York State Department of Health. Before joining NYSTEC in 2014 as a senior consultant, Maria worked for Health Research, Inc., providing support as a project facilitator for the Department of Health’s Office of Health Information Technology Transformation, where she managed projects to automate healthcare data exchange. She also holds a certificate in diversity and inclusion from Cornell University. 

Mike Tallman is NYSTEC’s Contracts Manager.  

He brings more than 20 years of experience, including 15 years in contracts and five years leading a team. Mike is responsible for ensuring compliance with NYSTEC’s central contract with the state Office of General Services; managing engagements with various entities; and overseeing proposal creation, reporting, and contractual obligations with vendors and subcontractors. In addition, Mike collaborates closely with minority/woman-owned business enterprises (MWBE) partners, upholding professional standards as a member of the National Contract Management Association – Leatherstocking Chapter. 

Mike’s team focuses on contractual and compliance initiatives, enhancing client-funded engagements, improving internal operations, and working closely with the legal department. He is focused on client satisfaction, emphasizing risk mitigation, client engagement, and staff development.  

Mike holds a bachelor’s in business management from SUNY Institute of Technology and an associate’s degree in general studies from Mohawk Valley Community College.  

Kathy Stockbridge is a staffing and recruitment professional with more than 15 years of experience. She is responsible for managing NYSTEC’s recruitment process, driving diverse talent into the organization and contributing to the company’s long-term growth. Kathy is deeply involved in the full recruiting life cycle, from initial sourcing and screening through offer negotiations, placement, and onboarding. Previously, she was a branch manager at local staffing agency Staffworks, where she oversaw operations that focused on delivering temporary, temp-to-hire, and direct placement personnel to clients. Kathy, who holds an associate’s degree in Business Management, is a Certified Social Sourcing Recruiter (CSSR) and a Certified Diversity and Inclusion Recruiter (CDR) through AIRS.