Ricardi Calixte Deputy Director Since coming to QEDC, Ricardi has worked with many neighborhoods' business organizations to help improve the local economy. He spearheaded the development of Corona Plaza, transforming an under-utilized area into one the borough's foremost pedestrian plazas. He works closely with merchant groups, foundations, and government agencies to help local communities reach their potential. Currently he is assisting the development of business improvement districts in Corona and Richmond Hill. A native of Haiti, Ricardi graduated from New York City public schools and has a BA degree in Economics, an MA in Africana Studies, and an MRP in Urban Planning from SUNY Albany. He is a CORO Fellow. He lives Queens and is the proud father of a daughter and son. If you would like to contact him, you can email him at rc@queensny.org.