Ernie Canadeo

CEO & Founder, The EGC Group

As the chief executive officer of The EGC Group, Long Island’s largest full-service advertising and digital marketing agency with offices in New York City, Ernie Canadeo has the power to mold minds. Since founding the company nearly 30 years ago, he pioneered digital marketing when he set up an “interactive” division in 1997, establishing himself as a national leader in the cut-throat race to get ads in front of as many eyeballs on the internet as possible. He leads the LI Digital Summit, which has drawn the likes of Google, Facebook, AOL, LinkedIn, Twitter, and other prominent digital marketing professionals. His trailblazing has earned him a place in the Direct Marketing Association Hall of Fame. When he’s not helping his clients sell widgets to Joe Websurfer, his philanthropic activities include EGC’s annual CreateAthon event, which has donated more than $3 million in services and media to 20 charities in 10 years. He also sits on the board of The Long Island Association, and a host of local nonprofits, such as United Way of LI. He also channels his influence as Chairman of the nonprofit Long Island Music Hall of Fame. Since he took the reigns in 2015, the organization has awarded thousands of dollars in student scholarships, produced Induction Ceremonies featuring internationally acclaimed musicians and executives, and has acquired a mobile unit that is being furnished to provide educational experiences to Long Island schools. Now that’s power!