There are few people who have to their credit a long list of successful businesses and fewer still whose talent has been recognized by countries other than their own. A successful diamond and gemstones merchant, media baron, entrepreneur, community leader and now the first Indian American to head the Business and Economic Development department of Nassau—Kamlesh Mehta, 51, dons several hats with an easy flourish.

Born and brought up in Beawar, Rajasthan, Mehta, a Marwari Jain, brings to the table his rich and vast entrepreneurial experiences, astutely recognized by New York State’s Nassau County Executive, Ed Mangano, to help revive existing American businesses affected by the economic downturn as well as to create opportunities to attract new enterprises. Mehta agreed to join the county administration as deputy director in January 2010 after all his preconditions were accommodated, which included “reporting only to Ed Mangano.”

Despite all his remarkable achievements, he comes across as a modest, affable and polite man who takes great pride in his Marwari roots. While well known for his helping and courteous attitude, he is also known for his forthrightness.