Empire Interpreting Service Staff

Theresa Slater, our President/CEO, is a professional Sign Language Interpreter and the owner of Empire Interpreting Service. LLC. Theresa is a native of Cortland, NY who attended college at RIT and Gallaudet University. She holds her BS in Cultural Studies with a minor in Business Management.

In New York state she is one of only nine nationally certified interpreters through NAD (National Association of the Deaf) and one of only 13 that hold the RID (Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf) specialist certificate: OTC. In addition, Theresa also holds an RID: CI certification.

Theresa’s influence into the business world extends beyond the scope of Empire Interpreting Service. She is a co-author of a bi-weekly column in the Syracuse Post Standard; ‘Ask the Entrepreneur.’ She is a member of the Women Presidents’ Organization (WPO) and serves on advisory boards to other local businesses.

Theresa’s philosophy of providing services in a professional and caring manner is carried out into the community through the professional interpreters that work through EIS.

You may contact Theresa directly at tslater@empireinterpreting.com.



Stacey Short, our Chief Financial Officer (CFO), has been with EIS since the beginning of 2004. Stacey attended college at Tompkins Cortland Community College for Business Administration and came to us after 11 years as Office Manager for a large medical billing firm in Johnson City.

In addition to her exemplary skills in business management Stacey has proven to be a proficient administrator.

She and her husband David reside in Marathon with their two small children.

You may contact Stacey at sshort@empireinterpreting.com.



Jay Slater, our Business Manager, has been with EIS since the beginning of 2006.
He began with EIS as a part-time sales rep and has gradually moved into his current position.

In addition to his day-to-day responsibilities, Jay spearheads the expansion of EIS.
His first expansion effort, the Syracuse satellite office, has since become the Empire headquarters.

Jay’s extensive traveling, including living abroad in Europe, make him an excellent fit in such a culturally diverse business setting.

You may contact Jay at jslater@empireinterpreting.com



Corissa Widger began her career at EIS in September of 2007 and is now our Director of Spoken Languages. She earned her B.S. in Health Science from Keene State College.

Corissa also aids in the coordination of in-service training, Interpreter workshops and large scale interpreting assignments.

Adding Corissa to our team has benefited EIS due to her strong work ethic, communication skills, and passion to improve individual’s quality of life.

You may contact Corissa at cwidger@empireinterpreting.com.



Trevor Slater began working with EIS in October of 2007 as an outside consultant and has recently been promoted to Director of Advertising Technologies.

Heading our first out-of-state satellite office, Trevor meshes his intimate knowledge of the Charlotte Business landscape and technological savvy as he manages EIS's viral marketing department.

Trevor also brings a unique perspective to the EIS team as he was born profoundly Deaf and gained his hearing later into childhood. We look forward to utilizing Trevor's experience in our continued growth.

You may contact Trevor at tslaterNC@empireinterpreting.com.



Thomas Reuter is our newest addition to the EIS team. As Office Manager at our Syracuse Headquarters, he brings years of experience to the table.

Tom was born in Germany and moved to Canada when he was a child. In 1997, he moved to Rochester, New York, where he worked in the automotive industry for several years. After seeking a career change, Tom began working as an Office Manager. With approximately four years of loyal service to the company, Tom relocated to Syracuse in an effort to live closer to friends and family.

While only residing in Syracuse for a few months now, Tom has already welcomed this city as his home. During his free time he partakes in the joys of his life, which include cycling, archery and entomology.

Tom’s professionalism, skill and warm demeanor have already proven him to be a great asset to Empire Interpreting Service.

You may contact Tom at treuter@empireinterpreting.com.



Susan Urben joined our team in June 2011 as the Bookkeeper for our Syracuse office. She brings an extensive financial and business management background, with over 15 years in the banking industry. Her bookkeeping experience includes the financial management of the family construction business and more recently, as the bookkeeper for an area manufacturing company, a church, and as owner of her own retail business.

A native of the Philadelphia, Susan earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics from Colgate University. She has also completed the NY State Bankers’ Association School of Management and achieved a Certificate of Completion from the College for Financial Planning.

In addition to playing an active role in many civic and community organizations, Susan enjoys reading, traveling and music. She is the proud mother of two grown children.



Alison Grimes joined our team in November 2011 as the Assistant to the Director of Spoken Languages for our Syracuse office. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish and Entrepreneurship from Syracuse University and works in coordination with the Director of Spoken Languages assisting in scheduling interpreting assignments, acting as EIS’ Spanish speaking representative and various other administrative duties.

Being a bilingual native of Syracuse, who has had various diverse travel experiences to countries in Europe, the Caribbean, as well as South and Central America, she makes an excellent fit in such a culturally diverse business environment.

Alison is a very motivated individual who enjoys staying active, cooking and reading during her free time.

You may contact Alison at agrimes@empireinterpreting.com