Our Management Team
Antoinette Allocca – CEO & Founder
Antoinette Allocca, recognized as the pioneer of the technical writing industry, founded Essential Data Corporation in 1987. Under Ms. Allocca’s leadership and direction, EDC has grown into a multi-million-dollar business with 30+ local offices and technical writer consultants nationwide.
Ms. Allocca’s vision has allowed EDC to navigate through difficult economic times and volatile business climates with consistent growth. Recognizing trends and positioning her company to respond rapidly has been the key to her ever-evolving success, reaching the highest revenue in the industry.
Under Allocca’s direction, EDC has won the Outstanding Employer Award and was recognized as the fastest-growing women-owned business by Working Woman Magazine for two consecutive years. She was also honored for her success as one of the top 500 business owners in the U.S. at a White House dinner. Allocca has been featured in numerous national publications, such as The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and USA Today, and is a highly sought-after thought leader and public speaker on relevant technical writing topics.
Prior to founding Essential Data, Allocca was Vice President of Marketing at Vital Software in Manhattan. In 1979, she played a principal role in launching Vital’s Technical Writing division. She holds a B.S. degree in Marketing from Hofstra University and an MBA degree in Business Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services from New York University.
Ms. Allocca is an avid reader and Ted Talk podcast enthusiast. She is the mother of four children.
Bruce Rigione – President
Bruce Rigione has over 25 years of experience as an investment banker and business executive responsible for building and growing successful businesses. He contributes enormously to Essential Data’s growth through not only marketing strategies but also setting priorities, such as focused client care and oversight of EDC’s Engagement Managers, with hand-picking the ‘right’ technical writer for the many different types of documentation projects.
Early in his career, Bruce started and led two highly successful global investment banking businesses at Chase and HSBC. He helped build and develop the first online credit card company, where he served as Head of Global Business Development, CFO, and Board Member. He also founded Capital Ideas Group — a consulting firm advising small and medium-sized businesses — serving as Managing Partner. Additionally, Bruce co-founded Allergy Force, a mobile app-based business that’s on a mission to help the world’s 220 million food-allergic people live safer and easier lives.
Bruce earned his MBA in Finance from Columbia University Business School and his BA in Politics from Fairfield University, Connecticut.
Michelle Brown – Managing Director, Southeast
Michelle Brown joined Essential Data Corporation in 2006, a pivotal time for the Financial industry of the US. Her knowledge of Cyber Security and governmental contracting is opening new doors for EDC. With the help of a GSA Schedule and 8(a) certification, EDC continues to flourish.
An Atlanta native with a love of international travel, Michelle has a strong philanthropic background and serves on several local and national boards. This wide array of experiences assists her with her love of ‘deal-making,’ which translates into business development for EDC in the technical writing space.
Michelle’s motto is “If you want something done, give it to a busy person.”
Michelle is married with 6 children, 3 grandchildren, 3 horses, and 1 beloved dog.