(Left to right) Brian Stratton, director of the New York State Canal Corporation (and a 1979 SUNY Oswego alumnus); Kristi Eck, SUNY Oswego chief of staff; Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul; and SUNY Oswego President Deborah F. Stanley gather at a reception held in the Governor's Executive Mansion on March 5 to celebrate the New York State Regional Economic Development Councils (REDC). President Stanley's recent appointment as co-chair of the Central New York REDC was recognized by Lt. Gov. Hochul at the reception. Photo credit: Darren McGee, Office of Governor Cuomo
The Central New York Regional Economic Development Council (CNYREDC) announced earlier this week that Deborah F. Stanley, president of the State University of New York at Oswego, has been appointed co-chair of the Council. Stanley succeeds Dr. Danielle Laraque-Arena, president of SUNY Upstate Medical University. Stanley joins fellow CNYREDC Co-Chair Randy Wolken, president of the Manufacturers Association of Central New York (MACNY), in the Council’s efforts to support and promote economic growth across the five-county region. Through eight rounds of the REDC initiative, the Central New York Region has secured $703.6 million in state funding to support more than 708 projects. The CNYREDC is composed of Cayuga, Cortland, Madison, Onondaga and Oswego Counties.
“I congratulate President Stanley for her appointment as co-chair of the Central New York Regional Economic Development Council,” said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul, chair of the Regional Economic Development Councils. "President Stanley has a wealth of knowledge in higher education, science and research. I look forward to working with her for the next round of REDCs and beyond and thank Dr Laraque-Arena for her years of leadership as co-chair."
Stanley’s tenure at SUNY Oswego has been highlighted by academic excellence, campus renewal and the creation of a learner-centered environment. She established the Presidential Scholarship Program, for outstanding academic achievers, and the Possibility Scholarship Program. She also helped launch the pioneering Oswego Guarantee, which promises students availability in the classes they need to complete a degree in four consecutive years while guaranteeing no increases in housing or meal plan costs. In 2013, Stanley enhanced the Oswego Guarantee with the Graduation ROI – a $300 Return on Investment (ROI) awarded to all first-time students who complete their baccalaureate degree in four years or less. See President Stanley's full bio.
"I am honored to be appointed as the co-chair for the Central New York Regional Economic Development Council," said President Stanley. "I would like to thank Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul and Governor Cuomo for this exciting opportunity to serve our communities in Central New York and I want to thank Dr. Laraque-Arena for her years of dedication to our region. I look forward to working alongside Randy Wolken and my fellow Council members and I am excited to continue the outstanding work of the Council.”
CNYREDC Co-Chair and President of the Manufacturers Association of Central New York Randy Wolken said, "I am very much looking forward to working closely with President Stanley as CNY REDC co-chairs, and know that she brings to the table a wealth of knowledge about our regional economy. I would also like to thank Dr. Laraque-Arena, president of SUNY Upstate Medical University, for her years of service to the Region and to the people of New York State.”
Dr. Danielle Laraque-Arena said, "Serving as a co-chair of the Central New York Region Economic Development Council has been a tremendous honor and pleasure. I’m grateful to Governor Cuomo for developing this impactful approach to creating jobs and opportunity in New York, and for allowing me to contribute to the region’s economic growth. I offer my best wishes to President Stanley and Randy Wolken and my thanks to all the members of the CNY REDC who have done so much in support of this region."
About the Regional Economic Development Councils
The Regional Economic Development Council initiative is a key component of Governor Cuomo's approach to State investment and economic development. In 2011, Governor Cuomo established 10 Regional Councils to develop long-term strategic plans for economic growth for their regions. The Councils are public-private partnerships made up of local experts and stakeholders from business, academia, local government, and non-governmental organizations. The Regional Councils have redefined the way New York invests in jobs and economic growth by putting in place a community-based, bottom up approach and establishing a competitive process for State resources.
After eight rounds of the REDC process, more than $6.1 billion has been awarded to more than 7,300 job creation and community development projects consistent with each region's strategic plans, projecting to create and retain more than 230,000 jobs. For more information on the Regional Councils, visit www.regionalcouncils.ny.gov.