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Mohawk Valley Regional Economic Development Council Announces Appointment of Dr. Marion Terenzio as New Co-Chair

Dr. Terenzio, President of SUNY Cobleskill, Succeeds Dr. Dustin Swanger, President of Fulton-Montgomery Community College

The Mohawk Valley Regional Economic Development Council (MVREDC) today announced that Dr. Marion Terenzio, President of the State University of New York College of Agriculture and Technology at Cobleskill, has been appointed Co-Chair of the Council. Dr. Terenzio succeeds Dr. Dustin Swanger, President of Fulton-Montgomery Community College who served as Co-Chair since 2017.

"The Regional Economic Development Council has invested in projects to revitalize communities, attract more visitors, and improve the economy and quality of life in the Mohawk Valley," said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul, Chair of the statewide Regional Economic Development Councils. "With the appointment of Dr. Marion Terenzio as the Mohawk Valley REDC’s new co-chair, the council will advance its work to continue economic growth and success across the region."

MVREDC Co-Chair and SUNY Cobleskill President Dr. Marion Terenzio said, "It has been my privilege to serve on the Mohawk Valley Regional Economic Development Council, and I'm honored to assume one of the Council Co-Chair positions. The Council's collective efforts have supported sustainable economic growth by encouraging new investments and job creation across the Mohawk Valley, and I would like to thank Dusty Swanger for his years of dedication to the region. I look forward to working with Lawrence Gilroy to ensure that we build upon all the successes that this Council has achieved for the last eight years."

MVREDC Co-Chair and President of Gilroy, Kernan & Gilroy, Inc., Lawrence T. Gilroy III said, “I am looking forward to working closely with President Terenzio as MVREDC Co-Chairs and after working closely together on the Council for these many years, I know that she brings to the table a wealth of knowledge about our regional economy. I would also like to thank Dusty Swanger for his years of service to the region and to the people of New York State.”

Dr. Terenzio became SUNY Cobleskill’s twelfth president on July 1, 2015. Prior to her appointment, Dr. Terenzio was Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of Faculty at Bloomfield College in New Jersey, and professor at The Sage Colleges in New York, where she also served as Vice President for Campus Life. Under her leadership, Bloomfield College became a nationally recognized minority-serving institution, where she and faculty reimagined the preparation necessary to succeed in college coursework. She has received numerous awards for her work emphasizing the critical role of higher education as a partner and economic driver in communities. Dr. Terenzio has served on national, regional and state association boards, councils and task forces, and presented and published on the effective role of the arts in community well-being and economic revitalization. Dr. Terenzio currently serves on the MVREDC’s workforce and STEM workgroups.

Under Dr. Terenzio’s leadership, SUNY Cobleskill is at the forefront of workforce development and training, collaborating with the PTECH high school in Johnstown to provide job training and college coursework to high school students. Because of this partnership, high school students at the PTECH are able to graduate with credits equivalent to what is needed for an associate’s degree.

Dr. Dustin Swanger, President, Fulton-Montgomery Community College said, “I am proud of the many accomplishments that the Council has made and the visible transformation that is currently underway in the Mohawk Valley. I am confident that the Council is good hands with Dr. Terenzio and Mr. Gilroy at the helm and cannot wait to see what the future holds for the Council and the region.”

Through eight rounds of the REDC initiative, the MVREDC has delivered $615 million for 640 projects. The MVREDC is composed of Fulton, Herkimer, Montgomery, Oneida, Otsego and Schoharie Counties. For more information about the MVREDC, please visit our website.

About the Regional Economic Development Councils

The Regional Economic Development Council (REDC) 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.

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