GOSHEN, N.Y. (November 2, 2018) – Hudson Valley Economic Development Corporation (HVEDC) announced the appointment of Melissa McCoy, CFRE, Chief Advancement Officer for Abilities First, to its advisory board.
McCoy joined Abilities First in December 2014, and has since led the organization’s advancement initiatives, including marketing, communications, philanthropy, community relations and business development.
Abilities First is a fast growing not-for-profit organization whose 650 employees support the needs of 1,500 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and other developmental needs living throughout the Hudson Valley region. Their pre-school, school, vocational, residential and habilitation programs are focused on supporting individuals and their families to attain independence, self-determination, integration and acceptance by others.
Abilities First , Chief Advancement Officer
McCoy currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Orange County Chamber of Commerce, and her extensive record of board and committee service includes the American Cancer Society, Cornell Cooperative Extension, Junior Achievement of the Hudson Valley, Special Olympics and many others.
“Abilities First is pleased to be the first non-profit organization to join the board of HVEDC, reinforcing our responsibility, advocacy and commitment for those we serve, and to contributing to the interests of the region,” said McCoy. “I am honored to accept this role on behalf of Abilities First and look forward to working with the Hudson Valley Economic Development Corporation and the Board.”
McCoy is a graduate of the Leadership Dutchess, Leadership Orange and Pattern for Progress Fellows Program, and has served as the Mid-Hudson Chapter President of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. She is a recipient of the 2018 Athena Award, 2018 Leadership Dutchess Distinguished Alumni Award, 2014 Woman of Achievement Award by the YWCA of Orange County and the Girl Scout Council Heart of the Hudson, and the 2008 Marymount College of Fordham Universities Centennial Award for Leadership.
“The unemployed rate for the disabled community is nearly 70%, and that is simply unacceptable,” said Mike Oates, President and CEO of HVEDC. “We are committed to help everyone find meaningful employment, and together with Melissa and Abilities First we will be working to change that stat.”
About Hudson Valley Economic Development Corporation (HVEDC):
HVEDC is the leading economic development agency for the seven-county region of Westchester, Putnam, Dutchess, Rockland, Orange, Ulster and Sullivan counties. The public-private partnership markets the region as a prime business location to corporate executives, site selection consultants and real estate brokers. HVEDC helped start the organizational, branding and promotional effort for NY BioHud Valley, Hudson Valley 3D Printing, and the Hudson Valley Food & Beverage Alliance. To learn more, call 845-220-2244 or visit hvedc.com.
