GOSHEN, N.Y. (May 31, 2018) — Hudson Valley Economic Development Corporation (HVEDC) Board Chairman Robert J. Levine today announced that Mike Oates has been named the organization’s new President and CEO, effective June 4. Oates replaces Laurence P. Gottlieb, who recently resigned from the position.
Since 2016, Oates has been the Managing Partner of Bellefield Development Partners, the team behind Bellefield at Historic Hyde Park and an affiliate of T-Rex Capital Group, LLC. Prior to that, he was CEO of Hudson River Ventures, a small business investment fund that works to empower entrepreneurs and build thriving businesses in target industry sectors in the Hudson Valley.
Oates was President and CEO of HVEDC from 2009 to 2013. Before his initial work with HVEDC, he was Vice President/Regional Director at Empire State Development Corporation. In that position, he was responsible for managing New York State’s economic development initiatives in Westchester, Rockland, Orange, Dutchess, Sullivan, Ulster and Putnam Counties – the same seven counties represented by HVEDC. Oates serves on the board of the Walkway Over the Hudson (Chairman), Abilities First, Pattern for Progress, Hyde Park Chamber of Commerce and Topfield Equestrian Center.
HVEDC is the leading economic development agency for the seven-county region. The public-private partnership markets the region as a prime business location to corporate executives, site selection consultants and real estate brokers. HVEDC started 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.
“We are excited to have Mike Oates lead HVEDC,” Levine said. “His first-hand familiarity with the organization and his extensive economic development background will create a continuity for this organization while also taking HVEDC to new levels of economic development. His strategic vision and key initiatives in this world are proven and we are looking forward to what Mike brings to this position.”
“I am excited to return to HVEDC and to help focus our mission of attracting, retaining and expanding businesses opportunities in the Hudson Valley. Diversifying our economy, building our industry clusters and encouraging entrepreneurship and investment is at the core of our work. I look forward to working with our partners in the public and private sectors to achieve our mutual goals,” said Oates. “We will work hard to make sure the Hudson Valley is known as the region where deals are made and opportunities are plentiful.”
Various elected officials, economic development leaders and organizational leaders from across the region praised the news:
United States Senator Charles E. Schumer: “Mike Oates’s return as President of the Hudson Valley Economic Development Corporation is wonderful news for the businesses, communities and economy of the Hudson Valley. I’ve worked productively with Mike for many years and can attest to his ability to foster partnerships, draw and retain viable businesses and jobs, while simultaneously preserving and promoting the endless natural beauty the Hudson Valley has to offer. I look forward to Mike’s homecoming to HVEDC as president and am eager to work with him to attract, expand and enhance job-creation opportunities throughout the Hudson Valley.”
U.S. Representative Sean Patrick Maloney (NY-18): “Growing our local economies and creating jobs are shared priorities for everyone – Mike knows how to get that done and I’m glad to see he’s back at the helm of the HVEDC. I look forward to working alongside him to help expand economic opportunities for the folks at home in the Hudson Valley.”
Steven M. Neuhaus, County Executive, Orange County: “Mike Oates has been a true partner and friend to the business community in Orange County. His expertise, knowledge of our region and vision make him an excellent choice to lead HVEDC. I look forward to working with Mike as we continue to grow the region’s economy.”
Mike Hein, County Executive, Ulster County: “Hudson Valley Economic Development Corporation is an important partner in our efforts to promote sustainable growth here in Ulster County. With his extensive experience and deep roots in the Hudson Valley, I am confident that HVEDC will continue to play a vital role in the region’s economic development under Mike’s leadership, and I look forward to working closely with him and his team.”
Michael L. Mosher, President and CEO, Central Hudson.: “We’re pleased to welcome Michael Oates back to the Hudson Valley Economic Development Corporation. “Mike has a broad level of experience as an economic development professional, and as a founding member of HVEDC we’re excited about the future of the organization and the Mid-Hudson Valley under his leadership. We also express deep gratitude for Larry Gottlieb’s service during these last five years, as he guided HVEDC in expanding the region’s economy and employment opportunities.”
Thomas M. Mulroy, Founder of T-Rex Capital Group: “Mike Oates, as Managing Partner of Bellefield Development Partners, LLC (an affiliate of T-Rex Capital Group), has been instrumental in marketing Bellefield as the premier destination for culinary companies looking to grow their businesses. I look forward to seeing all that Mike will bring to HVEDC as I am sure that he will add a richness in leadership that takes the organization to another level. Bellefield is ready to work with Mike to grow the Food & Beverage cluster in the Hudson Valley”
Laurie Villasuso, Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President, Orange County IDA and The Accelerator: “The Orange County IDA and the Accelerator are looking forward to working with new President and CEO of HVEDC Mike Oates on our innovative economic development initiatives.”
Ned Sullivan, President, Scenic Hudson: “Mike Oates’s return to the helm of the Hudson Valley Economic Development Corporation will no doubt boost the region’s economic vitality into a new orbit. Mike is unique in recognizing and catalyzing win-win opportunities that create jobs while protecting and enhancing the Hudson Valley’s beauty and world-class natural resources. We at Scenic Hudson look forward to renewing our collaboration with HVEDC under Mike’s leadership.”
Donald P. Christian, President, SUNY New Paltz: “We have a great relationship with HVEDC through our 3D printing and other initiatives, and SUNY New Paltz looks forward to continued collaboration as we bring higher education and economic development together to grow the Hudson Valley economy.”
Jonathan Drapkin, President and CEO, Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress: “Few people have the depth of knowledge of the Hudson Valley region as Mike. It isn’t simply his marketing and business acumen that he brings to HVEDC but his ability to integrate his knowledge with the economic needs of our residents to find the best fit between business and community. On behalf of Pattern we welcome Mike back to HVEDC and look forward to collaborating with him to assist the residents of the Valley.”
March Gallagher, President and CEO, Community Foundation of the Hudson Valley: “Mike Oates brings a unique set of skills to the table. Having worked in government and the private sector as well as having served on the boards of nonprofits like Walkway Over the Hudson, Mike understands the needs and value that all sectors of the Hudson Valley offer. I look forward to his strong leadership working to improve quality of life in the Hudson Valley.”
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.
