NEW WINDSOR, N.Y. (June 20, 2011) – Mike Oates, President and CEO of Hudson Valley Economic Development Corp., has been appointed to the Board of Directors of the New York Biotechnology Association (NYBA).
“Mike Oates will be a terrific addition to the NYBA Board. The collaboration of NY BIOHUD VALLEY and NYBA on such a high level of economic development will be exciting to watch,” U.S. Sen. Charles E. Schumer said. “These two organizations will work together to bring high-paying and high-quality biotechnology jobs to New York State.”
“It is an honor to join the Board of Directors of the New York Biotechnology Association,” Oates said. “HVEDC’s partnership with NYBA will strengthen NY BIOHUD VALLEY’s presence on the state and nationwide levels. I look forward to working with everyone on the Board to build our bioscience-related industry and institutions and enhance opportunity.”
Oates will serve a two-year term but will be eligible for a total of six years as a director.
“The NYBA Board of Directors comprises the leaders of New York’s extensive life science industry. Mike Oates has done outstanding work with HVEDC and NY BIOHUD VALLEY,” said Nathan Tinker, Executive Director of NYBA. “We’re looking forward to Mike bringing that enthusiasm for the Hudson Valley to the NYBA Board.”
For two years prior to joining HVEDC in October 2009, Oates was a senior executive with Empire State Development Corporation. Most recently, he served as Vice President/Regional Director and 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.
During his tenure with Empire State Development Corporation, Oates led negotiations on numerous high-profile corporate attraction and retention projects handled by the Mid-Hudson Regional Office. Among the projects that helped create or save hundreds of jobs in the Hudson Valley were SpectraWatt, APS Healthcare and OSI Pharmaceuticals.
Prior to joining Empire State Development Corporation, Oates was CEO and President of The Creative Field Marketing Group, Inc., in Yonkers and Rockland County. The special event and marketing agency created promotion campaigns for Bacardi USA, PepsiCo and other consumer product companies.
About New York Biotech Association (NYBA): NYBA is the leading advocate for advancing the success of the biotechnology industry in New York State and is its main representative to state policy makers, the media and communities. NYBA’s mission is to support the development and growth of New York’s biotechnology industry, and serve our members and the biotechnology community by providing a network for information exchange, shared services and collective action. NYBA’s membership comprises bioscience companies, world-class research institutions and related professional services. Under the banner of The Cures Start Here®, the Association’s goal is to amplify the success New York has had and continues to have in discovering major medical advances and growing a vibrant biotech industry. For more information go to www.nyba.org or contact Nathan Tinker, NYBA Executive Director, at 631-444-8895.
About Hudson Valley Economic Development Corporation (HVEDC): HVEDC represents seven counties in Hudson Valley. This public-private partnership markets the region as a prime business location to corporate executives, site selection consultants and real estate brokers. HVEDC also helped start the branding and promotional effort for NY BioHud Valley. For more information on Hudson Valley Economic Development Corporation or to review available business sites, visit www.hvedc.com or call CEO Mike Oates at 845-220-2244
