The Center for Economic Growth (CEG) board of directors has selected Andrew Kennedy as the new president and CEO, beginning July 1.
Kennedy will take over the helm of the regional economic and business development organization from Michael Hickey, who has been serving as the interim president and CEO since July 1, 2015, following F. Michael Tucker’s departure.
Hickey will remain involved with the organization during the leadership transition, and will continue to serve on the board as immediate past chairman.
“With over 50 applicants, the four finalists for the position exhibited tremendous strength in economic development, we were very pleased with the pool and extremely pleased with our choice,” said Laura Schweitzer, University at Albany vice president for health sciences and chairwoman of the CEG board and search committee.
“What impressed us about Andrew was his record of success in creative and strategic economic development and his passion for the continued economic health and advancement of the region,” she added.
CEG is a regional economic and business development organization dedicated to growing the economy of New York state’s Capital Region through job creation, by facilitating growth of existing businesses, attraction of new businesses and skilled talent, retention and development of our skilled workforce, and through fostering an innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem.
“I look forward to joining CEG in its mission to promote business growth, create jobs and spur investment here in the Capital Region,” said Kennedy. “CEG’s talented team, partners and investors have made incredible progress advancing economic development within the eight-county region, and I am honored to continue that work and lead the organization into its next phase.”
Kennedy currently serves as the deputy director of state operations for Gov. Andrew Cuomo, overseeing the day-to-day management of New York State government, as well as developing and overseeing implementation of state policies and programs related to economic development.
Previously, he was Cuomo’s assistant secretary for economic development coordinating the development and management of the State’s economic development and housing efforts.
He worked over a decade at the State Division of Budget and for the State Assembly, where he developed a detailed understanding of New York’s fiscal and economic development policies and programs.
Kennedy holds a master’s degree in public administration from the Nelson A. Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy and a bachelor’s degree from Siena College in political science.