SUNY Geneseo President Denise A. Battles (SUNY Geneseo/Keith Walters '11)
SUNY Geneseo President Denise A. Battles has been appointed as a co-chair of the Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council (FLREDC). She succeeds former Monroe Community College president Anne Kress, who served in the role from 2016 until December 2019.
Battles joins co-chair Bob Duffy, former New York State lieutenant governor and current president and CEO of the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce, as the FLREDC continues its work to grow the economy in the nine-county Finger Lakes region, including Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Orleans, Seneca, Wayne, Wyoming, and Yates counties.
“The FLREDC has worked to transform the region with new and expanded businesses, increased tourism opportunities, and good-paying jobs,” said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul, chair of the statewide Regional Economic Development Council (REDC). “I congratulate Dr. Denise Battles, president of SUNY Geneseo, as the new co-chair of the Finger Lakes REDC. Dr. Battles’ experience and knowledge will help to accelerate the Finger Lakes Forward development strategy and continue the momentum of growth now and in the future.”
The Regional Economic Development Councils (REDC) were established by Gov. Andrew Cuomo in 2011 as a centerpiece of his strategy to jump-start the economy and create jobs. The initiative empowers communities, business, and academic leaders, as well as members of the public in each region of the state, to develop strategic plans specifically tailored to their region’s unique strengths and resources to create jobs, improve quality of life, and grow the economy.
“I am deeply honored to have this opportunity to serve and advance the economic development and vitality of the Finger Lakes region,” said Battles. “It is humbling to follow Anne Kress’ exemplary record of leadership and join Bob Duffy in the role of co-chair. I look forward to partnering with Bob, whose contributions to our state are unparalleled, as well as other FLREDC team members, to grow the capacity of our region and beyond.”
“I can think of no one better to take over for Anne than Denise Battles, who will bring a new set of ideas to the table that will no doubt further our focused mission,” said Duffy. “I am incredibly excited and look forward to working with her on behalf of our region.”
See the FLREDC webpage to learn more about the council.