Westchester Names New Economic Development Team
In a media statement County Executive Robert Astorino announced the appointment of Eileen Mildenberger March 21 as the new director of Economic Development for Westchester County, effective immediately. She takes over for Larry Gottlieb, who recently left to become president and CEO of the Hudson Valley Economic Development Corp. Mildenberger previously served as the executive director of the Westchester County Industrial Development Agency (IDA). Replacing her at the IDA will be Jim Coleman, who brings with him to the position more than 25 years experience in business and government. Astorino’s appointment of Coleman, who will start April 8, was unanimously approved by the IDA board at its meeting Thursday.
“These moves strengthen our outstanding economic development team,” Astorino said. “Eileen and Jim both share my commitment to promoting economic growth and creating an environment for job creation. They bring talent, experience and a continuity to our economic development efforts.”
In her role as executive director of the IDA, Mildenberger helped attract more than $500 million in private sector capital investment to Westchester, assisting businesses from start-up biotech companies to global giants like PepsiCo and IBM. Prior to the IDA, Mildenberger worked 12 years at the Empire State Development Corporation (ESDC), the final three as chief operating officer. She managed day-to-day operations for the state’s economic development arm, and had direct oversight for all key departments in the 500-person agency with a $30 million budget. During her time at ESDC, she created guidelines and procedures for business assistance programs resulting in economic benefits of more than $100 billion. Prior to ESDC, she practiced bankruptcy law. In her new role as director of Economic Development, Mildenberger will serve as the liaison to the business community and help businesses and entrepreneurs stay, grow and relocate to Westchester. She will also oversee the county’s Office of Tourism and Film. Mildenberger is a graduate of Hofstra University with a degree in Finance, and has a law degree from the Jacob Fuchsberg School of Law at Touro College.
“Our county has a rich and diverse mix of businesses that range from global corporations to savvy start-ups,” said Mildenberger. “The job of the Office of Economic Development is to serve the entire spectrum of Westchester businesses with the resources they need to grow.”
Coleman has enjoyed a successful 25-year career in business working for several different corporations, including PepsiCo, Altria and American Express, serving in roles responsible for business development, sales, consulting and marketing. As executive director of the IDA, Coleman will help lead a powerful economic tool for the county. As a means of creating or retaining jobs, the IDA offers financial incentives to eligible companies and organizations. Through the IDA, businesses can qualify for bonds and exemptions from sales and mortgage recording taxes for certain pre-approved expenditures relating to construction, furnishings and equipment. In addition, Coleman will also lead the Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE), an agency within the Office of the County Executive, that promotes equality and eliminate barriers to participation in state contracts by minority-owned and women-owned businesses. Coleman is a graduate of Howard University with a degree in economics. He lives in Scarsdale with his wife Cathy.
“The IDA and the Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise are part of the foundation that drives job creation in Westchester County,” said Coleman. “From financial incentives to general business support, these agencies will be an active partner in promoting successful economic development. I want to thank County Executive Astorino for the opportunity to serve our business community and all of our residents in Westchester.”
