The Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation has announced some new appointments to its board.
Governor Andrew Cuomo has named Sam Hoyt to serve as interim chairman of the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporations board of directors. The former chair, Jordan Levy, resigned February 29th.
“ECHDC has reached a tipping point with seven active construction projects, unprecedented visitors to Canalside and public involvement at every step. In recent years we have laid the groundwork that has made Canalside a destination for the public. Now the private sector is expressing genuine interest in investing on the waterfront. ECHDC has pursued a course that is consistent with Governor Cuomo’s public/private model of economic development and job creation,” said Hoyt.
Hoyt is the regional president for Empire State Development.
Along with Hoyt’s appointment, the ECHDC also announced Monday the appointments of Makau Muta, Dean of SUNY Buffalo Law School, Gary Ginsberg, Executive Vice President of Corporate Marketing and Communications at Time Warner.
“Makau, Gary and Sam are consummate professionals whose years of expertise as leaders in the academia, business and public service sectors will help us create jobs and grow the local economy,” said Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Kenneth Adams. “I look forward to putting their extensive credentials to work for the people of Western New York as key members of our economic development team.”
“The work that ECHDC has done is changing perceptions about Buffalo, and I look forward to building on the progress that has already been achieved. I hope to collaborate with the board and staff to develop a waterfront that will offer something for all of the citizens of our community. I thank Governor Cuomo for this opportunity,” said Muta.
“I am grateful for this appointment and honored that Governor Cuomo has asked me to be part of this team. As a native son, I have long believed that Buffalo’s future is tied to its waterfront, and I am excited to use my private sector experience in marketing and communications to assist ECHDC with their efforts to transform Western New York’s greatest asset,” said Ginsberg.