A top official in Erie County government is leaving to take a job in Gov. Andrew Cuomo's administration.
Richard Tobe, who has served as Deputy Erie County Executive for three years, has accepted the job of Director of Upstate Development. He will work closely with local developer Howard Zemsky, who was recently named head of Empire State Development Corporation.
County Executive Mark Poloncarz congratulated Tobe in a statement issued today, praising his work ethic and commitment and public service.
"Rich’s exceptional skill set and acuity in economic development areas, as well as his deep understanding of governmental relations and processes, make him the ideal candidate for his new position," said Poloncarz.
Tobe's position will be filled by Environment and Planning Commissioner Maria Whyte in the interim while a search is conducted for his replacement.
In a statement, Tobe called his time in county government "an honor and a pleasure." He says he looks forward to continuing that work on a bigger scale.
"As I join the Cuomo administration, I look forward to continuing the work that I have done on behalf of Erie County, on a wider scale, but always with an eye on the needs of what will continue to be my home, Erie County,” Tobe said.