Westchester County Revolving Door (1/5)

Hudson Valley EcoDev Gets New Board Chairman

James P. Laurito, the CEO of Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp., has been appointed the new chairman of the Hudson Valley Economic Development Corp. Board of Directors, effective January 1.

“HVEDC provides a critical leadership position for our regional business community, presenting companies across the Hudson Valley with opportunities to connect, do business, and collaborate in ways that otherwise would not be possible,” Laurito said in the announcement. “It is an honor to be selected as the next chairman of this organization, and I look forward to working with all of the businesses, organizations, institutions, executives, and entrepreneurs who contribute to HVEDC and its wide-reaching economic development initiatives.”

HVEDC directors also announced the promotions of Brian Gates from vice president to senior vice president, and Gina Domenico from general manager to vice president of operations.

New President At Phelps Medical Center

The announcement came in October that, after 25 years, Keith F. Safian would retire from his position as president and CEO of Phelps Memorial Hospital Center. His successor, Daniel Blum of Chappaqua, was announced last week. Blum served as senior vice president of the hospital since 2009, where he helped to develop Phelps Medical Associates, the hospital’s multi-specialty medical group; and was responsible for implementing the hospital’s strategic plans and overseeing its clinical and ancillary services.

“We believe that as President of Phelps, Daniel Blum’s exceptional knowledge and experience will ensure the hospital’s continuing success as we transition to become a member of the North Shore-LIJ Health System,” said Richard Sinni, chairman of the Phelps Board, in a statement.

New Board Chairman For The Westchester Bank

Earlier this month, The Westchester Bank announced the election of Thomas W. Smith to serve as chairman of the board of directors. Smith is a Founder of The Westchester Bank and has served as a Board Member since the bank’s inception in 2008. He will replace W. Thomas Clark who will continue to serve on the Board. Smith is presently the Managing Partner of the law firm of Smith, Buss & Jacobs with offices in Manhattan and Yonkers, and serves as Managing Member of real estate companies which own and operate office, retail and residential properties in Westchester and Fairfield counties. He was also a member of the Mount Kisco Zoning Board of Appeals and the Bedford Central School District Construction Steering Committee and brings numerous strengths to the bank including legal expertise, knowledge of finance, experience with Federal agencies and real estate industry.

Two New Hires at Manhattanville School of Business

Manhattanville School of Business (MSB) has hired Greenwich resident Jean Mann as director of marketing and enrollment services, and Rye resident Denise Cain (pictured top) as assistant director of undergraduate programs and noncredit initiatives. Both have extensive backgrounds in higher education, business, and marketing. In her new role, Mann will work to drive student enrollment, program attendance, and to increase revenues. Mann also will focus her efforts on better brand visibility – synchronizing and perfecting the schools’ branding as well as launching new initiatives like MSB’s Women’s Leadership Institute and Corporate Learning Services. Cain will be responsible for the accelerated BS programs, dual degree programs, post baccalaureate offerings, summer/winter sessions, non-credit programs, and centers of excellence.

Leadership Changes at VNS Westchester

Elias “Lou” Nemnom, president and CEO of Visiting Nurse Services in Westchester and its affiliate agency, Westchester Care at Home, has resigned. He served in the role for 3 ½ years. Replacing him as acting CEO is Timothy Leddy, who joined VNS Westchester as CFO earlier this year, and was previously president and CEO at the Visiting Nurse Association of Brooklyn and Empire Home Care Services. The agency will conduct a formal search for Nemnom’s permanent replacement.