Grannum of Davidson & Grannum named REDC board chair; Replaces outgoing REDC chairman Yassky

At a recent REDC board of directors meeting, outgoing chairman, Steven Yassky, officially welcomed, and handed over the reins, to incoming chair, Sandra Grannum, Esq. Grannum, managing partner of Davidson & Grannum, has been involved in the business community for many years by serving as a director on REDC's board, as well as chair of the business development committee and an executive committee member. With her term effective January 1, Grannum is the first woman to ever hold the board chair position. A graduate of Harvard Law School, Grannum has written and lectured widely on securities law, employment law, ADR and ethical issues. She is a member of the New York and New Jersey bars and is admitted to practice before several federal courts and before the U.S. supreme court. In addition, as a litigator and trial lawyer in a variety of complex commercial litigation matters, she has more than 20 years of experience focusing primarily on Securities litigation, Employment ligation, Broker-Dealer litigation, arbitrations and mediations and enforcement matters. "As outgoing chairman, I appreciate the participation of our valued board members. Their active involvement allowed us to promote business in Rockland while working to reduce the obstacles of doing business here," said assky. "I know Sandra will be an invaluable resource as chair, and I look forward to working with her as a vice chair of the executive committee." Grannum said, "I am honored to take on the role as REDC chair. Over the past 20 years, we have seen a dynamic change in Rockland's business climate and I look forward to working with the board and REDC staff to bring a new perspective to the table and expand our opportunities to help attract and retain the businesses we have even further." "Sandra brings an extraordinary breadth of knowledge and commitment to the board, its mission and future opportunities, said Michael DiTullo, REDC president & CEO."The board, staff and I look forward to working closely with her in her new role." In addition, REDC announced its 2013 executive committee and two new directors including: Executive committee: Jack Holt, vice chair; James Tully, vice chair/secretary; Quinton Van Wynen, Jr., treasurer; Steven Yassky, vice chair; and Michael DiTullo, president and CEO. Also, the following committee chairs will serve on the executive committee, including: Stephen Coyle, audit committee; William Helmer, governance committee; Robert Seaman, III, public policy committee. Holt and Tully also hold committee chair positions, on the tactical response group and board development committee, respectively. Appointed new directors are: Kerrin Mahaffey, site leader, Pfizer Pearl River. With 20 years experience in the healthcare and pharmaceutical industry, she was recently announced as Site Leader, replacing Chuck Schneider. Kerrin also sits on the boards of Rockland Community College and United Way of Rockland. John McAvoy, president & CEO, Orange and Rockland Utilities, Inc. (O&R), replacing William Longhi. Prior to being named president & CEO of O&R, John was senior vice president of central operations for Consolidated Edison of New York. A Rockefeller Fellow, he also serves on the Board of Trustees of the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum, New Jersey Utilities Association, and the Orange County Partnership.