According to Steven Yassky, chairman of the board of directors, Rockland Economic Development Corp. (REDC), Michael DiTullo will join REDC as its new president and CEO, effective April 2nd. DiTullo replaces Ronald Hicks, who was recently appointed as deputy commissioner for Strategic Planning and Economic Development in Dutchess County. Chosen from a pool of more than 90 candidates, DiTullo will be responsible for providing leadership for the organization by developing a focused strategy consistent with REDC's mission to enhance Rockland County's economic vitality. This strategy encourages and facilitates regional, national and international businesses to locate, remain and grow in the County. Established in 1987, REDC is a 501-c-3 nonprofit contract agency of the County of Rockland and is governed by a 33-member Board of Directors. A former president and CEO of Mid-Hudson Pattern for Progress and the Orange County Partnership, respectively, DiTullo has a substantial background in economic development including his most recent position, managing director of the Orange County Business Accelerator where he established a high-tech incubator and attracted more than 22 early stage innovators focused in such industries as the life sciences, bio-medical and web-based software development, to name a few. Under his purview, DiTullo filled the Stewart Airport-based incubator to 100% capacity in less than 18 months. Rockland County executive C. Scott Vanderhoef said, "To be effective, we need to constantly seek new and creative avenues in which to aggressively promote our County as we work to bring in new businesses and, at the same time, keep our current business community intact. With Michael's expertise and experience, we can be assured that this partnership will be a productive one." Chairman Yassky said, "I am very pleased to bring a person with Michael's entrepreneurial spirit and high-energy on board as President and CEO. His successful background in economic development and his commitment to business growth in Rockland County will be an invaluable addition to REDC." DiTullo said he looks forward to being a proponent for and champion REDC's efforts to attract business to Rockland County, as well as support the well-being of the current business community. "I am very pleased to have this opportunity to work with REDC's staff, board of directors, and the county executive, to develop, implement and oversee new strategies and existing initiatives that promote business growth in Rockland County. REDC focuses on building Rockland's economy by creating and attracting new businesses and retaining and expanding existing businesses to stimulate job growth as a way of improving the quality of life in Rockland County. Its role is to coordinate the operations of economic development programs and services for business and industry in Rockland County. REDC provides access to economic development financing incentives, marketing, technical assistance, government contracting programs, information and referrals. Additionally, it houses the Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC), a Small Business Center (SBC), the Rockland County Industrial Development Agency (IDA) and the Rockland County Economic Assistance Corporation (RCEAC), which operate independently under Steven Porath, Executive Director, and provides counseling space for the Rockland County chapter of SCORE. To learn more about REDC and its programs and services, call 845-735-7040. Rockland Economic Development Corp. (REDC) is a 501c3 not-for-profit contract agency of the County of Rockland. Programs and services are made possible with financial support from the County of Rockland, the U.S. Department of Defense, corporate grants and private sector contributions. REDC's mission is to promote the economy in Rockland County by fostering the creation and attraction of new business and the retention and expansion of existing business to stimulate job opportunities to improve the quality of life in Rockland County.