Professional Profile: Ingrid Richards, 2014

Name: Ingrid Richards Title: Manager of Downtown and Economic Development / Economic Development Specialist Company: Village of Ossining Location: Ossining, N.Y. Birthplace: Bronx, N.Y. Education: Bachelor of Science, Criminal Justice - Pace University; Masters of Public Administration - Pace University First job outside of real estate: Assistant to Village Administrator, Village of Rye Brook First job in real estate or allied field: Manager of Downtown and Economic Development, Village of Ossining What do you do now and what are you planning for the future? Currently, I am the Manager of Downtown and Economic Development for the Village of Ossining. I work to bring investment into the community in an effort to create a sustainable and vibrant downtown. I plan to continue this work into the future as, although we have had many wonderful successes, we still have a lot of work to accomplish. My goal for the future is to transform downtown Ossining into a premier destination for businesses, young professionals and empty nesters through transit oriented development. How do you unwind from a busy day? I play with my three children - it helps me to recognize the important things in life. Favorite book or author: "On Becoming a Leader" by Warren Bennis Favorite movie: "The Sound of Music" Last song you purchased/downloaded? A Great Big World - Say Something (featuring Christina Aguilera) One word to describe your work environment: Exciting Rules to live by in business: The rules I live by in business are to be honest, responsive, work hard and treat others how you would like to be treated. If you could invite one person to dinner (living or dead) who would it be and where would you go? I would invite Howard Schultz, CEO of Starbucks, to Keenan House for dinner. This is a restaurant in Downtown Ossining that is new, hip and attracts young professionals to the area. I would want to get his thoughts on how to build upon assets like these to create a place where the community can gather, to not only get to know the best of one another, but also support our local businesses. What is your dream job? My dream job would be to be a part of an organization that helps to bring investment and other resources into communities that allow them to thrive in their own unique way...In other words, I have it now!