Struck named Rockland Economic Development Corp. president and CEO

Richard Struck, Rockland Economic Development Corp.

Pearl River, NY The Board of Directors of Rockland Economic Development Corp. (REDC) has appointed Richard Struck its new president and CEO. Struck has served as interim president since October 2015 and previously served for 30 years as director of economic development for Orange and Rockland Utilities, Inc.

REDC board chairman Stephen Coyle said, “Rick Struck has provided REDC with great energy, insight and stability during his five months as interim leader of the organization. We look forward to Rick continuing his collaborative, focused style of leadership. His dedication to the task and his firm roots in Rockland County should help yield positive economic development results for the county.”

During his O&R tenure, Struck was a key player in regional economic development. He helped attract or expand over 150 businesses which created 18,000 new jobs, filled 16 million s/f of industrial and office space and added over $24 million in annual business tax ratables throughout O&R’s 3- state, 6-county service territory.

“I am excited to take on the challenge of improving the Rockland economy,” Struck said. “Rockland needs a united front to bring new businesses and jobs here, in a very competitive metro New York region.

“REDC will work closely with county executive Ed Day, his office of economic growth, the county legislature, local officials, the Rockland IDA, RBA, O&R, Empire State Development and other key resources to attract positive attention to Rockland County. We have a great pro-business team in Rockland and together we can make a great future for the people and businesses here,” Struck said.

Struck’s business and community service includes serving over the years on the Boards of Directors of the Rockland Business Association, the Workforce Investment Board, the Rockland Industrial Development Agency, the Rockland Center for the Arts, the Hudson Valley Economic Development Corp., Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and several other local, regional and statewide organizations. Struck received a BA degree from Hartwick College in Oneonta, NY. He and his wife Jeanne have lived in Pearl River for more than 30 years.

REDC focuses on building Rockland’s economy by creating and attracting new businesses and retaining and expanding existing businesses to stimulate job growth. Its role is to coordinate local resources and the delivery of economic development services. Additionally, it houses the Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) that assists area businesses in obtaining government procurement contracts.