Shirley Jackson, Ph.D. has resigned as co-chair of the New York State Capital Region Economic Development Council.
President of the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), Dr. Jackson is one of the original co-chairs of the council, and the second leader to leave the group in the past few months.
One of 10 councils set up around the state by Governor Andrew Cuomo in 2011, the Capital Region Economic Development Council received the lowest amount of funding of any council this year.
Jackson’s resignation comes a week after $740 million of second round funding was allocated to councils around New York, with the capital region receiving $50 million to fund 84 projects.
In a letter sent to fellow council members this morning, Jackson said the council had developed a solid strategic plan that builds on the strengths of the region, and there was much to be proud of.
Jackson said it was a good time for her to transition.
With a strong strategic plan in place and having completed two full cycles of the Consolidated Funding Application process, I believe that the timing is ideal for me to transition from the position of leadership. Therefore, I am resigning as co-chair of the Capital Region Economic Development Council, effective December 31, 2012. Be assured that I am dedicated to, and will remain actively involved in, the ongoing economic growth of the Capital Region and New York State.
Her departure follows that of the other original co-chair for the region’s council, Michael Castellana.
Jackson said in her letter that she was confident in the abilities of those continuing to run the council.
I leave confident that the Council will remain focused on its vision of a robust Economic Ecosystem for sustainable growth in the Capital Region that is cultivating unprecedented collaboration across all sectors, and provides a strategic roadmap for the eight-county region.
Her resignation leaves James Barba, President and CEO of Albany Medical Center, as the sole chair.
