Courtesy Saratoga Prosperity Partnership
Shelby Schneider, a 17-year veteran of economic development in Saratoga County, is the new president/CEO of the Saratoga County Prosperity Partnership, a county-based economic development organization.
The announcement followed the resignation of Marty Vanags as president, effective Jan. 8. Vanags left in order to pursue new opportunities, the organization said.
For the last month, Schneider had served in the position as the interim president and CEO of the agency.
“I am honored to have the opportunity to lead the Partnership and lend my experience to leverage new public and private investment bringing more jobs and opportunities to our communities,” Schneider said. “I look forward to working closely with the board and am committed to fully engaging all of our stakeholders including elected officials, businesses, and community leaders.”
“As an organization, we look forward to helping our communities plan for future success, partnering with employers, developing our workforce, and serving as an advocate for initiatives that will drive our success into the future,” she said.
The Saratoga County Prosperity Partnership provides a point of contact for business retention and expansion, enabling a seamless delivery of programs and services for businesses seeking to grow, and spearheads semiconductor industry marketing and attraction, global trade assistance, community economic development, and data collection and planning.
“Shelby has over 17 years of experience working in economic development and is well respected amongst community and business leaders in Saratoga County and throughout the state. I know she will provide the organization with strong leadership moving forward. The Saratoga Partnership board and staff will continue to work with the public and private sectors to promote and plan for long-term growth and a strategy for unified economic development in Saratoga County,” said Kevin Hedley, Partnership board chairman.
Under Schneider’s leadership, the Saratoga Partnership team will continue Next Wave Communities Initiative which assists communities within Saratoga County in developing economic development plans tailored to their particular strengths, needs, and aspirations.
The Saratoga Partnership has been working with the towns of Moreau, Malta, Galway, and the Village of Ballston Spa by leading a series of activities including interviews with key government, business, and community stakeholders.
The Saratoga County Prosperity Partnership is a member of the Saratoga County Economic Development Alliance, which includes the Saratoga Economic Development Corp.
For more information, visit www.saratogapartnership.org.