New Chairwoman Leads Rockland Economic Development Corp.

Orangeburg attorney Sandra D. Grannum is the new chair of the Rockland Economic Development Corp. — the first woman to be selected for that role.

She follows outgoing chairman Steven M. Yassky, who remains with REDC as vice chairman of its executive committee.

Grannum is managing partner of Orangeburg-based Davidson & Grannum. She has been involved in the business community for many years by serving as a director on REDC's board, as well as chair of the Business Development Committee and an Executive Committee member.

A graduate of Harvard Law School, Grannum has written and lectured widely on securities law, employment law and ethical issues. She is a member of the New York and New Jersey bars and is admitted to practice before several Federal Courts and before the United States Supreme Court. 

In addition, as a litigator and trial lawyer in a variety of complex commercial litigation matters, she has more than 20 years of experience focusing primarily on securities litigation, employment ligation, broker-dealer litigation, arbitrations and mediations and enforcement matters. 

"I know Sandra will be an invaluable resource as chair, and I look forward to working with her as a vice Chair of the executive committee," Yassky said. "As outgoing chairman, I appreciate the participation of our valued board members. Their active involvement allowed us to promote business in Rockland while working to reduce the obstacles of doing business here."

Grannum said she is honored to take on the role as REDC chair. 

"Over the past 20 years, we have seen a dynamic change in Rockland's business climate and I look forward to working with the board and REDC staff to bring a new perspective to the table and expand our opportunities to help attract and retain the businesses we have even further," She said.  

Michael DiTullo, REDC president and CEO, said Grannum brings an "extraordinary breadth of knowledge and commitment to the board, its mission and future opportunities."

In addition, REDC announced its 2013 Executive Committee and two new directors including:

- Executive Committee: Jack F. Holt, Vice Chair; James B. Tully, Vice Chair/Secretary; Quinton C. Van Wynen, Jr., Treasurer; Steven M. Yassky, Vice Chair; and Michael DiTullo, President and CEO.

Also, the following Committee Chairs will serve on the Executive Committee, including: Stephen Coyle, Audit Committee; William F. Helmer, Governance Committee; Robert E. Seaman, III, Public Policy Committee. Mr. Holt and Mr. Tully also hold Committee Chair positions, on the Tactical Response Group and Board Development Committee, respectively. 

- Appointed new directors are:

Kerrin Mahaffey, Site Leader, Pfizer Pearl River. With 20+ years experience in the healthcare and pharmaceutical industry, she was recently announced as Site Leader, replacing Chuck Schneider. She also sits on the boards of Rockland Community College and United Way of Rockland. 

John McAvoy, President & CEO, Orange and Rockland Utilities, replacing William Longhi. Prior to being named President & CEO of O&R, he was Senior Vice President of Central Operations for Consolidated Edison of New York. A Rockefeller Fellow, he also serves on the Board of Trustees of the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum, New Jersey Utilities Association, and the Orange County Partnership.   

Rockland Economic Development Corporation 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.