Ithaca Area Economic Development (IAED) has named Kurt Foreman, former President and CEO of Delaware Prosperity Partnership (DPP), as its new president following a nationwide search. Foreman, who has led DPP—a public-private partnership supporting economic growth in Delaware—since 2018, will begin his role in January. He succeeds Heather McDaniel, who left earlier this year to join the Center for Economic Growth in Albany, N.Y. n nDuring his tenure in Delaware, Foreman helped attract over $3.5 billion in capital investment and supported the creation or preservation of 11,000 jobs. He was also instrumental in advancing a $900 million pharmaceutical manufacturing project proposed by Merck for Wilmington. His experience spans economic development initiatives across multiple U.S. states and the Washington, D.C. area. n nForeman expressed enthusiasm about relocating to Tompkins County, stating he looks forward to collaborating with local businesses and organizations to foster growth and high-quality employment opportunities. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Franklin & Marshall College and an MBA from Wake Forest University. n nJodi Lee Denman, chair of IAED’s board of directors, praised Foreman’s leadership track record, noting his ability to drive regional economic advancement will be vital as the organization continues its mission. n
— News Original —nTitle: Ithaca Area Economic Development announces new leadernContent: ITHACA, N.Y. — Ithaca Area Economic Development (IAED) has gone out of state to find its newest leader, naming Delaware Prosperity Partnership (DPP) President and CEO Kurt Foreman to the role of IAED president after a months-long national search. n nForeman has led DPP, a public-private economic development partnership with the State of Delaware, since 2018. He will start his new position in January. IAED’s previous president, Heather McDaniel, left earlier this year to take a job with the Center for Economic Growth in Albany, N.Y. n nThe agency’s announcement touts Foreman’s previous experience in economic development roles in several states throughout the U.S. as well as the Washington, D.C. metro area. During his time in his latest role, DPP attracted “more than $3.5 billion in capital investment and supported the creation or retention of 11,000 jobs” in Delaware, according to the announcement. n nEarlier this year, Foreman reportedly helped facilitate a proposal from pharmaceutical company Merck to bring a $900 million manufacturing facility to Wilmington, Delaware. n n“I’m excited to relocate to Tompkins County and join the highly competent IAED team,” Foreman said. “I look forward to supporting this vibrant community by helping businesses grow, thrive, and create quality employment through smart partnerships and innovative solutions. There’s so much energy here, and I can’t wait to get started.” n nForeman has a degree from Franklin & Marshall College and a master’s degree in business from Wake Forest University. n n“[Kurt’s] proven experience and leadership ability will help guide our organization as we continue to evolve and bolster the local economy,” said Jodi Lee Denman, who is the chair of IAED’s board of directors.
