Kimberly R. Cline, LIU president, appointed co-chair of the LI Regional Economic Development Council
Kimberly R. Cline, president of Long Island University, has been appointed co-chair of the Long Island Regional Economic Development Council by Gov. Kathy Hochul. Credit: Bob Gaglione
The president of Long Island University has been tapped to help lead the panel that determines how millions of dollars in state grants and tax credits are distributed on Long Island.
Kimberly R. Cline has been appointed co-chair of the Long Island Regional Economic Development Council by Gov. Kathy Hochul, it was announced on Monday.
The council, one of 10 across the state, consists of educators, business executives, union officials and nonprofit leaders — all appointed by Hochul. They help decide how state aid is awarded in the annual Regional Economic Development Councils’ competition.
The competition was established in 2011 by then-Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo. Since then, the Long Island council has secured more than $816 million for 1,000-plus projects in Nassau and Suffolk counties, or the fourth highest in the state. Syracuse/Central New York received the most, $918 million, according to Empire State Development, the state’s primary business-aid agency.
Cline has served on the council since last year. She joins co-chair Linda Armyn, CEO and president of Bethpage Federal Credit Union, in leading the group’s work. Armyn was appointed to council leadership in 2022.
All council members are volunteers.
"I look forward to working alongside co-chair Linda Armyn and [ESD] regional director Cara Longworth to unlock new opportunities, champion sustainable growth and elevate our region’s competitiveness in today’s dynamic global economy," said Cline, who has led LIU for more than a decade. "Together, we will harness Long Island’s unique strengths to drive prosperity and enhance the quality of life for all our residents," she said.
Before joining LIU in July 2013, Cline was vice chancellor and chief financial officer of the SUNY system and president of Mercy College. She holds a bachelor’s in industrial relations, a master’s in business administration, a doctorate in educational administration and a law degree.
Armyn, who was appointed to the regional council in 2016, said Cline’s "extensive experience in higher education and her deep understanding of our region’s unique challenges and opportunities make her an invaluable addition to our team."
Cline succeeds John Nader, who recently retired as president of Farmingdale State College. His resignation from the 20-member council after six years of service coincides with his departure from the college.
"We are so sad to see you leave but are happy to have you retire and do all the wonderful things that you and your lovely wife like to do," Armyn told Nader at the council’s July meeting.
Hope Knight, ESD CEO, said on Monday the 10 regional councils "are crucial in integrating community voices into our state’s economic development."
The president of Long Island University has been tapped to help lead the panel that determines how millions of dollars in state grants and tax credits are distributed on Long Island.
Kimberly R. Cline has been appointed co-chair of the Long Island Regional Economic Development Council by Gov. Kathy Hochul, it was announced on Monday.
The council, one of 10 across the state, consists of educators, business executives, union officials and nonprofit leaders — all appointed by Hochul. They help decide how state aid is awarded in the annual Regional Economic Development Councils’ competition.
The competition was established in 2011 by then-Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo. Since then, the Long Island council has secured more than $816 million for 1,000-plus projects in Nassau and Suffolk counties, or the fourth highest in the state. Syracuse/Central New York received the most, $918 million, according to Empire State Development, the state’s primary business-aid agency.
Cline has served on the council since last year. She joins co-chair Linda Armyn, CEO and president of Bethpage Federal Credit Union, in leading the group’s work. Armyn was appointed to council leadership in 2022.
All council members are volunteers.
"I look forward to working alongside co-chair Linda Armyn and [ESD] regional director Cara Longworth to unlock new opportunities, champion sustainable growth and elevate our region’s competitiveness in today’s dynamic global economy," said Cline, who has led LIU for more than a decade. "Together, we will harness Long Island’s unique strengths to drive prosperity and enhance the quality of life for all our residents," she said.
Before joining LIU in July 2013, Cline was vice chancellor and chief financial officer of the SUNY system and president of Mercy College. She holds a bachelor’s in industrial relations, a master’s in business administration, a doctorate in educational administration and a law degree.
Armyn, who was appointed to the regional council in 2016, said Cline’s "extensive experience in higher education and her deep understanding of our region’s unique challenges and opportunities make her an invaluable addition to our team."
John Nader, who in November announced his retirement as president of Farmingdale State College, stepped down as co-chair of the LIREDC after six years of service. Credit: Corey Sipkin
Cline succeeds John Nader, who recently retired as president of Farmingdale State College. His resignation from the 20-member council after six years of service coincides with his departure from the college.
"We are so sad to see you leave but are happy to have you retire and do all the wonderful things that you and your lovely wife like to do," Armyn told Nader at the council’s July meeting.
Hope Knight, ESD CEO, said on Monday the 10 regional councils "are crucial in integrating community voices into our state’s economic development."
James T. Madore writes about Long Island business news including the economy, development, and the relationship between government and business. He previously served as Albany bureau chief.
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