The Center for Economic Growth (CEG) Board of Directors has elected CEG Board Chairman Michael Hickey as the Interim President and CEO, beginning July 1, 2015.  Hickey takes over for F. Michael Tucker, who announced his decision to step down after eight years leading CEG in January.

“The Capital Region’s economic environment has been strengthened as a result of Michael Tucker’s tireless efforts to foster innovative collaborations and partnerships,” said Union Graduate College President Laura Schweitzer, Ph.D., head of the CEG search committee. “Michael Hickey is perfectly poised to provide continuity. His background, efforts on behalf of, and passion for the economic health of the Region makes him the ideal leader to carry on CEG’s critical work. I look forward to working with him during this important transitional phase.”

“Mike Hickey’s decision to take on the leadership role at CEG is good news for the region,” Tucker said. “As a dedicated CEG member and more recently as the tireless Chairman of the Board, Mike has shared my passion of fostering productive collaborations to strengthen the economic ecosystem of Tech Valley.  He is committed to CEG’s focus on advancing innovation-driven, technology-based industries in a range of areas including energy, bio- and nano-technologies, and advanced manufacturing.  He is the ideal person to lead CEG.”

CEG is the premier economic development and regional marketing organization in New York’s Tech Valley.  CEG's vision is to lead Tech Valley as one of the most prosperous and innovative ecosystems in the world.  CEG is dedicated to attracting high-tech talent and companies and to providing innovative services to bolster businesses in New York State's Capital Region and across Tech Valley. 

“CEG is critical to the continued growth of the Capital Region,” said CEG Board Member Jeff Stone, senior vice president of Kinderhook Bank. "It has played a key role in not only attracting new business to the region, but retaining existing business. Having served as the CEG board chair, Mike Hickey is uniquely positioned to hit the ground running.”

Hickey holds a B.S. in Marketing and Management from Siena College and an MBA from SUNY University at Albany. He was Chief Operating Officer of MapInfo when upon the company’s acquisition by Pitney Bowes in 2007, he was named president and later became president of Pitney Bowes software businesses. Since leaving Pitney Bowes in 2010, he has served as Executive in Residence at Siena, President and CEO of the Hickey Group and as member of the Eastern New York Angels (ENYA), an angel network that provides seed funding to early stage companies. He also previously served as chairman of the Board of the Albany-Colonie Chamber of Commerce.

“Mike Hickey’s background in business operations and management, coupled with his active civic involvement and knowledge of CEG strengths, make him an ideal person to lead CEG during this important transitional period,” said Mark Eagan, CEO and President of the Albany-Colonie Chamber of Commerce. “I look forward to continuing our long-term partnership with CEG under his leadership.”

Hickey will take a one-year leave of absence from his role at Siena College for the interim position.

“At this critical juncture, I feel a personal responsibility to ensure CEG becomes a key component of this region’s economic future,” Hickey said. “As a lifetime resident of the Capital Region, I have a vested interest in seeing our region reach its potential on the global stage. I am honored to be asked to serve in the role of Interim CEO and President of CEG.”

In March, the CEG Board announced its decision to seek an Interim President, whose 1-year term would extend through July 2016. The decision was based on the previously announced impending departure of Mr. Tucker, the untimely death of CEG Executive Vice President, Jeff Lawrence in March, and the need for CEG to be more fully-staffed to assist with the Capital Region’s response to the Governor Andrew Cuomo's $1.5 billion Upstate Revitalization Initiative.

“Michael Hickey has played a vital role in regional economic development issues making him extremely well-suited to continue the great work done by Michael Tucker,” said Rensselaer County Executive Kathleen M. Jimino. “I have every confidence that Michael will bring the Center for Economic Growth (CEG) to new heights with an emphasis on the integral role CEG will continue to have in the Capitol Region Economic Development Council’s work.”

Hickey will have a one-year term as interim president, extending through July 2016. Tucker will work closely with Hickey during this shift to interim leadership, with an overlap to ensure a smooth transition.

About CEG:

The Center for Economic Growth serves as the Capital Region’s designated Regional Technology Development Center.   With over 300 C-level members in business, government, education, and the not-for-profit sectors, CEG works to build a skilled and sustainable workforce and education pipeline; cultivate a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem; and ensure a modern infrastructure to grow local companies, attract new investment and prepare our communities for growth. For more information on CEG's strategic initiatives and technology service programs, visit www.ceg.org or call (518) 465-8975.