SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY – (July 01, 2016) – Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone announced today that Joanne Minieri, the Deputy County Executive and Commissioner of Economic Development and Planning, will be stepping down as of July 15th to return to the private sector to pursue a new opportunity. Minieri was appointed to her position in April of 2012.
“Joanne brought to this position exactly what I was looking for in Economic Development, the private sector intellect and know-how to get projects done, attract jobs and improve our County’s economy. Well, after four years on the job, I can say I am proud of the day I appointed Joanne,” Bellone said. “Together we have implemented a critical regional transportation and development plan for Suffolk County: Connect Long Island with several transit oriented projects in various stages of development and have identified the IZone as the innovation area connecting key assets to our regional transportation system.”
During her tenure, Minieri also served as the Chair of the Suffolk County Industrial Development Agency (IDA) where she worked on 55 projects that retained or attracted 9,700 jobs with over $460 million of capital investment. She also served on the Board of Directors for the Suffolk County Landbank. Under her tenure the landbank has been actively working to returning environmentally challenged and abandon properties, "Zombie Homes", back on the tax rolls. Minieri also worked closely with Suffolk Community College to obtain the Start Up NY designation providing an incubator for innovation jobs in Suffolk County.
“I am proud to have worked with the County Executive and the incredible team he has assembled on behalf of the people of Suffolk County, Minieri stated. “Under Steve’s vision, dedication and leadership we have put into motion the long term projects and programs that are so important to the economic strength and future of Suffolk County.”
Before joining the Suffolk County Executive’s Office, Minieri had spent 17 years as an executive in real estate development and previously served as the President and Chief Operating Officer of Forest City Ratner Companies.
Theresa Ward, currently the Chief Deputy Commissioner for Suffolk County’s Department of Economic Development & Planning, will assume the role of Acting Commissioner of Economic Development & Planning.
Ward has over 20 years of experience in real estate, government and corporate leadership, including experience working as an economic policy advisor in three different mayoral administrations.
Theresa is a Rutgers University graduate with highest honors in urban studies and real estate development. She also participated in coursework toward the Masters in Real Estate program at New York University.