News
October 30, 2025CEDC Announces Leadership Transition – F. Michael Tucker to step down as president and CEO in June 2026
The Columbia Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) today announced that F. Michael Tucker, President and Chief Executive Officer, will step down from his role effective June 30, 2026.
Since joining CEDC in 2015, Tucker has led the organization in attracting investment, fostering job creation, and supporting small businesses across Columbia County. Tucker has focused his leadership on developing and strengthening partnerships and collaboration.
Under his leadership, CEDC has focused on initiatives that have addressed small business support, infrastructure, quality of life, and workforce development. These efforts have been implemented through a mix of active engagement, direct development project support, small business loans and technical assistance.
Over the past 10 years, CEDC has made over $6.4 million in loans to 270 small and start-up businesses, along with supporting more than $125 million in private-sector development projects. CEDC has also helped businesses, government and not-for-profits secure more than $50 million in state funding through the Capital Region Economic Development Council. In addition, CEDC has led the county Board of Supervisor’s Broadband, Columbia Forward COVID Response and Affordable Housing Initiatives.
“Mike Tucker’s leadership has been instrumental to CEDC’s progress and the county’s economic vitality,” said Jim Calvin, CEDC’s Board Chair. “Known for his extraordinary energy, Mike is a collaborative problem solver, creative deal-maker, and trusted adviser. We’ve been fortunate to have him at the helm for the past 10 years.”
CEDC’s Board of Directors has formed a Search Committee and information on the President & CEO Search process will be available on October 31st at www.columbiaedc.com.
During his tenure, Tucker has also served as the Administrative Director of both the Columbia County and City of Hudson Industrial Development Agencies and has been an active member of the Governor’s Capital Region Economic Development Council, as well as a longtime participant in the New York State Economic Development Council.
“It has been a privilege to serve as CEDC’s President and CEO for the past 10+ years. CEDC’s board, members, and our exemplary staff’s dedication and commitment to CEDC’s mission have been an inspiration to me, and I appreciate their perspective, guidance, and support”, Tucker said.
Tucker, an attorney and real estate broker plans to resume his consulting practice, Tucker Strategies, Inc., after leaving CEDC in June.
Prior to joining CEDC, Tucker served as President and CEO of the Center for Economic Growth, the Capital Region’s 8-county economic development organization. For more than 25 years, Tucker was a principal with Mercer Companies, Inc., an Albany-based real estate development firm.
Tucker is a graduate of Villanova University and the Villanova University School of Law, and he serves as a Trustee of Ulster Savings Bank in Kingston. He has also held leadership roles on numerous not-for-profit boards throughout the region, including six years as Chairman of the Albany Institute of History and Art.
