News
May 14, 2025CEG Names Seasoned Professional as Chief Economic Development Officer
The Center for Economic Growth (CEG) is pleased to announce the selection of Heather McDaniel as chief economic development officer. This key position, which reports to CEG’s president and CEO Mark Eagan, is responsible for development and implementation of strategies and initiatives to drive regional economic growth and broad-based prosperity.
McDaniel has more than 20 years of experience in economic and community development. She most recently served as president of Ithaca (NY) Area Economic Development. She has served the organization for 18 years. McDaniel was hired as an Empire Zone coordinator in 2007, becoming director of economic development services in 2008, and vice president in 2014. She served as president for the last seven years. Prior to Ithaca, she worked in cooperative housing and redevelopment in New York City and began her career with Cushman Wakefield in Los Angeles.
“Heather brings balanced experience as a collaborative and results-oriented economic development leader,” said Mark Eagan, president and CEO, Center for Economic Growth. “She joins a strong team, which positions us well as we advance strategies to help the Capital Region realize its true economic potential.”
“I am thrilled to embark on this exciting journey at CEG and contribute to the advancement and development of the Capital Region,” said McDaniel. “I look forward to working with the team and stakeholders to ignite a dynamic and prosperous economic future.”
Ryan Silva, executive director of the New York Economic Development Council added, “Heather McDaniel is a talented and accomplished economic development professional. Her skillset, experience, and passion for the work will bring tremendous value to the Center for Economic Growth as they work to accelerate economic opportunity across the region.”
McDaniel holds an undergraduate degree in sociology from the University of California Berkley and a Master of Urban Planning from New York University’s Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service. A recognized economic development professional, McDaniel holds two designations: Economic Development Finance Professional (EDFP) and Certified Economic Development (CEcD).
She succeeds Katie Newcombe, who accepted a position last month as state director of Economic Development for National Grid. McDaniel will begin her new role in early July.
