MONTICELLO — Sullivan County Industrial Development Agency (IDA) Executive Director Jennifer Flad announced to the Economic Development Committee of the Legislature on Thursday, July 11 that IDA Chair Suzanne Loughlin has resigned. 

“I was appointed to the IDA Board in 2009, and it has been exciting to be a part of Sullivan County’s growth and revitalization over the past fifteen years,” said Loughlin. “During that time, the IDA has worked with the County Legislature, local economic development partners, and municipalities to strengthen and diversify our economy by fostering the development of large-scale tourism destinations, small manufacturing businesses, and an array of other things. I am proud of the work that we have accomplished together, and I look forward to seeing what’s ahead.”

Loughlin was appointed to the IDA Board on November 19, 2009, by the Sullivan County Legislature and was appointed as Chairperson on April 12, 2021, following the resignation of former Chairperson Ira Steingart. After choosing not to run for re-election to the Legislature, Steingart was again appointed to the IDA Board on January 25 and named Chief Executive Officer (CEO). 

“I just want to publicly thank [Loughlin] for 15 years of incredible contributions to the board and in recent years she’s been our chairperson,” Flad noted. “She’s just been an incredible asset and a mentor to me.”

The IDA appointed Howard Siegel to fill the role at their monthly meeting on Monday, July 8, who has been on the IDA board for about 10 years. His previous role was Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and he was appointed to the IDA Board on March 20, 2014. 

“[Loughlin] has been a tremendous asset to the Board, and an outstanding leader since she became our Chairperson in 2021,” Siegel stated. “Her depth and breadth of expertise, and her thoughtful perspective, have helped us to make sound decisions and to move the Agency forward as the County’s economic needs and priorities have evolved.  We will miss her, and we wish her all the best.”

“[Siegel] has made incredible contributions to the agency and I look forward to moving forward under his leadership,” said Flad. 

Siegel is currently President and CEO of Irwin Siegel Agency, Inc. and also serves as a board member to a newly formed Federally Qualified Health Center operating out of the Bronx as well as a board member of Management Services Solutions operating out of New York City. 

Past roles that he has held relating to industrial development experience include serving as a member of the Town of Thompson Planning Board, the Partnership for Economic Development and as past President of the Monticello Rotary Club.