Mark Geise, Deputy County Executive for Economic Development/Chief Executive Officer of the CCIDA & CREDC
As the Deputy County Executive for Economic Development since 2018, I manage the County’s Department of Planning & Development and act as the Chief Executive Officer
(CEO) of both the Chautauqua County Industrial Development Agency (CCIDA) and the Chautauqua Region Economic Development Corporation (CREDC). I am having a blast
serving in this capacity, as we continue to make things happen. I feel well-suited to this position as an educated and trained planner as it consistently requires my problem-solving skills to figure out better ways to deliver programs and services to businesses currently located in the County, as well as those we wish to attract here. I strongly believe that we have great momentum, even after the effects of the pandemic are felt, and that Chautauqua County’s future is very bright. We have a host of significant projects in the works, and many more that we are working on. All of these initiatives will culminate in raising Chautauqua County to the next level.
It is my job to work with County Executive Wendel, key stakeholders, communities, service providers, businesses, and the public to ensure that we collectively capitalize on this positive momentum, and that we create new opportunities that take advantage of our plentiful assets to spur private investment and create jobs. My ultimate goal, as stated in early 2018 when I was appointed to this position, was to “develop an economic development approach that is more inclusive, transparent, practical, proactive, and successful in order to fulfill our mission.” We have done just that with the creation of the Partnership for Economic Growth, a public/private partnership with over 100 members and five working groups.
What I really like about this job is that my team and I are constantly applying our energy, experience, and skills to continue building on the good work that has been underway here for some years. I feel very fortunate to have a tremendous staff that possesses the appropriate public and private sector experience, along with the suitable skillsets, to help fulfill County Executive Wendel’s progressive vision for business and economic development. We can’t afford status quo as the competition for private sector investment amongst other counties and states continues to increase, and as we fall prey to the whims of the regional, state, and national economies. We need to continue to be proactive and smart as we develop and implement economic development approaches that capitalize on our physical and intellectual assets.
I couldn’t be more thrilled than to be working closely with County Executive Wendel! I share his desire to be at the forefront of how we market and deliver our services so that we can send a strong message to the business community and the public that we mean business in Chautauqua County.
Mr. Geise started in his position on March 5, 2018.
