ALBANY-Gov Andrew Cuomo on Monday nominated Julie Shimer to chair the Empire State Development Corp. Currently Shimer is president and CEO of Welch Allyn, a medical diagnostics manufacturer that’s among the leaders of New York State’s tech sector; she will continue serving in both capacities while chairing the ESDC’s board, according to a Welch Allyn spokesman.

Shimer’s nomination follows that of Kenneth Adams, president and CEO of the Business Council of New York State, to serve as CEO of ESDC. Both titles were previously combined, but Cuomo has changed the leadership structure of the statewide economic development agency.

In a statement, Cuomo says Shimer’s “extensive experience in the upstate and downstate business communities will be essential to the reconstruction of New York’s economy. Attracting and retaining business in New York is job number one, and Julie and the rest of the ESDC team will work tirelessly to make that happen.”

Based in Skaneateles Falls, NY, Welch Allyn has become one of the largest upstate employers under Shimer’s leadership. Before joining Welch Allyn, Shimer served as president and CEO of Cupertino, CA-based Vocera Communications. She also held executive positions at 3Com Corp., Motorola, AT&T Bell Laboratories and Bethlehem Steel Co.