Mayor Appoints First Female EDC President

NEW YORK CITY—Maria Torres-Springer, the commissioner for small business services since 2014, has been tabbed by New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio as the next president of the New York City Economic Development Corp.

Torres-Springer upon taking office will be the first female to lead the city's chief economic development organization. She replaces Kyle Kimball, who is leaving the agency after taking a position as VP of government relations for Con Edison. Kimball starts his new job this August. Before being appointed commissioner of small business services, Torres-Springer served as EVP and chief of staff at the New York City EDC.

As commissioner for small business services she spearheaded the administration's efforts to raise wages and expand skill-building in workforce placement programs, grew women-owned and immigrant-owned businesses, streamlined the regulatory environment for small businesses, and launched path-breaking initiatives, such as the Tech Talent Pipeline to grow the tech sector and prepare New Yorkers for 21st century jobs, the city states in the appointment announcement.

Torres-Springer as the new leader of the EDC will prioritize the development of advanced manufacturing, life-sciences and tech in New York City, ensuring businesses have the infrastructure and human capital they need to thrive and catalyzing equitable and sustainable growth in neighborhoods across the five boroughs, administration officials state.

“Maria has a proven track-record opening doors for New Yorkers and working closely with businesses to grow our economy. We are proud to have her lead EDC. Maria will focus on growing vital sectors in our economy, and preparing New Yorkers to seize those opportunities so they can be a part of our economic success story,” states Mayor de Blasio.

Adds Torres-Springer, “It is an enormous privilege to serve as President of the NYC Economic Development Corp. Our city is powered by the strongest economic engines in the world and I am thrilled to advance an economic development agenda that fights inequality and helps lift up every New Yorker. I look forward to working with my colleagues at EDC to ensure our economic development programs strengthen our city's competitive position while delivering quality jobs, livable neighborhoods, and real opportunity for all New Yorkers.”