New ESDC chair named: (female) technology executive from upstate

Balancing Empire State Development Corporation CEO Ken Adams, a male Brooklynite with an experience running business organizations, Gov. Andrew Cuomo has named a female upstate resident who heads a technology firm to be the agency's chair.

A press released issued Monday was headlined Governor Cuomo Announces Nomination to Empire State Development Corporation

Albany, NY (March 7, 2011)

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the nomination of Julie Shimer to Chair the Empire State Development Corporation (ESDC).

Julie Shimer is joining a first-class team of economic development leaders including Lieutenant Governor Robert Duffy and Empire State Development Corporation President Kenneth Adams," Governor Cuomo said. "Her 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."

Julie Shimer, Ph.D., CEO and President of Welch Allyn, in Skaneateles Falls, New York, is a nationally recognized leader in the computer networking and wireless communications industries. Dr. Shimer was named CEO in 2007 - becoming the first woman to hold this post in the 95-year history of the company. Prior to joining Welch Allyn, Dr. Shimer served as President and CEO of Vocera Communications, a leading wireless communications company based in Cupertino, California. Dr. Shimer also held executive positions at 3Com Corporation, Motorola, AT&T Bell Laboratories, and Bethlehem Steel Company. Dr. Shimer currently holds board positions with Welch Allyn, Netgear, the Engineering Information Foundation and Centerstate Corporation for Economic Opportunity. In addition, she is a senior member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers and Society for Women Engineers. Dr. Shimer holds masters and doctoral degrees in Electrical Engineering from Lehigh University and a bachelor's degree in Physics from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. She resides in Skaneateles, NY with her husband, Jary.

Jeremy Jacobs, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Delaware North Companies said, "I applaud Governor Cuomo's nomination of Julie Shimer to the Empire State Development board. Both the entrepreneurial community and business leaders share the Governor's commitment to the critical importance of attracting business and spurring investment in New York. With her professional experience in leading her own company, Julie appreciates the need for an improved business climate and a stronger competitive position for New York in the global marketplace."

Joanie Mahoney, Onondaga County Executive said, "As CEO and President of Welch Allyn, Julie Shimer has expanded the company and turned it into one of the largest employers in the region. Her big ideas and ability to get things done make her particularly suited for Chair of the Empire State Development Corporation and Governor Cuomo's administration. In addition, having someone from our region, who knows the strengths and weaknesses of the upstate economy, will benefit New Yorkers across the state. I applaud the Governor's choice and congratulate Julie on her nomination.

One Shimer goal: changed tax structure

Crain's New York Business reported:

Ms. Shimer said the state should create a tax structure that helps make use of technology from research universities and financing from venture capital companies. “It’s up to us to bring it all together to attract new business and grow the businesses that are already here,” she said.

...The chairwoman position is effectively part-time. Ms. Shimer is not leaving the company and said the position is volunteer. She replaces Dennis Mullen, who served as ESDC’s chairman and chief executive.