April 19, 2022 By Allie Griffin
The president of the Long Island City Partnership, the economic development organization that promotes business in the area, is leaving the nonprofit to take on a new role at a state agency.
Elizabeth Lusskin, who has led the LIC Partnership since October 2013, will depart to become the executive vice president of small business technology development at the Empire State Development.
The LIC Partnership confirmed Tuesday that she will be leaving the organization in coming weeks.
In her new role, Lusskin will work with small businesses across New York State, where she will help them tap into loans, grants and incentive programs. She will also help entrepreneurs develop their businesses, as well as provide technical assistance programs for small business owners.
Lusskin and the LIC Partnership will be conducting a search for her replacement. Lusskin’s predecessor, Gayle Baron, held the position for 14 years.
The LIC Partnership oversees the Long Island City Business Improvement District and promotes local businesses through events and marketing. Its mission is to promote the local economy by attracting new businesses to Long Island City, supporting existing businesses, welcoming new residents and visitors to the neighborhood, and keeping the area vibrant and clean.
Lusskin has shepherded the growth of the LIC Partnership and the LIC BID during her nearly nine-year tenure. The organization has grown its budget, staff, membership and programming under her leadership at the same time that Long Island City’s influence in the city has grown.
The LIC Partnership is expected to officially announce Lusskin’s departure later this week. The Empire State Development, meanwhile, didn’t respond to an inquiry regarding her employment.
One Comment
Each will last if she is lucky approx 2 years. That’s the average for any dept head at Empire State Development. Turnover is high with patronage gigs all over this agency.