Redzeposki was responsible for hundreds of thousands of dollars in annual Tourism Grants. She leaves behind a playbook for future economic development.
By Cesar A., Reporter
Rockland News
NEW CITY, NY – For nearly a week and a half, the phones at Rockland County’s Office of Economic Development and Tourism have been very busy. Those who have been driving forces in the business community slowly learned of the news, but waited to pass the word along until plans were in place for an orderly transition for Lucy Redzeposki’s Department of Economic Development and Tourism.
Now, a week later – it’s official. Lucy Redzeposki is stepping down as Director, and turning the Office she resurrected – back over to the County to continue the mission of Economic Development. Numerous business and not-for-profits were nearly unanimous in their endorsement of her tireless efforts, the latest from June 2021 to Aug 2024. For her next adventure, Ms. Redzeposki will be returning to the private sector, but leaves behind a playbook of her years long efforts to attract quality tourism into the county.
Earlier in the 2010’s, Redzeposki had assumed the role of the County’s Economic Development Director first from Calerbe Moherne, but then departed for several years while Jeremy Shulman stewarded the office. Shulman’s eventual hasty departure left Rockland with no succession plan. Luckily, the County was able to attract Ms. Redzeposki back to the sometimes-thankless job of building something from nothing – developing higher percentages (%) of tourism into the County from NYC, from Bergen, from Westchester, from Orange County – all with the hopes of alleviating the tax burdens that many residents and businesses in the County face – to maintain a quality standard of living and livelihood.
Since Redzeposki assumed the role again in 2021, tourism grants have increased nearly $100k per year to a reported $298k in 2024 – but each grant with required metrics to attract tourism into the County, and consequently – dollars.
On Monday, Rockland County Executive Day extended a heartfelt farewell to Lucy Redzeposki, the Director of Economic Development and Tourism, as she moves on to the next chapter in her career. Under her leadership, Rockland County saw remarkable growth and success in tourism and economic initiatives, which have left a lasting impact on the community. Day expressed his gratitude on the County’s Facebook page, saying, “We thank her (Lucy) for her unwavering dedication and leadership in our County. Her guidance and legacy will continue to inspire us, and we wish her all the best.”
One of the most notable achievements under her direction was the substantial increase in grant awards for local organizations. These awards grew from $178,000 in 2021 to $275,000 in 2024, directly benefiting 31 local Rockland organizations. These grants facilitated various programs aimed at attracting tourists, such as the annual Haverstraw Eats and Beats Festival, which has become a highlight in North Rockland, drawing thousands of visitors each year.
Redzeposki’s leadership was also pivotal in fostering connections between local businesses and broader economic opportunities. For instance, the county’s participation in trade familiarization tours and events like the Travel Trade Familiarization Tour and Marketplace helped put Rockland on the map as a desirable location for business and leisure.
Her efforts were recognized through various successful initiatives, including the Orangeburg DataBank project, which brought attention to Rockland’s growing technology sector, and the county’s stance on congestion pricing, where she highlighted the potential benefits for local businesses.
As Rockland County bids farewell to Lucy Redzeposki (for now), her legacy in the office of Economic Development and Tourism will undoubtedly endure, inspiring future initiatives and serving as a benchmark for leadership in the community.
For more on Lucy Redzeposki’s accomplishments and the progress of the County under her department’s direction, you can read many of Rockland News’ full coverage over the past three years.
- Rockland County Announces 2021 Tourism Grants – Link
- Tor Ferry Connection Bus – Link
- Travel Trade Familiarization Tour and Marketplace – Link
- Rockland County ALON FAM Tour – Link
- Ceremony for DataBank Orangeburg – Link
- Al Samuels Honored by Rockland – Link
- Rockland’s Director of Economic Development Thinks Congestion Pricing May Work in County’s Favor – Link
- Rockland Workforce Summit 2023 – Link
- Rockland Job Numbers Look Good in June State Labor Report – Link
- Rockland Groups Get Grant Money to Promote Area Tourism – Link
- Phoenix Festival: Live Arts Hudson Valley Awarded State Grant to Support 2023 Event – Link
- County Executive Day Announces $278k in Tourism Grants – Link
- Rockland’s Director of Economic Development: Taxes Would Be Higher Without Tourism – Link
- Small Business Assistance Grant Program Application Now Open – Link
- Rockland Tourism Grants 2022 – Link
- Rockland County Office of Economic Development & Tourism Launches New Social Media Campaign – Link
- Stony Music Fest 10th Annual Concert held at Riverfront Park – Link
It is the opinion of many that of Lucy Redzeposki”s contributions to Economic Development and Tourism will continue to resonate and shape the future of Rockland County for many years to come.