About IAED
Economic development supports business and industries that create jobs, grow the tax base, and improve quality of life. Ithaca Area Economic Development (IAED) is a private non-profit economic development organization serving Ithaca and Tompkins County. We are New York State’s premier Accredited Economic Development Organization, one of just 75 across North America.
MISSION: IAED is dedicated to building a thriving and sustainable economy that improves the quality of life in Tompkins County by fostering the growth of business and employment.
VISION: A diverse and inclusive economy with innovative businesses, entrepreneurs, and partnerships that foster employment pathways and promote economic prosperity for all.
What does IAED do?
Since 1964, IAED has delivered customized economic development services to clients and the community, stimulating millions in private investment, producing thousands of quality jobs, and leading strategic planning initiatives. IAED has three strategic priorities:
Direct Services
Deliver technical, financial, and site location assistance to traded sector businesses.
Workforce Development
Develop and embed career readiness training programs that address workforce needs.
Economic Development Leadership
Provide planning and strategy, thought and process leadership, and special projects.
Our Team
IAED is dedicated to helping businesses start, grow, and stay in Ithaca and Tompkins County. Our team brings with it a wealth of knowledge and experience to support a healthy and prosperous local economy.
W. Kurt Foreman
President
Kurt Anderson, CEcD
Director of Development, Operations, and Strategy
Kellea Bauda
Director of Business Services, Administrative Director of the TCIDA and TCDC
Mira Kuroyedov
Workforce Development Manager
Ina Arthur
Manager of Administrative Services
Board of Directors
Executive Committee
Jodi Lee Denman, Chair
CFO, Knickerbocker Bed Company & Wiggins Plastics
Tim Downs, Vice Chair
VP, Finance & Administration, Ithaca College
Jeff Gorsky, Treasurer
Partner, Sciarabba Walker & Co.
Lisa Whitaker, Secretary
President & CEO, Beginnings Credit Union
Robert Cantelmo
Mayor, City of Ithaca
Deborah Dawson
Tompkins County Legislature
Greg Mezey
Legislator, Tompkins County
Directors
Korsah Akumfi*
Administrator, Tompkins County
Katie Borgella*
Commissioner of Planning, Tompkins County
Peggy Coleman*
President, Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce
Kate de la Garza
Executive Director, Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services
Peter Dugo
President, Arnot Realty
W. Kurt Foreman*
President, Ithaca Area Economic Development
Mike Horan
President, Taughannock Aviation
Dr. Amy Kremenek
President, TC3
Jason Leifer
Supervisor, Town of Dryden
Robert Lewis
Development Project Manager, SHIFT Capital
Monica Yant Kinney
AVP University Relations, Cornell University
Chris Malcolm
Manager, Wegmans
Margo Martin
Superintendent, Groton Central School District
Kelly Nelson
Plant Manager, Borg Warner Morse TEC
Carly Norton
Sr. Economic Development Specialist, NYSEG
Carrie Pollak
Partner, Hancock Estabrook
Tom Schryver*
Executive Director New Market Advancement, Cornell University
Chris Sponn*
Director, Tompkins County Workforce Development
Bob Sprole III
President/CEO, Therm, Inc.
Jennifer Tavares
Director of Community Relations, Cornell University
Jeremy Thomas*
Senior Director, Cornell University Real Estate
Tam Warren
Regional Vice President, Warren Real Estate
Shawn Wilczynski
Mine Manager, Cargill
*Ex-officio, non-voting
Contact IAED
What does your business need? We’ll help answer your questions, connect you to resources, and support your business as it starts, grows, and evolves. Connect with us.