Economic developers honored for growth in Greater Rochester region

Listen to this article

New York State Economic Development Council has recognized two economic developers for their work in the Greater Rochester and Finger Lakes region. 

Leah George VanScott of Greater Rochester Enterprise the recipient of the Linda J. Hill Women’s Leadership Award, recognizing her contributions to economic development, collaboration and mentorship across New York. 

Presented annually by the NYSEDC Women’s Leadership and Diversity Council, the award honors professionals who demonstrate exceptional dedication to their communities and peers. 

“Leah represents everything this award was created to recognize,” said Ryan Silva, executive director, New York State Economic Development Council. “Her collaborative leadership style, unwavering commitment to her community, and dedication to mentoring the next generation of economic development professionals have made a lasting impact not only in Rochester, but across New York State.” 

VanScott leads GRE’s business development team, overseeing more than 75 active projects representing $33 billion in potential capital investment and more than 10,000 projected jobs across the Greater Rochester region. She has helped secure major business investments from companies including Advanced Micro Devices, Edwards Vacuum, Corning Incorporated, Plug Power and Vuzix. 

She also serves as co-principal investigator and economic development lead for the STELLAR initiative, a finalist for the National Science Foundation Regional Innovation Engine program and helped secure $40 million in federal Tech Hub funding for the NY SMART I-Corridor initiative. 

Additionally, Joseph Sayre, manager of Economic Development at New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) and Rochester Gas and Electric (RG&E), has been selected as the recipient of the James W. Griffin Rising Star Award.

The award honors an economic development professional age 40 and under who has made significant contributions to advancing economic development efforts across New York through innovation, leadership, service and measurable impact on communities and the state’s economy.

“This distinctive honor is a testament to Joe’s unwavering dedication to the economic vitality of the region he not only serves, but proudly calls home,” said Trish Nilsen, CEO of NYSEG and RG&E. “He consistently partners with developers to provide clear insights into challenges and brings a collaborative, solutions-oriented mindset to overcoming them.”

Among his most notable accomplishments was his leadership role in securing the Fairlife dairy production facility in Webster. The $650 million project will become the largest dairy production facility in the Northeast and create roughly 250 new jobs.

Sayre also played a pivotal role in advancing the Uptown Landing mixed-use housing development in Canandaigua. Once completed, the project will bring 634 residential units to the Finger Lakes region.

[email protected] / (585) 653-4021