SUNY Canton VP Named President of University Economic Development Association

SUNY Canton Vice President for Strategic Relations and Communications Lenore VanderZee, Ph.D., was recently elected President of the University Economic Development Association (UEDA) Board of Directors.

VanderZee works on economic development, workforce, innovation, and entrepreneurship initiatives, including oversight of the Center for Community, Workforce, & Industry Partnerships, the Small Business Development Center, and the Office of Research & Sponsored Programs. In addition, she serves as the college's chief public relations & government relations officer.

“I’m passionate about rural economic development and placemaking in the North Country region,” she said. “As higher education’s role in economic development continues to grow and change, my work with UEDA ensures that institutions like SUNY Canton and the rural regions we serve are part of the conversation shaping the future of this important work.”

UEDA’s membership consists of more than 160 organizations representing those at the forefront of university-led economic development, both in thought and in practice. The organization’s mission is to empower economic ecosystems through knowledge and best practices in the realms of talent, innovation and place.

VanderZee was appointed as the first Vice President for Strategic Relations and Communications in 2023, following several successful leadership roles during her first 10 years at the college. She has helped secure more than $6 million to aid in the creation of new Entrepreneurship centers, including one housed in Canton’s evolving Midtown Plaza redevelopment project.

"SUNY Canton places great importance on entrepreneurship and economic development as key elements of its mission," SUNY Canton President Zvi Szafran said. " Lenore's vision and resourcefulness will be essential as we continue to drive our mission forward."

In addition to serving as one of SUNY Canton’s vice presidents, she serves on several area boards and committees, including the St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Canton-Potsdam Hospital Board of Directors, the Planned Parenthood of the North Country New York Board of Directors, the Canton Community Fund Advisory Board, the St. Lawrence County Small Business Resource Group, and the Canton Economic Development Steering Committee.