By Fred Stabbert III
MONTICELLO — March 30, 2004 – Following a six-and-a-half year run with the Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development, Michael Sullivan has announced his resignation effective April 16.
In a letter dated last Friday, March 26, Sullivan, who is the President and CEO of the county-wide business organization, announced his intentions to leave the Partnership for a job as Marketing Director for the Times Herald-Record in Middletown.
The move returns Sullivan to his former employer, where he worked as Advertising Director for a number of years before coming to Sullivan County.
Partnership Board Chair Lew Klugman said, “Mike Sullivan helped to build the Partnership into what it is today. But he also had the insight to teach his staff members what to do.
“With Mike Sullivan’s guidance, the Partnership reached another plateau,” Klugman noted. “Expect some exciting things going forth… stay tuned.”
Klugman also noted the Partnership’s renewed focus on small business as well as the group mission — to promote, encourage and facilitate new business.
The organization, which grew to nearly 200 members under Sullivan’s tutelage, is credited with several major achievements, including the attraction of Kohl’s Distribution Center in Wurtsboro.
Sullivan and his staff, which included Marc Baez and Jennifer Clayton, also facilitated many companies’ movement into the county.
The Partnership's executive board will meet today at 3 p.m. to discuss Sullivan’s resignation as well as plan for his replacement.
Baez is considered by many to be the front-runner to succeed Sullivan.
While Klugman was sad to see Sullivan leave, he said, “People move on to bigger and better challenges. I’m glad to see opportunities for other people to conquer. I think Marc [Baez] has been well trained.”