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Pete Gozza resigns
By Dan Hust
MONTICELLO — In January, Liberty native Peter Gozza was heralded as the Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development’s renaissance man.
Six months later, he’s stepping down from his role as the non-profit business development agency’s executive director.
What happened?
According to Gozza and Partnership Board Chair Suzanne Loughlin, it was just a different set of priorities.
Gozza said he had been hired via a one-year contract with his consulting firm, Redevelopment Concepts, and he started his job in February with the goal of focusing on a countywide business development assessment and plan.
But the Partnership’s board and membership wanted that to be balanced with a focus on day-to-day operations, so Gozza and the Partnership’s leaders agreed his expertise would be more valuable as a consultant rather than head of the agency.
“Pete’s initiatives are extremely important,” remarked Loughlin, “but they are going to take a long time.”
Thus Partnership Board Vice Chair Tim McCausland was appointed to serve as acting president while what Loughlin called “an expedited search” will be undertaken for a new executive director. McCausland, a well-known Rock Hill attorney and manager of Firestorm Solutions, is stepping down as vice chair for the duration of his tenure as president.
In the meantime, Loughlin complimented Gozza’s time in office and noted that his sign company, Gozza Graphics, continues to be a Partnership member.
“Pete helped us think in new ways, and we wish him well with his endeavors,” she said. “Together we agreed that this was the right direction for the Partnership, and we hope that his continuing efforts will play a pivotal role in bringing about positive change to Sullivan County’s economy.”
Gozza, who was completing his last day yesterday, confirmed the parting was very amicable and would allow him to fully pursue his strategic goals for the county, including creating business improvement districts in downtown Liberty and Monticello.
“This is my home,” the 25-year business consultant pointed out. “I am going to make a difference.”
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