Vanags stepping down as Saratoga County Prosperity Partnership president
MALTA, N.Y. >> Marty Vanags is leaving his position as president of the Saratoga County Prosperity Partnership to pursue new opportunities, the Saratoga County-based economic development organization announced on Wednesday.
The resignation, effective Jan. 8, was announced along with the appointment of vice president Shelby Schneider as interim president. In this role, she will utilize nearly two decades of economic development experience in Saratoga County to ensure the agency’s mission moves forward uninterrupted, the press release said.
Vanags thanked the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors, the Saratoga Partnership Board of Directors, and Saratoga Partnership staff for their support during his tenure.
“I very much appreciate the opportunity to have made a positive contribution toward the economic growth and vitality of Saratoga County and its wonderful communities,” Vanags said in the release. “I am confident the Saratoga Partnership board and staff will continue the momentum that has made the county one of the fastest-growing in the state.”
During his tenure, Vanags worked on a number of economic development projects, including the siting of Key Capture Energy, New York state’s largest battery energy storage facility, on the Luther Forest Technology Campus; the transformation of the Proctors-Universal Preservation Hall in Saratoga Springs into world class art and cultural venue in downtown Saratoga Springs; the establishment of Land Remediation
Inc.’s new $1.8 million corporate headquarters in Waterford; and the $60 million project that will transform a historic but long-vacant industrial building in the Village of Victory into 186 workforce housing units.
“We thank Marty for his service as the founding President of the Saratoga County Prosperity Partnership, applaud his efforts to lay the foundation for future growth in Saratoga County, and wish him much success in his future endeavors,” said Kevin Hedley, chairman of the Saratoga Partnership Board of Directors, in the release. “We are heartened to know the organization is in good hands with Shelby, who is well respected among community and business leaders in Saratoga County, and will provide the organization with strong leadership moving forward.”
Looking ahead, Schneider added, “I appreciate the support and confidence of the Saratoga Partnership board in taking on this role, and look forward to working closely with leaders in the public and private sectors to promote a unified, long-term growth strategy for economic development in Saratoga County.
“I am excited to advance a host of ongoing initiatives, including the retention and expansion of Saratoga County businesses; preparing our workforce; and the Next Wave Communities planning now underway in Moreau, Galway, Malta and Ballston Spa. I also look forward to exploring new opportunities to ensure Saratoga County remains a great place to live and work.”
More information about the Saratoga County Prosperity Partnership is available online at saratogapartnership.org.