Pattern for Progress Has a New President

(Newburgh) - The Board of Directors of Mid-Hudson Pattern for Progress, the regional planning organization that has for more than four decades shaped public policy initiatives to improve life in the Hudson River Valley, has appointed Jonathan Drapkin as its President and Chief Executive Officer. Drapkin, who will formally assume his duties on December 18, has amassed a distinguished record of experience and accomplishment within the public and private sectors during a career that spans more than 20 years.

“Jonathan has a clear commitment to and a proven track record of success within our region. That was important to the selection committee,” explained Mid-Hudson Pattern Board Chair Carl E. Meyer, who also serves as President and C.O.O. of Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation. “But perhaps more importantly, Jonathan has a vision for how Pattern can assist the Hudson Valley in the decades ahead. He recognizes that we’re at a crossroads, and he welcomes the opportunities associated with sustaining what makes this such a special place while keeping our region globally competitive.”

Drapkin said that he is invigorated about the prospects of leading Pattern at such a critical time in its evolution as a regional planning organization. “Simply put, I am excited about the possibilities. Pattern's Strategic Planning Committee is charting an exciting new course and it's hard not to feel energized about the prospects of assuming this post at this time, given the future that's unfolding for our valley.”Drapkin, a resident of Rock Hill, has served as the Executive Director of the Gerry Foundation since 2000, implementing the $135-million Foundation’s primary mission to better Sullivan County, New York. Among the Gerry Foundation's most impressive accomplishments was the development and construction of the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts. He also served as County Manager of Sullivan County from 1996 through 2000, supervising a budget of $136 million and 1,100 full- and 300 part-time employees.
In addition, Drapkin's previous professional experience includes seven years as Director of the

City Coufleifs “Office of Oversight and Investigation in New York City, as well as five years of service within the City of New York’s Office of the Mayor. He holds a law degree from the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law and a master’s degree in Economics from Long Island University.

Drapkin has served on the board of Mid-Hudson Pattern for Progress since 2003. He recently completed his term as Chairman of the Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development as well as six years of board service with the Sullivan County Visitors’ Association, which he created in 1998. He has been the recipient of numerous honors, including the Sullivan County Partnership’s Distinguished Service Award (2006) and Walter Rhulen Award as Businessman of the Year (2001) and the Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce’s Distinguished Service Award (2000).

Mid-Hudson Pattern for Progress was founded in 1965. Its mission is to preserve and promote the social, economic and natural facets of the region by building a consensus for a pattern of growth that will ensure a high quality of life - through the balance of a healthy environment and a vibrant economy. Its work is primarily focused on regional economic policy and governance; urban revitalization and community development; technology and telecommunications infrastructure; transportation and the future of Stewart Airport; and education and industry partnerships/workforce development. Since its founding four decades ago, more than 100 substantive research projects have been completed by the regional planning organization.