
Sue McNamara, 2010 Leader of the Year
Susan F. McNamara, PhD, Executive Director of Workforce Investment Board/Chautauqua Works has been chosen by the Chautauqua Leadership Network as the recipient of its 2010 Leader of the Year Award. In their nomination letter WIB staff members noted “Dr. Sue McNamara exemplifies the mission of Chautauqua Leadership in several ways. She has demonstrated how her leadership skills can meet the challenges of today and prepare for the opportunities of tomorrow.”
As Executive Director of the Workforce Investment Board Sue has worked with her team, Board and partners to create a workforce development system, Chautauqua Works that serves job seekers and businesses throughout the county. Realizing the need to seek regional opportunities, Sue and her team have taken leadership roles Southern Tier New York Regional Consortium, as well as the Buffalo Niagara Chautauqua Consortium, which has brought revenue to Chautauqua County and has created and implemented innovative programs in this community as a result. In addition to this she has formed a Great Lake Tri-State Initiative with Western New York, Northeastern Ohio, and Northwestern Pennsylvania to identify plans and strategies to enhance the region’s ability to create jobs, compete on a national and global scale, and attract further business investments. At the heart of the workforce effort has been Sue’s commitment to youth and developing a talent pipeline for our future. Chautauqua has been nationally recognized for its innovative youth programs working with at risk youth through aspiring young professionals.
Dr. McNamara extends her service to the community beyond the WIB as a member of the SUNY Fredonia Technology Incubator Advisory Board, where she helped to launch an organization that supports new entrepreneurs in our area, and by serving on the boards of Lake Erie Regional Health System, Jamestown Empire Zone, Chautauqua Leadership Network, and Chautauqua Opportunities for Development Inc. and the New York Association of Training Professionals (NYATEP) and as an adjunct professor at SUNY Fredonia.
Dr. Susan McNamara will be honored for both her professional accomplishments which have benefitted Chautauqua County as well her many contributions of community service at the Chautauqua Leadership Network’s 2010 Leader of the Year Award Dinner. The Award dinner will take place at the “The Red House,” 91 Frisbee Road, Cassadaga, NY on October 22 at 6 pm.
The public is encouraged to join the CLN in honoring Sue McNamara. Reservations may be made by contacting the Pene Hutton, CLN Director at 716-338-1555. The cost for the banquet is $32 per person. Reservations must be received by October 18th.
Chautauqua Leadership Network is a not for profit organization designed to identify, recruit, train and network area professionals. Believing the improvement of Chautauqua County is directly linked to the quality of its leadership, CLN helps these professionals develop effective leadership skills for both their place of employment as well as the community.
More information on Chautauqua Leadership Network is available at the website: www.chautauqualeadership.org