Donald J. Western, director of economic development for Onondaga County, has been appointed executive director of community engagement and economic development at Syracuse University.
In his new role, which he will begin March 10, Western will manage the planning, programming and financing of diverse major University/community construction projects associated with the University's Scholarship in Action vision. He will be tasked with developing and implementing procedures and protocols to attract economic development incentives and meet the requirements of federal, state and local government funding sources associated with those projects. Western will be working on the Near West Side Initiative, the Connective Corridor and other University-business partnerships, such as those the University has formed with Welch Allyn and JP Morgan Chase.
"I have tremendous respect for Don and am delighted to have someone with his stellar reputation, experience and skills joining our team," says Marilyn R. Higgins, SU vice president for community engagement and economic development.
Western has served as Onondaga County's director of economic development since 1992, and served as deputy director in the four years prior to that. In those roles, he was responsible for developing and implementing programs for Onondaga County business incentives designed to support private sector investment and job creation. Among his many responsibilities, he managed programs in tax management, bond financing, foreign trade and Empire Zone
programs; provided the Onondaga County Industrial Development Agency with a current budget; and provided project and prospect management services for a wide range of projects throughout Onondaga County.
Western also previously held economic development positions with the City of Albany and the City of Syracuse.
A veteran of the Marine Corps, Western holds a bachelor's degree in political science from SU's College of Arts and Sciences and a M.P.A. from SU's Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs.
