WHAT’S NEW & WHO’S NEWS
Alan Seidman, Maureen Halahan Honored
MIDDLETOWN, NY—Longtime business and economic development executives Alan Seidman and Maureen Halahan were honored by the Orange County Partnership on June 3 as the organization’s 2025 Most Valued Partners.
Mr. Seidman, the executive director of the Construction Contractors Association, will be retiring from his post at the end of this year. Ms. Halahan retired as president and CEO of the Orange County Partnership earlier this month.
A host of business dignitaries praised Mr. Seidman and Ms. Halahan at the event for their contributions over more than two decades in advancing business growth and economic development in Orange County. The program, which was held at the Barn at Villa Venezia in Middletown, included a tribute to both executives by Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus and newly appointed Orange County President & CEO Conor Eckert.
Mr. Seidman has been a steadfast advocate for economic growth and construction activity in Orange County and the broader Hudson Valley region. Since 2009, he has served as executive director of the CCA, playing a pivotal role in advancing the construction industry and fostering opportunities for skilled labor. As the longest-serving Board Member of the Orange County Partnership, with an impressive 19-year tenure, Mr. Seidman has been instrumental in driving major development projects that have shaped the region’s economic landscape. Mr. Seidman previously served as chairman of the Orange County Legislature.
Ms. Halahan, who retired after a 24-year tenure with the Orange County Partnership, has been a transformational leader in economic development. As the longest-serving president & CEO of the organization, she has successfully attracted, retained, and expanded major businesses in Orange County, securing its reputation as a premier destination for industry and investment. Under Ms. Halahan’s leadership, the Partnership has played a crucial role in shaping the county’s business environment, securing vital infrastructure, and positioning the region for sustained economic success.
“Alan and Maureen’s unwavering dedication to economic development has positively impacted everyone in Orange County,” said Melissa Cobuzzi, board chair of the Orange County Partnership. “Alan has been a tireless champion for growing the construction workforce, helping to create high-quality job opportunities across the region. Maureen’s inspiring leadership has propelled Orange County forward, attracting top-tier businesses, developers, and attractions that fuel a thriving and dynamic economy. We are proud to honor their incredible contributions to the community we proudly call home at this year’s MVP event.”
Amanda Lefton New NYSDEC Commissioner
ALBANY—New York Gov. Kathy Hochul on May 30 announced the confirmation of three members of her cabinet, including Amanda Lefton as commissioner of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
Ms. Lefton was confirmed by the NYS Senate on May 28 and had been serving as acting commissioner since February 2025.
Commissioner Lefton stated, “Despite strong headwinds in Washington, Gov. Hochul is delivering time and time again and proving that our environment and economy are inextricably linked. With strong leadership at the state level, we will continue to take the reins to protect our environment and public health, support equity and inclusivity, invest in our communities, advance sustainable development, and rebuild trust in government… With great challenge comes enormous opportunity. Time is of the essence. I’m ready to get to work.”
Commissioner Lefton’s diverse career spans the public and private sectors, including previously serving as the Director of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) within the Department of the Interior.
Under her leadership, BOEM developed and implemented an ambitious federal offshore wind program creating a new industry of family supporting jobs and generational opportunity. Prior to her role as BOEM Director, Ms. Lefton served as the first assistant secretary for Energy and Environment for New York, where she led the state’s environmental and climate initiatives overseeing a portfolio of executive agencies including the DEC. She has also worked for The Nature Conservancy in New York as the deputy policy director and climate mitigation lead, the Rochester Regional Joint Board of Workers United and the New York State Assembly and New York State Senate. She came to the DEC from RWE, one of the world’s leading players in the offshore wind sector, where she was the vice president of Offshore Development, U.S. East.
Published: June 19, 2025.