City of Peekskill IDA Appoints New Board Member

The City of Peekskill is pleased to announce the appointment of Juliene Bell-Smith to the Peekskill Industrial Development Agency (PIDA) Board of Directors. The Industrial Development Agency is an active special purpose Peekskill governmental agency offering financial incentives to economic development projects that strengthen Peekskill’s economy through job creation and workforce development, enhancing the social and economic fabric of the community.

Having moved to Peekskill five years ago, Juliene Bell-Smith sought membership on the PIDA Board of Directors to become more involved in her community. “I have worked as a Job Developer in Yonkers for over a decade, helping hundreds of adults obtain gainful employment,” she shared. “I see the Peekskill IDA as a vehicle for supporting the economic structure of this city – it has and continues to provide opportunities that offer upward economic mobility to its residents.”

A Job Development Specialist at SUNY Westchester Community College, Bell-Smith provides job placement assistance to all vocational students. She regularly hosts employment seminar workshops, spearheads recruitment events, establishes partnerships with local social service agencies, and connects students with various community-based organizations for additional resources.

Bell-Smith continued, “Workforce development aims to balance the level of socioeconomic disparities that exist within Peekskill and surrounding communities. I’m eager to work with the other members, and excited about future developments within this great city!”

“We are thrilled to welcome Juliene to the Peekskill IDA Board,” said PIDA Chairperson Deborah Post. “Our mission is to promote development that results in the creation of job opportunities in the City of Peekskill. Juliene’s experience in the field of workforce development is particularly relevant and makes her an ideal fit. We very much look forward to her insights and input.”

“I am very pleased to be working with the Peekskill IDA’s newly appointed Board Member Juliene Bell-Smith,” said PIDA Executive Director Matthew Rudikoff. “Her expertise in workforce development will be of great value to the IDA as we continue to assist economic development projects in Peekskill and realize jobs benefits – not only in permanent jobs created, but also in creating opportunities for young people to learn workforce skills during the development and operation of projects that can benefit them during their careers.”

Bell-Smith holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from CUNY Hunter College and a Master of Arts in Work & Labor Policy from SUNY Empire State. She is a member of the National Council for Workforce Education and the Coalition on Adult Basic Education.

For the latest news and updates, visit the City of Peekskill online at www.cityofpeekskill.com and follow @PeekskillGov on Facebook.

About the City of Peekskill

The City of Peekskill is a thriving, historic community located on the banks of the Hudson River. Just under one hour north of New York City, Peekskill is culturally and economically vibrant with abundant natural resources due to its location on the river and at the gateway to the Hudson Highlands. The waterfront, with over three miles of continuous parkland, is a regional destination with a variety of active and passive recreation, as well as breathtaking views of the Hudson River. While Peekskill’s waterfront parks, walking trails and dog park remain open during the coronavirus pandemic, guidelines for social distancing are enforced. The downtown area features an array of dining establishments currently offering take out, curbside pickup or delivery. The City recently passed a local ordinance allowing for free 15 minute parking in front of restaurants exclusively for the pick up of food and beverages. Home to a growing arts community, Peekskill is also a hub for new-generation technology and multimedia. For more information, visit www.cityofpeekskill.com.

http://www.cityofpeekskill.com – City of Peekskill