Eileen Mildenberger appointed as Executive Director of Weschester County's IDAAn attorney who has promoted economic development statewide will soon be reaching out to local businesses as the new executive director of Westchester County’s Industrial Development Agency (IDA).

Eileen Mildenberger was appointed to the position by the IDA’s Board of Directors effective April 1. She will replace Theresa Waivada, who recently retired and has been staying on as a consultant during the transition.

The IDA offers financial incentives to eligible companies and organizations that need help expanding or relocating as a means of creating or retaining jobs. Through the IDA, businesses can qualify for bonds and exemptions from sales and mortgage recording taxes for certain pre-approved expenditures related to construction, furnishings and equipment.

“This is a key position when it comes to the county’s efforts to retain and attract business,” said County Executive Robert P. Astorino. “Eileen has a track record of experience that Westchester can now draw on to spur economic growth.”

Mildenberger spent 12 years at the Empire State Development Corporation, the last three as chief operating officer. As a senior official, she managed day-to-day operations for the state’s economic development arm, having direct oversight for all key departments in the 500-person agency with a $30 million budget. She also created guidelines and procedures for business assistance programs resulting in economic benefits of more than $100 billion.

IDA Chairman Stephen Hunt said those are all skills that will serve Westchester well. "She is an outstanding manager and we’re happy to have her on board,” Hunt said. “We expect the IDA to move forward under her leadership.”

Laurence Gottlieb, the county’s director of economic development, noted that Mildenberger’s extensive public sector experience – fused with her business acumen – will provide the IDA’s clients with an “exciting, fresh approach to economic development.”

“Whether in government or private enterprise, navigating through tough economic times requires strong leadership, solid management experience and uncovering bold, new solutions for tackling long-term challenges to business growth,” he said.

Mildenberger said she understands the importance of retaining and attracting businesses as well as continually creating opportunities to expand.

“I look forward to working in partnership with the county’s business owners and seeing how we can give them a boost while creating an even healthier economic climate,” she said.