Long Island City Partnership President and Long Island City Business Improvement District Executive Director, Elizabeth Lusskin, Departing Role After Eight and a Half Years of Service
Search firm engaged to find successor to steward leading development organization for one of the city’s fastest growing neighborhoods
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Sierra Brown | sbrown@licpartnership.org | (718) 705-9941
Long Island City, New York (May, 19 2022) – Long Island City Partnership (LICP), the neighborhood development organization for Long Island City (LIC), recently announced the upcoming departure of its long-time president, Elizabeth Lusskin, who also serves as the executive director of the Long Island City Business Improvement District (LIC BID), which is managed by LICP. Ms. Lusskin, a recognized leader in New York City’s public service community, joined LICP in October 2013, transforming the organization through a variety of successful programs, initiatives and events. Her efforts to promote the neighborhood's industrial, commercial, residential, tech, social service and cultural assets have aided in LIC becoming one of the most heralded mixed-use communities in the country.
“Getting to lead LICP and the LIC BID during this pivotal period in the history of LIC has been the greatest honor,” said Ms. Lusskin, who departs LICP for Empire State Development (ESD), where she will serve as the organization’s executive vice president of small business and technology development. “This is a truly fabulous community, encompassing everything a true ‘city’ would require — from industry to culture to residential — and a diversity of people, sectors, and community leadership that is unparalleled. We have a first-rate, mission driven staff and highly engaged boards of directors. I am so proud of all we have accomplished over the last eight years, both as a neighborhood and as an organization, and I can’t wait to see what comes next for both.”
During her tenure, the organization expanded its focus, staff and services to serve one of the fastest growing neighborhoods in the U.S., and one that is among the most productive in New York State. This included expanding the LIC BID to more than double its size and adding vibrant plantings throughout. LICP’s core business assistance operation has grown to serve hundreds of local businesses, most intensively during COVID. LICP also produced and funded the LIC Comprehensive Plan Phase 1 Report and LIC Life Science Feasibility Study; commissioned and produced a dozen public art projects, most with community partners; created and deployed the online platform LIC Local and launched the LIC Gift Card; and integrated all of LICP’s mapping and added vast new functionality.
Additionally, LICP enhanced its marketing, communications, events, HR, finance and accounting operations; diversified its sources of revenue with annual sponsorships and new public and private grants, and doubled its membership. Its business events, including the Real Estate Breakfast and seminars, have become evermore popular, and a variety of new community events were created, including LIC Summit, the Career Open House, LIC Springs!, Celebrate LIC, and the LIC Gala. Through all of this, as well as the experience of the Amazon and Sunnyside Yard processes, LICP strengthened its connections across all areas of the community, expanding beyond its traditional commercial base to include residential, civic and public housing partners.
In addition to her role at LICP, Ms. Lusskin serves as the co-chair of the NYC BID Association and is a member of the Queens Tech Council and NYC Workforce Business Council, among others. She served on economic development transition committees for both Mayor Eric Adams and Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, Jr., and was co-chair of the Sunnyside Yard Master Plan Steering Committee and co-chair of the Amazon Community Advisory Committee Project Plan Committee.
“The Long Island City Partnership has been so fortunate to have Liz Lusskin at its helm during the past decade of unprecedented growth. Liz leaves the LIC community and the organization well positioned for its next great chapter,” said Patricia Dunphy, Senior Vice President, Rockrose and LICP board chair.
"The LIC BID has grown and thrived under the leadership of Liz Lusskin. I have truly enjoyed working with Liz to improve this wonderful neighborhood! Our entire community is grateful for her hard work and creativity, all of which will be put to good use in her next chapter with ESD," said David Brause, President, Brause Realty and LIC BID Chair.
“Liz Lusskin has built and led the LIC Partnership, which I consider the city’s most effective community planning and development organization. She has a keen understanding of how to balance business and community interests and is well prepared to assume a key economic development role in New York State,” said Kathryn Wylde, President & CEO, Partnership for New York City.
“Liz Lusskin’s legacy in Long Island City is one of leadership, innovation and growth. I could not be happier for her as she takes her immense talents to Empire State Development, where she will surely continue to deliver real results for our businesses and our families across the state,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. “Queens is a stronger borough because of Liz’s time with the Long Island City Partnership, and I look forward to our continued partnership as she transitions into her new role at ESD, led by organization president and fellow Queens luminary Hope Knight.”
“Throughout Liz Lusskin’s time at the helm of Long Island City Partnership, she has been a steadfast and dedicated partner in transforming Long Island City to the bustling hub of arts, culture and business it is known as today,” said U.S. Representative Carolyn B. Maloney, New York's 12th Congressional District. “I am thrilled she will be joining Empire State Development as Executive VP for Small Business and Technology Development, and she will bring to New York State the same vision and ingenuity she has brought to Long Island City and Western Queens.”
“Liz Lusskin's dedication to improving not only the business community but all of Long Island City was very successful,” said New York State Assemblymember Catherine Nolan. “Her hard work helped create coalitions that got things done. Improvements to our streets and sidewalks, programs businesses could learn from, and true partnerships with the LIC nonprofit and education communities are hallmarks of her tenure. I appreciated her sense of humor and her work ethic. As a working mother myself, I was always in awe of Liz's ability to make it look easy. My best wishes on her new role in ESD.”
“For close to a decade, Liz has been an invaluable partner in Long Island City and citywide. Under her leadership, LIC Partnership and BID have been crucial to the neighborhood's transformation into a vibrant, mixed-use district,” said Kevin D. Kim, Commissioner, NYC Small Business Services (SBS). “Most recently, Liz served as co-chair of the BID Association and was a strong thought partner in developing new programs and improving how our City functions. We look forward to continuing to work with Liz in her new role at ESD."
"Liz Lusskin's leadership, vision, and tenacity have helped transform Long Island City into a thriving, mixed-use neighborhood and a great place to live, work, play and own a business,” said Thomas Gretch, President & CEO, Queens Chamber of Commerce. “Liz has been a valuable resource to me and my team and a trusted partner in all things Long Island City. While we are sad to see her leave the LIC Partnership, we are thrilled she is joining Empire State Development as Executive VP for Small Business and Technology Development. Her tireless advocacy for small businesses, particularly in the technology sector, make her ideal for this position."
“Liz has been a trailblazer in business development and the overall revitalization of Queens Plaza. I’ve never seen a person as dedicated and enthusiastic as Liz, who organized hundreds of businesses and nonprofits around building a better Queens for everyone,” said Bishop Mitchell Taylor, Co-Founder & CEO, Urban Upbound. “We are proud that the Governor has recognized her unique skills and has given her an opportunity to share them with the entire State. We wish you all the best in your new role and thank you for your support over the years.”
“Liz Lusskin has been a tireless advocate for Long Island City and Queens. As the head of Sunnyside Community Services, I knew I could count on Liz’s support,” said Judith Zangwill, Executive Director, Sunnyside Community Service. “She has championed the causes of the local nonprofits in LIC and made connections to help us further our mission and serve the community. I congratulate Liz on her new role and look forward to future partnerships as she continues to support the small business community.”
“It has been a great honor and pleasure to work with Liz Lusskin in her capacity as leader of the Long Island City Partnership. She has made it a top priority to include the underrepresented communities of Queensbridge and Ravenswood in the transformation of Long Island City, and we have considered it a privilege to join her in that endeavor,” said Christopher Hanway, Executive Director, Riis Settlement. “Everyone here at Riis Settlement will miss Liz’s creative partnership, but we know she will bring that same vision to Empire State Development. I can’t wait to witness and be part of the great things she will do in her new role.”
"As President of the Hunters Point Parks Conservancy, I have had the good fortune of working with Liz over the last 7 years. She has been a great advocate for the Conservancy and for parks in LIC,” Rob Basch, President, Hunters Point Park Conservancy. “Liz's support within the Long Island City business community has been an important factor in the growth of HPPC. While I will miss Liz, I know LIC will never be far from her heart and we can continue to rely on her support whenever needed."
"Liz is a leader to be admired. After working with her on a dozen large events, I have seen her handle stressful situations with grace and professionalism. Her persistence will be missed and we hope to work with her again in the future," said Edjo Wheeler, Executive Director, Culture Lab LIC.
“Liz has been an incredible leader in the transformation of Long Island City into one of New York’s most desirable neighborhoods, and we applaud her accomplishments in turning our shared vision into reality,” said Lisa Reifer, Head of Finance and Treasury, JetBlue. “Her hard work and dedication has positioned LIC as a great place to work, and we are proud to call LIC our home. While we will miss working with her as part of the LIC Partnership, she will be an incredible asset in efforts to advocate for small businesses and technology sector development in our state.”
“Elizabeth Lusskin is a truly inspirational person. Her trusted vision, leadership and persistence has made Long Island City stronger than ever,” said Victor Nair, Owner, Lucky Pizzeria & Cafe Inc. “As a board member of the Long Island City Business Improvement District, I have seen first-hand how her vision has helped small businesses like my own to survive and thrive, especially during the past two years. I'm truly saddened that she is leaving the Partnership and wish her the best at Empire State Development.”
“We are truly grateful for Liz’s tireless devotion to LIC and her dedication to helping all the residents, businesses and organizations that make LIC such a special place,” said Tom Powell, Director of Business Development, Boyce Technologies. “We look forward to working with Liz at ESD, specifically in the technology development area. Having Liz as the focused executive at ESD in the small, emerging businesses and in the tech sector is exciting for us at Boyce Technologies.”
"It was wonderful working with Elizabeth Lusskin, not just through the pandemic, where she was a leader in such a difficult and hard time for the local community and business, but also in building the BID in LIC,” said Gianna Cerbone-Teoli, Chef and Owner, Manducatis Rustica. “She was an incredible advocate for us and that showed in how she cared, and listened to the concerns of small business owners in LIC and worked to improve and build bridges for the community's benefit and successes. I am excited for her next chapter and she will be a great asset to Empire State Development."
“Liz Lusskin has been a tireless promoter, sponsor and visionary for Long Island City in her role as president of the Long Island City Partnership, and has made a material contribution to the renaissance that has taken place there since she took office in 2013,” said John Cunningham, Executive Vice President and Regional Director – New York City, Alexandria Real Estate Equities. “When Alexandria Real Estate Equities first expressed interest in establishing a presence in LIC to answer the City’s call for more affordable space for the nascent and emerging life science ecosystem, Liz immediately jumped on board to help. Her efforts have helped to grow multiple industries, provide new, modern housing in state-of-the-art facilities and even attract major new employers, all while being sensitive to the needs and environment for residents and businesses that have been in the community for a long time. Very sad to see her leave, but excited that she will now be able to apply her talents, enthusiasm and passion state-wide.”
“Liz played a key role in re-positioning Long Island City as a live, work, play neighborhood. She worked tirelessly to transform Long Island City from a predominantly manufacturing district into a thriving mixed-use, destination neighborhood,” said Tracy Capune, Vice President, Kaufman Astoria. “Liz led the charge to bolster LIC’s rich arts and culture scene, to support its small businesses and to attract new technology companies and new residents. I wish her the very best in her new role.”
"As a nearly 20 year resident of Long Island City and a proud member of the LIC Partnership, I want to thank Liz Lusskin for her incredible leadership and service to our neighborhood. During her tenure, Liz has served as a bridge builder and visionary and led with a focus on inclusivity, community and results. Under her stewardship, the Partnership has grown into a true citywide force, " said Debra-Ellen Glickstein, Executive Director, NYC Kids RISE. "While she will be deeply missed, we are thrilled that she will continue to lead and be a champion for both Long Island City and equitable economic and community development at Empire State Development."
"Liz Lusskin has been a powerful advocate and friend to the business and residential communities of LIC. She has demonstrated the power of working together to improve the health and vitality of a neighborhood," said Jonathan Forgash, Founder and Executive Director, Queens Together. "We are excited to see what she will accomplish next as the new Executive VP for Small Business and Technology Development for Empire State Development."
In her forthcoming role at ESD, Ms. Lusskin will direct a large portfolio of grant, loan and incentive programs. She will report to its newly appointed president, Hope Knight, who also has strong ties to the Queens community, most recently serving as the president and CEO of the Greater Jamaica Development Corporation.
“We look forward to Liz joining the team at ESD, and we are excited that she will bring her record of success in community development and achievement for small businesses from Long Island City to the entire State,” said Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Hope Knight. “Small businesses are the critical backbone of New York's economy, and ESD is laser-focused on providing the support and programs they need to thrive.”
Ms. Lusskin’s last day with LICP is May 24 and she will assume her role at ESD as its executive vice president of small business and technology development on June 1. The LICP board will govern the organization until a successor is identified; a start date is expected this summer.
Leading nonprofit and public service executive search firm Harris Rand Lusk has been hired to help identify a successor. A full description of the role can be viewed here. More information on LICP can be found at LICQNS.com.
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About Long Island City Partnership:
Long Island City Partnership (LICP) is the neighborhood development organization for Long Island City. LICP’s mission is to advocate for economic development that benefits the area’s industrial, commercial, tech, cultural, tourism, and residential sectors. The goal is to attract new businesses to LIC, retain those already here, welcome new residents and visitors, and promote a vibrant and authentic mixed-use community. LICP also operates the LIC Business Improvement District and LIC Industrial Business Zone (LIC IBZ), providing business services and assistance.
About The Long Island City Business Improvement District:
The Long Island City Business Improvement District (LIC BID) serves a diverse and growing community. Created in 2005, the original LIC BID encompassed the commercial corridors along Queens Plaza and Jackson Avenue to Court Square. In 2017 the BID expanded to include the commercial corridors continuing along Jackson Avenue, Vernon Boulevard, and 44th Drive. Managed by the Long Island City Partnership, the BID provides supplementary sanitation, horticulture and visitor services within the District, and carries out community development and marketing initiatives that benefit the neighborhood.