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Southwestern New York State 
Economic Plan

Charting A Course for Regional Prosperity 2023-2028

Southern Tier West: Southwestern New York's Regional Development Organization

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Southern Tier West’s board is comprised of members from the Seneca Nation, Allegany County, Cattaraugus County and Chautauqua County. STW’s board determines priority EDA and ARC funding projects. A list of staff and board members is on the final page of this plan.

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Staff of STW attend the Foodways film premiere in Olean, NY on April 22, 2023. Left to right: Rachel Grandits, former Program and Diversity Manager; Sarah Swinko, Sustainability Planner; Kimberly LaMendola, Regional Development Coordinator; Dr. Fileve Palmer, Regional Development Specialist; and Richard Zink, Executive Director.

2023-2028
​CEDS COMMITTEE

Rebecca Wurster
Kier Dirlam
Don McCord
Crystal Abers
Don Benson
Richard Zink
Stephanie Beneng

STW STAFF MEMBERS

Richard Zink
Executive Director

Sarah Phearsdorf
Community Assistance Specialist

Kimberly LaMendola
Regional Development Coordinator

Jon Mayr
Clean Energy Communities Coordinator

Fileve Palmer
Regional Development Specialist

Stephanie Beneng
Economic Development Coordinator
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​Sarah Swinko
Community Sustainability Planner

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Southern Tier West Board Members

ALLEGANY COUNTY
Kier Dirlam, Almond, Vice Chairman
Craig Clark, Alfred
Deb Root, Scio
Jerry Scott, Cuba
Carissa Knapp, Belmont

CATTARAUGUS COUNTY
Robert Keis, Mansfield, Secretary
Crystal Abers, South Dayton
Don Benson, Allegany
Charles Couture, West Valley
Norm Marsh, Little Valley

​SENECA NATION
Kortney Keyes, Cattaraugus Territory

​CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY
Don McCord, Jamestown, Chairman
Paul Wendel Jr., Frewsburg
Rebecca Wurster, Mayville
Thomas Harmon, Silver Creek
Willie Rosas, Dunkirk