Successful CEO Retires in Western New York

Steve Hyde, the long-time president and CEO of the Genesee County Economic Development Corp., has announced his retirement.

Hyde announced his retirement - effective at the end of July - during the GCEDC’s annual meeting. No replacement has been named, but an executive-level search will begin soon, officials said.

“This is the end of the race for me, but it is not the end of the race for Genesee County,” Hyde said.

Hyde has led the Genesee County agency for 22 years, coming over from the private sector where he worked for such companies as Xerox and Rochester-based ResMed Corp.

“My and our (the GCEDC) true north vision was to create new jobs for Genesee County residents and their children,” Hyde said.

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His strategy worked. In a big way.

Under his leadership, the GCEDC has helped foster more than $2 billion in private-sector investment while creating a diverse range of more than 5,000 jobs. Companies that have invested in Genesee County during Hyde’s include H.P. Hood, Edwards Vacuum, Plug Power, and Upstate Niagara Cooperative Inc.

Hyde’s success?

Being, at times, a development risk taker.

“Sometimes you have to jump and grow wings,” Hyde said.

Hyde has drawn praise from the private sector for his tireless efforts.

“No project was too big,” said Charles Cook, Liberty Pumps CEO. “Steve is comprehensive and creative."