Schenectady County Community College Selects Executive Director for Workforce Development

Denise Zieske comes to SCCC from Tech Valley High School, Center for Economic Growth; Appointment resolution passed at Monday’s Board of Trustees meeting

SCHENECTADY – Schenectady County Community College (SCCC) has selected Denise Zieske for the position of Executive Director for Workforce Development. A resolution to appoint Zieske was passed by the SCCC Board of Trustees at Monday night’s meeting.

Zieske comes to SCCC from her previous position as Business Partnership Coordinator at Tech Valley High School in Albany. She has more than 20 years of experience in economic development, having worked in the field at the Center for Economic Growth (CEG), Albany International Airport, National Grid and the Capital Region Chamber of Commerce (formerly the Albany-Colonie Chamber of Commerce).

“We are thrilled to have Denise join us at Schenectady County Community College,” said President Dr. Steady H. Moono. “Denise’s credentials and work experience make her a perfect fit for this position. I know she is the right person to build upon the tremendous positive progress that has been made at our institution in the area of economic development, and to help future students be even better prepared for the workforce.”

“I’m looking forward to overseeing Schenectady County Community College’s START-UP NY program, the Health Professional Opportunity Grant program and other impactful initiatives, as well as creating and growing opportunities at the SCCC Albany extension site,” said Zieske. “It is extremely exciting to be part of the resurgence of Schenectady County and have the opportunity to build upon the growth and successes that are happening here every day.”

“Denise brings considerable experience and vision to the position of Executive Director for Workforce Development,“ said SCCC Board of Trustees Chair Ann Fleming Brown. “This is an extremely important position, since all of us at SCCC put a great emphasis on workforce development. We are confident that she is will help us continue to break new ground and set the bar high into the future.”

“Denise Zieske has exactly the right experience and vision to lead the workforce development department at SCCC,” said Schenectady County Legislature Chair Anthony Jasenski. “We are looking forward to working with her to attract more businesses to Schenectady County as part of our START-UP NY program, and for supplying those businesses and existing enterprises with a trained, local workforce.”

Zieske’s first day at SCCC will be December 1. She was preceded by Mathew Grattan, who is now Director of Community and Economic Development at the University of Albany.

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About Schenectady County Community College: One of the 30 community colleges in the State University of New York system, the nation’s largest comprehensive system of higher education, Schenectady County Community College (SCCC) in upstate New York enrolls more than 7,000 students. SCCC offers more than 45 career degree, transfer degree and certificate programs. The College opened its doors for classes in 1969 and continues to provide affordable comprehensive higher education and adult educational opportunities in response to local educational needs. To learn more, visit www.sunysccc.edu.