LDCENY announces THE PROMOTION OF WILLIAM WILKINS TO EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
"I'm excited about embracing the LDCENY mission of Growing businesses, Changing lives, and Strengthening the community."
As we begin 2023 and embark on a new year and new beginnings, we are excited to announce new leadership for the Local Development Corporation of East New York (LDCENY). William Wilkins, formerly the Director of Economic Development and Housing, is now the new Executive Director of LDCENY. He graciously stepped in as the interim Executive Director for the last few months. Effective immediately, he will be the official Local Development Corporation of East New York (LDCENY) Executive Director.
Mr. Wilkins brings over two decades of experience to his new position. Born and raised in Brooklyn, he is enthusiastically engaged and emotionally invested in making the greatest impact he can to his beloved community. He believes the foundation starts with economic empowerment and individual ownership, which ultimately provide financial independence.
In his former position, he expanded the East Brooklyn Empire Zone via legislation on the local and state level to include Canarsie and the Biotech Center at Downstate. This action caused significant capital investment and employment growth to take place.
During his previous tenure, he managed programs for city, state and federal governments aimed at fostering growth for local manufacturers and small businesses, "Jam deeply passionate about serving the underserved and working with at-risk communities. I have assisted businesses to secure over $175 million dollars in capital investment, obtained over $35 million dollars in tax incentives, purchase over 350,000 square feet of land and create over 700 jobs. While those are great strides, I feel there is so much more to do and I'm ready to do whatever I can to reduce the unemployment rate and bring East New York to new heights. "
As Director of Housing, he was responsible for the development of over 600 units of affordable housing including Livonia Phase Two (12) - 240 units, Van Sindarin Plaza - 130 units, Eldert Lane - 134 units, and Broadway Triangle Plaza - 108 units which are under construction.
Mr. Wilkins is hopeful about what he and the LDCENY team can do to shift the economic paradigm in East New York in a positive direction. The first order of business is to create a suite of services that focus on workforce development, financial literacy and MWBE procurement. The second is to reestablish funding from both city and state levels as well as create a pipeline of support from the private sector with the assistance of foundations. Lastly, to further support the East New York community, he aims to create a loan fund specifically for area businesses.
Mr. Wilkins is a changemaker and thoroughly embraces his new role as Executive Director. "I'm a Brooklynite; I don't shy away from challenges. The LDCENY team and I are ready to make East New York a thriving and financially prosperous community that supports small businesses and attracts new businesses," he says.
The Local Development Corporation of East New York has been in service to the East Brooklyn community for over 43 years, as the new Executive Director William Wilkins is ready to restore, refresh and reinvigorate a hearted and storied organization to greatness. We are excited to welcome him and his team and look forward to a bright future for East New York!
As we begin 2023 and embark on a new year and new beginnings, we are excited to announce new leadership for the Local Development Corporation of East New York (LDCENY). William Wilkins, formerly the Director of Economic Development and Housing, is now the new Executive Director of LDCENY. He graciously stepped in as the interim Executive Director for the last few months. Effective immediately, he will be the official Local Development Corporation of East New York (LDCENY) Executive Director.
Mr. Wilkins brings over two decades of experience to his new position. Born and raised in Brooklyn, he is enthusiastically engaged and emotionally invested in making the greatest impact he can to his beloved community. He believes the foundation starts with economic empowerment and individual ownership, which ultimately provide financial independence.
In his former position, he expanded the East Brooklyn Empire Zone via legislation on the local and state level to include Canarsie and the Biotech Center at Downstate. This action caused significant capital investment and employment growth to take place.
During his previous tenure, he managed programs for city, state and federal governments aimed at fostering growth for local manufacturers and small businesses, "Jam deeply passionate about serving the underserved and working with at-risk communities. I have assisted businesses to secure over $175 million dollars in capital investment, obtained over $35 million dollars in tax incentives, purchase over 350,000 square feet of land and create over 700 jobs. While those are great strides, I feel there is so much more to do and I'm ready to do whatever I can to reduce the unemployment rate and bring East New York to new heights. "
As Director of Housing, he was responsible for the development of over 600 units of affordable housing including Livonia Phase Two (12) - 240 units, Van Sindarin Plaza - 130 units, Eldert Lane - 134 units, and Broadway Triangle Plaza - 108 units which are under construction.
Mr. Wilkins is hopeful about what he and the LDCENY team can do to shift the economic paradigm in East New York in a positive direction. The first order of business is to create a suite of services that focus on workforce development, financial literacy and MWBE procurement. The second is to reestablish funding from both city and state levels as well as create a pipeline of support from the private sector with the assistance of foundations. Lastly, to further support the East New York community, he aims to create a loan fund specifically for area businesses.
Mr. Wilkins is a changemaker and thoroughly embraces his new role as Executive Director. "I'm a Brooklynite; I don't shy away from challenges. The LDCENY team and I are ready to make East New York a thriving and financially prosperous community that supports small businesses and attracts new businesses," he says.
The Local Development Corporation of East New York has been in service to the East Brooklyn community for over 43 years, as the new Executive Director William Wilkins is ready to restore, refresh and reinvigorate a hearted and storied organization to greatness. We are excited to welcome him and his team and look forward to a bright future for East New York!
