Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson recently announced the appointment of Robert Walsh as the interim President of the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation. Working with the Borough President and her leadership team, Walsh will be charged with restructuring and reorganizing the economic and workforce organization as well as fostering and developing key strategic partnerships between public and private institutions.
Previously, under the Bloomberg administration, Walsh was appointed Commissioner of the NYC Department of Small Business Services, making it one of the city’s most innovative agencies during his tenure, and led the expansion and growth of business improvement districts city-wide.
“It is an honor to have a committed and dedicated public servant like Rob Walsh join our BOEDC team,” said Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson. “Mr. Walsh brings with him over 12 years of experience as the former NYC Small Business Services Commissioner and many more years leading economic development organizations city-wide and is someone who truly understands the needs of our small business community. As we work towards revitalizing The Bronx and executing our blueprint for the borough, it starts with ensuring our local businesses have the necessary tools to generate economic growth and stability to prosper in today’s economy. I look forward to working with Mr. Walsh and the team at BOEDC to find creative ways to empower, highlight and recognize our small business community.”
Walsh currently teaches at Columbia University, School of Public and International Affairs. His segment “The Bottom Line for Small Business” airs on 1010 WINS Radio where he is also the moderator of the Small Business Challenge which recognizes the work of entrepreneurs in the New York metropolitan area. He is a two-time graduate of Fordham University and served as Senior Advisor to the Manhattan College President.
The mission of BOEDC is to assist existing Bronx-based businesses to grow and to encourage additional businesses to start in or relocate to Bronx County. In fulfilling this mission, BOEDC seeks to maximize employment opportunities for local residents, support businesses with access to capital, navigate government, procurement, site location, and much more.