EXCLUSIVE: Jamaica leader named to guide state’s economic development
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Governor Kathy Hochul charged Greater Jamaica Development Corporation CEO Hope Knight with leading the Department of Economic Development and Empire State Development Thursday. Photo via the NYC City Planning Commission
By Jacob Kaye
Hope Knight, the president and CEO of the Greater Jamaica Development Corporation, is taking her talents statewide to lead New York’s economic development through the pandemic recovery.
Knight was tapped Thursday by Governor Kathy Hochul to serve as the commissioner of the Department of Economic Development and as the president and CEO of Empire State Development.
Knight, who in addition to leading the GJDC, currently serves as a commissioner on the New York City Planning Commission.
“After the devastating impact the pandemic had on New York’s economy, we need the best of the best at the helm to lead our recovery,” Hochul said. “With her extensive experience and diverse background, Hope Knight is ready to lead New York’s economic development in communities and cities across the state and bring our economy back stronger than ever before.”
Knight has been a staple in Jamaica since she started leading the GJDC in 2015. The development corporation has spearheaded beautification efforts in Downtown Jamaica, supported business development and recently started work on a co-working space in the neighborhood.
Queens Borough President Donovan Richards celebrated Knight’s appointment on Thursday.
“Hope Knight is a visionary leader and a champion for not just Jamaica, but for all Queens families,” Richards said in a statement to the Eagle. “Her tireless work spearheading Jamaica’s revitalization pre-pandemic and its recovery post-pandemic has been nothing short of remarkable, and we know for a fact that she will lead both the New York State Department of Economic Development and Empire State Development with vigor and grace.”
“We couldn’t be prouder to call Hope one of our own here in Queens, and we applaud Governor Hochul for such an outstanding appointment,” he added. “The future of New York State’s economy is brighter than ever with Hope at the helm.”
Lamont R. Bailey, the board chairman of the GJDC, said that the organization has promoted Justin Rodgers, who currently serves as managing director of real estate and property management, to serve as its interim president.
“When we selected Hope Knight to lead the Greater Jamaica Development Corporation, we knew she would take the organization to new heights and create tremendous opportunities for the residents and businesses of Southeast Queens. Governor Hochul has the same instincts for the State,” Bailey said. “We could not be more thrilled for Hope — and the people of New York — as the new president and CEO of Empire State Development. We look forward to great things to come.”
Prior to leading GJDC, Knight was the CEO of the Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone. She also previously held a vice president position at Morgan Stanley, inside the financial firm’s Institutional Equities division and in its Strategic Planning and E-Commerce division.
Until she is confirmed by the State Senate, Knight will serve as acting head of the ESD and DED.
ESD is tasked with growing the state’s economy by supporting business investment and job creation through loans, grants, tax credits, real estate development and other forms of business assistance.
Knight declined to comment for this story.
