Oros Named New Director Of Economic Development

George Oros, the new Director of Economic Development for Westchester County, handed HGAR Chief Executive Officer Richard Haggerty a proclamation from county government in recognition of the official opening HGAR's new headquarters offices at One Maple Ave. in White Plains

WHITE PLAINS—Westchester County Executive Robert P. Astorino announced recently the appointment of George Oros as the new Director of Economic Development. Phil Oliva, the Deputy Director of Communications, succeeded Oros as Chief of Staff. Both appointments were effective March 13.

William Mooney III, the current director of Economic Development, announced last month that he was leaving the post in March to take a position in the private sector with Signature Bank. Mooney has been with the Astorino administration since 2010.

“While we are sorry to see Billy leave our county team, I want to take this opportunity to thank him for his commitment and dedicated service and wish him success and happiness in his future endeavors,” Astorino said.

As Director of Economic Development and Special Adviser to the County Executive, Oros will oversee all of the traditional management responsibilities for the Office of Economic Development, the Industrial Development Agency, and the Local Development Corporation. He will also continue to be part of the senior level staff that advises the County Executive and will work on select initiatives and policy matters, such as the public-private partnership proposed for Westchester County Airport, the federal Affordable Housing Settlement, the closing of Indian Point and other projects.

As Chief of Staff, Oliva will oversee the legislative agenda for Westchester at the federal, state and county levels. He will also coordinate intergovernmental relations with municipalities and supervise constituent services.

Prior to joining the administration as Chief of Staff when Astorino took office in January 2010, Oros served 14 years as a County Legislator, including being elected Board Chairman and Minority Leader. A lawyer by training, Oros had a private law practice for more than 25 years. He is a graduate of Pace Law School and Pace University, where he obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, majoring in marketing.