Randy Wolken, MACNY

Economic Perspective on Central New York: Looking Forward

President Wolken sits on the Regional Economic Development Council for Central New York and leads the largest manufacturing association in New York State.  He will share his perspective on the economic trends and workforce developments affecting Central New York human resource professionals.  He will speak about the role of advanced manufacturing as an critical sector in the region, and detail how business, government, and educational institutions can work together to impact our economic future.  He will offer his thoughts on how human resource professions can participate in shaping the agenda and contribute their expertise in moving us forward.

Biography;

Randy Wolken is the president of MACNY, the Manufacturers Association of Central New York, which serves approximately 330 companies with 55,000 employees in twenty-county region in Upstate New York.  He is also president of the recently formed Manufacturers Alliance of New York, which is a coalition of manufacturing groups representing over 1,500 companies in 47 counties in New York State. 

Mr. Wolken joined MACNY in 2001 and has dedicated the past 12 years to improving the business climate in Upstate New York.  Prior to joining MACNY, Wolken served as the executive director of the Samaritan Center, a non-profit organization responsible for serving people in need of meals, referral services and job training.  From 1991 to 1998, Randy worked as a senior budget analyst in the Division of Management and Budget for Onondaga County Government, in Syracuse, NY.  Randy also spent four years as an officer on active duty at both Griffis Air Force Base and Fort Drum. 

Mr. Wolken holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and a Masters in Public Administration degree from Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University.  He is a graduate of Leadership Greater Syracuse (Class of 2000). He is also the recipient of two Army Commendation Medals, the Lawler Leadership Award from Catholic Charities and the Syracuse 40 under 40 Award.