Bronx, NY – Today, Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson announces her appointment of Robert Walsh as the interim President of the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation (BOEDC). Working with the Borough President and her leadership team, Rob 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 (SBS), 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.”
“As a proud NYC SBS alum, I am excited and energized to be working alongside Rob Walsh. We are both passionate and deeply committed to the growth and prosperity of our small business community in the Bronx” said Deputy Borough President Janet Peguero. “Together, we will work to ensure that the Bronx is first and never last in accessing capital Our borough is experiencing a renaissance as we welcome new industries and investments. Now more than ever, it is crucial for our economic development organizations to lead the conversation as we rewrite and own our narrative of resiliency. I know that together we will accomplish a great deal and bring back the resources that our small businesses and the residents of the Bronx rightfully deserve”.
“Rob Walsh is a small business guru, bringing with him years of experience from his time as the former New York City Commissioner for Small Business Services,” said Rafael Roger, Executive Director, of Business Initiative Corporation of New York. “I am looking forward to working with Rob to help build our capacity here at BOEDC. His knowledge of New York businesses will help us bring vital resources back to the Bronx to better serve our small business community.”
“It is truly an honor to be working with Borough President Gibson, her dynamic team, and the BOEDC Board,” said Robert Walsh, President, of Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation. “With all the growth taking place in The Bronx, there is a tremendous opportunity to forge more partnerships and build out one of the premier economic development organizations in the City.”
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.