CenterState CEO to implement new leadership, organizational structure in 2023

Ben Sio (PHOTO CREDIT: CENTERSTATE CEO)

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — CenterState CEO plans to implement a new leadership and organizational structure as of Jan. 1, 2023, which resulted from an 18-month “internal process.” CenterState CEO on Sept. 15 announced it has promoted six employees to its newly established corporate leadership team following its “organizational refresh process.”  The group includes Ben Sio, who […]

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SYRACUSE, N.Y. — CenterState CEO plans to implement a new leadership and organizational structure as of Jan. 1, 2023, which resulted from an 18-month “internal process.”

CenterState CEO on Sept. 15 announced it has promoted six employees to its newly established corporate leadership team following its “organizational refresh process.” 

The group includes Ben Sio, who will serve as chief of staff and senior VP of strategy, policy, and planning. 

In addition, Andrew Fish has been named senior VP of member and business experience; Dominic Robinson will serve as senior VP of inclusive growth; Juhanna Rogers is the senior VP of racial equity and social impact; Elle Hanna will serve as senior VP of marketing and communications; and Lori Dietz has been appointed senior VP of administration and human capital. 

In addition to leadership changes, the economic development and chamber of commerce organization says it has developed “eight strategic principles and associated metrics that will support its mission to create a region where businesses thrive, and all people prosper.” 

The newly formed corporate leadership team is responsible for “advancing” the strategic principles. They are business competitiveness, community prosperity, equity, sustainability, continuous improvement, customer service, talent excellence, and brand awareness.

About those promoted

As chief of staff and senior VP of strategy, policy, and planning, Sio will oversee the strategic direction of the organization and “ensure that collective activities are advancing the organization’s mission-based priorities,” CenterState CEO said. He is also

responsible for “building consensus around strategic needs and priorities and managing the change necessary to drive execution.” Sio will also oversee the organization’s policy development and government-affairs activities. He previously was the organization’s chief of staff.

In his role as senior VP of member and business experience, Fish is responsible for organizing and leading how businesses get involved with CenterState CEO. He’ll also manage the entire sales and service system. Additionally, Fish will “drive engagement” with the organization’s programs, services, and initiatives. Fish previously served as senior VP of business development.

As senior VP of inclusive growth, Robinson will be responsible for 

“driving positive impact and outcomes” in the region. In this new role, Robinson will oversee the majority of the organization’s direct programs, services and initiatives, including core areas of business expansion, retention and attraction; business incubation and acceleration (including The Tech Garden); workforce development; community investment and prosperity; and cluster development. Robinson’s former title with the organization was VP of economic inclusion. 

In her role as senior VP of racial equity and social impact, Rogers will work collaboratively across the organization to “develop, monitor, and report on actionable and measurable DEI [diversity, equality, and inclusion] goals, strategies, and metrics.” She’ll also provide leadership for

CenterState CEO’s “commitment externally to enhancing and sustaining diversity, promoting a culture of inclusiveness and advancing cultural competence within the business community, and developing strategic initiatives that contribute to CenterState CEO’s successful engagement of the diverse population it serves.” Rogers previously served as CenterState CEO’s VP of racial equity and social impact. 

As senior VP of marketing and communications, Elle Hanna will manage and grow the organization’s brand recognition and awareness locally, regionally, statewide and nationally. She will serve as the lead communications and marketing officer, spokesperson and media contact, and is responsible for executing the organization’s strategic marketing and communications plan. Hanna’s prior title at CenterState CEO was senior director of communications and media relations. 

As senior VP of administration and human capital, Dietz will oversee the day-to-day administration and operations of the organization, including its human resources, finances and accounting, facilities, technology, and other core functions. Dietz previously was the organization’s VP of operations and compliance, CenterState CEO said.       

Eric Reinhardt: