F.O.C.U.S. Greater Syracuse names Keib as new executive director

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — The board of directors of F.O.C.U.S. Greater Syracuse has named James Keib of Liverpool as its next executive director.

Keib will succeed Charlotte (Chuckie) Holstein in that position. Holstein retired from the post on April 28.

The organization’s succession committee had recommended Keib to the board of directors, according to an email that F.O.C.U.S. sent to members on Tuesday.

The board also has named Holstein as executive director emeritus.

F.O.C.U.S. Greater Syracuse, co-founded by Holstein and Judith Mower in 1997, is a citizen-driven organization “enabling citizens, organizations, and government to work together to enhance the quality” of life and economic future of Central New York, according to its website.

Keib will take office the week of July 3. Until then, Don Radke, president of the organization’s board of directors, will serve as the acting executive director, he said in the F.O.C.U.S. Greater Syracuse email.

Keib has 30 years of experience in business, government, and management and marketing for nonprofit organizations.

Keib currently serves as executive director of the Liverpool–based Northeast Economic Development Association, an association of economic-development professionals in states from Maine to Maryland.

He previously had served “more than a decade” as director of business development and government affairs for C&S Cos., a Salina–based engineering firm.

In addition, Keib has served on the boards of the Friends of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo, the Erie Canal Museum, Literacy Volunteers, and the Onondaga Historical Association, F.O.C.U.S. Greater Syracuse said.

Holstein, 91, will continue to be an “active citizen trustee.” She has set up a downtown office to pursue projects on her list of “to do” items, saying “she looks forward to seeing the opportunities new leadership brings to the group,” according to the F.O.C.U.S. Greater Syracuse email.

 

Contact Reinhardt at ereinhardt@cnybj.com