Center for the Arts

Executive Director

Before this appointment, Brendan was most recently the Director of Community and Economic Development at The Agency, a local development corporation that serves as the IDA and BDC equivalent in Broome County, NY.  In his time at The Agency, he helped secure nearly $2 million in state and federal grants to help small businesses and prepare development sites to become shovel ready. He has also assisted the Local Planning Committee at the Village of Johnson City in their Downtown Revitalization Award.

Brendan also previously served the Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce as Director of Government Relations, and he currently sits on the Board and serves as the Treasurer for the Rural Health Network of South-Central New York.
Brendan enjoys spending time with his wife and young children and doing many activities geared toward his growing family.

CFO/Economic Development Specialist

Karen Niday began working for the Cortland County Business Development Corporation and the Cortland County Industrial Development Agency in 2001 as Chief Financial Officer and Director of Project Development. Her role as Director of Project Development has included the formation and coordination of the Cortland County Empire Zone Program as well as assisting the organizations with the management of economic development resources for Cortland County business development.

Prior to joining the BDC/IDA as an employee, Karen worked with the two agencies as a private contractor providing bookkeeping and accounting services since 1993.  With a background in accounting/finance, her prior experience included working with Galileo Corp, an electro optics firm located in Sturbridge Mass in the executive offices serving as an assistant to the President of Sales, and as an assistant to the controller for Clenet Coachworks, a custom car manufacturer located in Southern California.

Upon moving to Central NY in 1987, she has been very involved with several not-for-profit organizations serving as a board member, treasurer and on numerous committees. In 2009 she was presented with the Andy Sonnek Memorial Award from the Cortland County United Way for her time and dedication to the organization.

Karen and her husband Tim currently reside in Tully NY.

Economic Development/Community Relations Specialist

Prior to his appointment as Clerk to the Legislature Eric was the News Director of local radio station WXHC based in Homer. Eric started his career in journalism in 2001 working for Eagle Broadcasting.
Eric is a lifelong resident of Cortland County, he has spent several years serving in various service and volunteer organizations including the Homer American Legon, Chairman of the Homer Winterfest, and the County traffic Safety Board.

Eric currently serves as the President of the Cortland County Convention & Visitor’s Bureau Board of Directors.

Eric enjoys outdoor recreation activities including skiing, kayaking, and time with family and friends. He lives in the Village of Homer.