SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh knows what he will be doing once his term as mayor ends in a few weeks. The New York Power Authority (NYPA) has hired Walsh as the next director of the New York State Canal Corporation, the office of Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Monday. He will succeed outgoing Canal Corporation […]
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh knows what he will be doing once his term as mayor ends in a few weeks.
The New York Power Authority (NYPA) has hired Walsh as the next director of the New York State Canal Corporation, the office of Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Monday. He will succeed outgoing Canal Corporation Director Brian Stratton, who will retire at the end of December.
Stratton was appointed to the position in April 2011 and guided the organization through several important milestones, culminating in the recent commemoration of the Erie Canal’s bicentennial.
Walsh, age 46, is the 54th mayor of the City of Syracuse. The independent has served as mayor since Jan. 1, 2018 and will complete his second and final four-year term in office at the end of this month.
In his time as mayor, Walsh launched Syracuse Surge, making the city New York’s “Flagship Smart City.” He also expanded affordable housing through the Resurgent Neighborhoods Initiative, and created Syracuse Build to prepare residents for careers tied to the Interstate 81 reconstruction, per the state’s announcement.
He also guided the city through the COVID-19 pandemic and coordinated the allocation of $123 million in federal relief funds.
“I am pleased to welcome Ben Walsh to the Canal Corporation as we chart the next century for the organization. His experience guiding transformative projects in Syracuse demonstrates a pragmatic approach to economic development, stakeholder collaboration, and long-term sustainability,” Justin Driscoll, president and CEO of NYPA, said. “As we continue to revitalize the Canals to drive recreation, tourism, and economic growth, Mayor Walsh’s vision and expertise will be invaluable in ensuring that this historic system remains a source of pride for New York State.”
Described as an “outdoor enthusiast and lifelong New Yorker,” Walsh holds an MPA (Master of Public Administration) from the Maxwell School of Citizenship & Public Affairs at Syracuse University and is a graduate of Ithaca College.
