Elizabeth Lusskin, the longtime president of the Long Island City Partnership, is stepping down from the organization on May 24 (Photo: LinkedIn)
May 20, 2022 By Michael Dorgan
Elizabeth Lusskin, the longtime president of the Long Island City Partnership, is stepping down from the organization on May 24 to take on a new role at a state agency.
Lusskin has led the LIC Partnership since October 2013 and is leaving the organization to become the executive vice president of small business technology development at the Empire State Development.
The Partnership, which promotes business in the area, has not yet named her successor but is conducting a search for her replacement.
The organization is looking to have Lusskin’s successor take over the role this summer and will not fill the vacancy with an interim president in the intervening time, according to a spokesperson for the Partnership.
In a departing statement Thursday, Lusskin said it was the “greatest honor” to lead the organization.
“I am so proud of all we have accomplished over the last eight years both as a neighborhood and as an organization — and I can’t wait to see what comes next for both,” Lusskin said.
“This is a truly fabulous community, encompassing everything a true ‘city’ would require — from industry to culture to residential — and a diversity of people, sectors, and community leadership that is unparalleled.”
Lusskin is also stepping down from her role as executive director of the Long Island City Business Improvement District (LIC BID), which is managed by the LIC Partnership.
She has shepherded the growth of the LIC Partnership and the LIC BID during her tenure. The organization has grown its budget, staff, membership and programming under her leadership at the same time that Long Island City’s influence in the city has grown.
Her achievements were recognized by many local leaders this week including Queens Borough President Donovan Richards and Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney.
“Liz Lusskin’s legacy in Long Island City is one of leadership, innovation and growth,” Richards said in a statement. “Queens is a stronger borough because of Liz’s time with the Long Island City Partnership.”
Maloney echoed those sentiments saying that Lusskin helped transform Long Island City into a bustling hub of arts, culture and business.
“I am thrilled she will be joining Empire State Development… and she will bring to New York State the same vision and ingenuity she has brought to Long Island City and Western Queens,” Maloney said in a statement.
In her new role, Lusskin will work with small businesses across New York State, where she will help them tap into loans, grants and incentive programs. She will also help entrepreneurs develop their businesses, as well as provide technical assistance programs for small business owners.
