Juliene Bell-Smith Appointed to Peekskill IDA

PEEKSKILL – The City of Peekskill is pleased to announce the appointment of Juliene Bell-Smith to the Peekskill Industrial Development Agency (PIDA) Board of Directors. The Industrial Development Agency is an active special purpose Peekskill governmental agency offering financial incentives to economic development projects that strengthen Peekskill’s economy through job creation and workforce development, enhancing the social and economic fabric of the community.

Having moved to Peekskill five years ago, Juliene Bell-Smith sought membership on the PIDA Board of Directors to become more involved in her community. “I have worked as a Job Developer in Yonkers for over a decade, helping hundreds of adults obtain gainful employment,” she shared. “I see the Peekskill IDA as a vehicle for supporting the economic structure of this city – it has and continues to provide opportunities that offer upward economic mobility to its residents.”

A Job Development Specialist at SUNY Westchester Community College, Bell-Smith provides job placement assistance to all vocational students. She regularly hosts employment seminar workshops, spearheads recruitment events, establishes partnerships with local social service agencies, and connects students with various community-based organizations for additional resources.

Bell-Smith continued, “Workforce development aims to balance the level of socioeconomic disparities that exist within Peekskill and surrounding communities. I’m eager to work with the other members, and excited about future developments within this great city!”
“We are thrilled to welcome Juliene to the Peekskill IDA Board,” said PIDA Chairperson Deborah Post. “Our mission is to promote development that results in the creation of job opportunities in the City of Peekskill. Juliene’s experience in the field of workforce development is particularly relevant and makes her an ideal fit. We very much look forward to her insights and input.”

“I am very pleased to be working with the Peekskill IDA’s newly appointed Board Member Juliene Bell-Smith,” said PIDA Executive Director Matthew Rudikoff. “Her expertise in workforce development will be of great value to the IDA as we continue to assist economic development projects in Peekskill and realize jobs benefits – not only in permanent jobs created, but also in creating opportunities for young people to learn workforce skills during the development and operation of projects that can benefit them during their careers.”

Bell-Smith holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from CUNY