Jonathan Drapkin to Step Down in December

NEWBURGH – Suzanne Loughlin, Pattern Board Chair announced, “Our longtime leader, Jonathan Drapkin, will step down from his role as President and CEO at the end of the year, allowing him to explore passions and interests beyond Pattern.”

“Throughout the Hudson Valley and New York State, Jonathan’s insight and guidance was often sought after. With the support of his talented staff, Pattern’s influence was felt in shaping the delivery of government services, the realization of downtown revitalization, understanding regional demographics, housing and so much more,“ Loughlin commented.

Jonathan’s career experience in government and the private sector helped him earn the trust of New York State adminstrations, serving as a member of two commissions focused on the restructuring of local government. Since its inception, he also served on the Executive Committee of the Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council. During the Pandemic he was a member of the Mid-Hudson’s Regional Control Room. Through these engagements, Pattern developed relationships with many county and municipal leaders to support strategic thinking regarding the delivery of government services.

Notable Pattern programs were launched during Jonathan’s tenure, including the Urban Action Agenda to assist municipalities with their pathway forward; the Pattern Fellows, a mid-career training program on regionalism; Community Rebuilders, which assists residents in bringing ideas to fruition on how to better their communities; and the newest program, the Board Institute, which will create a pathway from the community to board service for underrepresented people.

During Jonathan’s tenure, Pattern gained acclaim for its research, publishing reports such as Out of Alignment in 2019 and The Pathway Forward in June 2021. These reports, and dozens of others, helped to spark discussion and debate throughout the Valley on issues most organizations aren’t prepared to tackle but require consideration.

Known for bringing parties together, Jonathan helped create regional dialogs between County Executives, Mid-Hudson Mayors, and Planning commissioners. Most recently, known as the “Job Connection Task Force”, Pattern brought together economic and workforce development leaders to form a regional approach to look at the relationship between economic development and the region’s workforce in the changing post Pandemic world.
“I wish to thank all of the board and staff – past and present – who I have had the privilege to work with. I have always considered being the CEO and President of Pattern to be the best job in the Hudson Valley,” said Drapkin, “I look forward to continuing to be a part of the regional dialogue and I know the Pattern team will continue to do good work for our community.”

Incoming Pattern Board Chair and Vice President of Customer Services and Gas Operations at Central Hudson Anthony Campagiorni commented, “Jonathan always brought a passion for the region and he will be missed. Looking ahead we will build on Jonathan’s legacy, continuing to address and bring visibility to the region’s most pressing issues in order to ensure a growing economy and vibrant quality of life for all of the residents of the Hudson Valley. ”

A search committee of the board has been formed and has begun the process of finding Jonathan’s replacement.