Albany County confirms Ann Marie Salmon as Director of Economic Development, Conservation and Planning

The Albany County Legislature confirmed Ann Marie Salmon as Director of Economic Development, Conservation and Planning following a presentation by county staff and questions from legislators.

Cameron, Director of Policy for the County Executive’s Office, told the Legislature the chartered position is "separate and distinct from the Alliance," and that the director would coordinate with the Alliance rather than replace it. "The alliance will continue to serve as the lead on economic development," Cameron said, while the appointed director would prioritize planning, conservation and sustainability.

Ann Marie Salmon described her background in public administration and fiscal management. She told the Legislature she had managed a $225 million operating budget and a $245 million capital plan in a previous municipal role and helped oversee distribution of ARPA funds, saying she would bring a "collaborative and results driven approach" to the county position. "If confirmed, I would bring that same collaborative and results driven approach to this role," Salmon said.

Legislators asked about priorities for the role and how the director would work with the Alliance and the private sector. Salmon said her initial approach would be to listen and meet with county staff and stakeholders to identify priorities, strengthen internal capacity and align planning with capital management. Cameron and other supporters said the county needs to "build up the muscle internally" in planning to handle a larger project portfolio and to make sustainability a higher priority in development decisions.

Several legislators emphasized the distinct functions of the Alliance and the county director. Cameron said the county previously functioned with a combined or interim arrangement and the new appointment restores a separate charter role focused on planning and conservation. He and others named Kevin O'Connor and Laura De Catano as Alliance or related staff with whom the director would coordinate.

A motion to confirm Salmon was made and seconded; the presiding officer called for those in favor and declared the appointment approved. The transcript records the ayes and the presiding officer's declaration that the appointment was carried; individual roll-call votes were not recorded in the transcript.

During the discussion, a legislator asked Salmon whether she had private-sector business experience relevant to economic development. Salmon said she had earlier-career experience in a real estate group at Lazard Freres and cited that work as part of her background in real estate and private-sector relationships.

Supporters said Salmon—s fiscal-management experience and background in sustainability projects — including overseeing a $29 million LED street-light conversion and a climate action plan update — would help the county coordinate economic development with planning and conservation goals.