The Wyoming County IDA (WCIDA) is pleased to announce that it has selected Scott Gardner as the new Executive Director of the agency beginning October 27. Gardner was selected following the recent retirement announcement of Executive Director, James Pierce, who has led the organization since 2013. He will step back in his duties, remaining with the agency in an advisory capacity until late November.
Under James Pierce’s leadership, the Wyoming County IDA has accomplished a number of important projects and goals including the Microtel hotel project in Warsaw, the Wyoming County Trans-Loading Rail Initiative facility in Gainesville, and the brownfield cleanup and redevelopment of former environmentally challenged sites like the A & A Metals property in Perry and Robeson site in Castile, as well as the cleanup and remediation project at the former Emkay site in Arcade. He has also recruited several manufacturing companies to the county during his career; resulting in job growth and significant investment into the local economy.
Pierce has been involved in economic development in Wyoming County since 1997, first at the Wyoming County Business Development Corporation, later evolving into the Wyoming Chamber of Commerce in 2000. He also started the Wyoming County Business Center in 2006, and has led that organization until his recently announced retirement.
Through these organizations, James has developed entrepreneurship programs including Wyoming County Fast Track, the Business Accelerator and Business Mentorship programs. He has worked hard on projects and initiatives that have created strong supports for small businesses and expanding manufacturing throughout Wyoming County.
“I have had several careers since graduating from college in 1980, none can measure up to the satisfaction that I have taken in serving the business community of Wyoming County. When you have a passion for a place like Wyoming County, you give it your best to make it even a better place,” said James Pierce. “Now that I have decided to retire, I can look back and know that I helped to make a difference. Thanks to so many people and business leaders for your friendship, the investments you have made, and jobs that you have brought to our great County. I would also like to thank the Board of Directors of the Wyoming County IDA, the Business Assistance Corporation, the Business Center and the Board of Supervisors for their friendship and our great staff for their support over the years.”
“My successor, Scott Gardner, has the same drive and passion for Wyoming County and the business community, so I expect even better things ahead. If you are planning to grow your business, please reach out to Scott for a confidential meeting to identify potential resources to assist your project,” concluded Pierce.
Scott Gardner brings more than 25 years of experience to the position including over 14 years as a Chief of Staff with the NYS Assembly; 12 years as President and CEO of the Wyoming County Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Promotion Agency; and 4 years as an Economic Development Specialist with the Wyoming County IDA. With his professional background in non-profit management, business, and public policy, Scott brings a diverse understanding of government, business, and legal systems that complement his work in both the public and private sector. He also serves as a village trustee in Warsaw, and on boards including the Wyoming Foundation, and GCC Foundation among others.
“I look forward to this new challenge and opportunity to continue serving Wyoming County in a new capacity, and the variety of stakeholders that interact with the Wyoming County IDA on a regular basis,” said Scott Gardner. “From working with the manufacturing community, the agriculture and tourism industry, and fostering entrepreneurs and small businesses, the IDA has a diverse portfolio in its work to expand, sustain, and grow the economy in Wyoming County. I am excited for this new chapter and also sincerely thank James Pierce for his successful service and tenure at the IDA, and his guidance and great mentorship over the years.”
The WCIDA, is a public benefit corporation, with a mission is to encourage and increase private investment that creates new job opportunities, retains and stabilizes the existing employment base, and generates added tax revenues through increased economic activity in Wyoming County. The WCIDA, works alongside its affiliated organizations, the Wyoming County Business Assistance Corporation (WCBAC) and the Wyoming County Business Center, Inc. (WCBC) to provide a host of services that are designed to help small businesses and works with local financial institutions as well as state and federal programs to encourage economic development. For more information visit WyCoIDA.org or call (585) 786-8734.
(27 October 2025)
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