Director of Innovation Tim Weidemann Appointed as the new Director of Economic Development

Director of Economic Development and Former Deputy Director of Tourism Lisa Berger Appointed as the new Director of Tourism 

KINGSTON, NY - County Executive Pat Ryan announced today the appointment of Tim Weidemann to be the new Director of Economic Development and Lisa Berger to be the new Director of Tourism. Weidemann previously worked for the county as a Senior Economic Developer and Assistant Deputy County Executive. Most recently, he served as the first Director of Innovation. Berger, who most recently served as the Director of Economic Development, previously worked as the Director of the Ulster County Office of Employment and Training and the Deputy Director of Tourism.

“Tim Weidemann and Lisa Berger have been tremendous public servants who have worked tirelessly for Ulster County,” County Executive Pat Ryan said. “In my Executive Budget address, I outlined an action plan for creating a sustainable and ‘People-Centered Economy.’ In order to do that it is critical that we can create real synergy between departments like Economic Development, Employment and Training, and Tourism. As we continue to recover from this pandemic, Tim and Lisa will both play central roles in allowing us to grow a more equitable economy.”

“It’s an honor and a pleasure to be part of Team Ulster County, and I’m grateful to County Executive Ryan for putting his faith in me to lead our Economic Development department during these challenging times,” Tim Weidemann said. “More than ever, economic development requires cooperation, and so I look forward to working closely with my colleagues here in the County, our partners in the Legislature, our dynamic business leaders, and passionate community members to build a more prosperous and equitable future for our residents.”

“I am absolutely ecstatic to be returning to my roots,” Lisa Berger said. “I began my service in county government by working with the accomplished and professional business owners in our hospitality and tourism industry. I am thrilled to be back supporting an industry that plays such a vital role in our county’s economy. County Executive Pat Ryan is a strong supporter of the tourism industry. I look forward to working with him to implement a vision of 2040 where agriculture and the outdoors, the abundance of makers and creators, unique spaces and places and world-class accommodations are second to none in New York State, indeed, in the country.”

In his 2021 Executive Budget, County Executive Ryan proposes to spend approximately $5.3 million in the operating budget and capital program to support economic development in the county.

The Ulster County Office of Economic Development’s budget includes $768,768 in proposed funding. Additionally, the Ulster County Tourism Department includes $1,007,099 in proposed funding. 

Weidemann holds a Master’s degree of Public Policy and Management from the Heinz College at Carnegie Mellon University and a Bachelor’s degree from SUNY New Paltz. Berger holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from SUNY Cortland in Political Science. 

Both appointments are subject to confirmation by the Ulster County Legislature.  

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