Three Leaders. Three Cities. One Shared Legacy.

Behind every ribbon cutting, major investment and downtown revitalization is a story that started years earlier. It starts with the people working behind the scenes, securing grants, navigating complicated projects, bringing partners to the table, supporting businesses and finding ways to turn a vision for their community into reality.

Throughout 2026, the Orange County Partnership has made it a priority to recognize these unsung heroes of economic development. This fall, we're proud to recognize three women who embody exactly that.

For the first time, the Partnership will jointly present its Women of Achievement in Economic Development Award to Maria Bruni, Director of Economic & Community Development for the City of Middletown; Valerie Maginsky, Executive Director of the City of Port Jervis Community Development Agency; and Cherisse Vickers, Executive Director of the City of Newburgh Industrial Development Agency.

Together, Maria, Valerie and Cherisse represent more than five decades of economic and community development leadership across Orange County's three cities.

Their work can be seen throughout their communities.

In Middletown, Maria Bruni has spent more than three decades helping advance projects ranging from the city's $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative and Rail Trail Commons to downtown streetscape improvements, Race 4 Space and redevelopment planning for the former Middletown Psychiatric Center campus.

In Port Jervis, Valerie Maginsky has helped lead a remarkable period of revitalization since 2014, including securing and implementing the city's $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative, attracting new businesses and investment, advancing housing rehabilitation and helping restore historic assets such as the Erie Turntable.

And in Newburgh, Cherisse Vickers has helped move major opportunities forward since 2018, including Brookfield's 700 South Street industrial development, new mixed-income housing opportunities along the Liberty Street Corridor and plans for continued redevelopment of the city's waterfront and public pier.

While their cities and projects may be different, their approach is remarkably similar: build partnerships, stay persistent and keep moving the community forward.

“Economic development is often measured by new buildings and investment announcements, but those milestones are only possible because of dedicated professionals who spend years working behind the scenes to move projects forward,” said Conor Eckert, President & CEO of the Orange County Partnership. “Maria, Valerie and Cherisse represent the very best of that work.”

The Partnership has had the privilege of working alongside all three women and seeing firsthand the persistence and collaboration required to turn ambitious ideas into real projects.

Their collective efforts have helped secure tens of millions of dollars in state investment, strengthen downtown business districts, create new housing opportunities, preserve historic assets and lay the groundwork for private investment and job creation throughout Orange County.

On Tuesday, October 6, we'll have the opportunity to celebrate their contributions in front of more than 400 regional business and community leaders at our 2026 Investor Breakfast at The Barn at Villa Venezia.

For an award that has traditionally recognized one outstanding woman in economic development, honoring three women this year feels especially fitting.

Three leaders. Three cities. Decades of work behind the scenes, and one shared commitment to moving Orange County forward.