26 West Main Street, PO Box 69, Mohawk, New York 13407
Meet Our Staff
Stephen "Doozer" Smith Executive Director
Heather Devitt Economic Development Specialist
Janine Thompson Administrative Director
Stephen oversees the operations of MVEDD including technical assistance, grant administration, program funding, human resources, and strategic goals. He earned an A.A.S. Business Administration degree from Herkimer College and a B.S. in Business Distributive Education from SUNY Oswego. In his free time, Stephen is the "Voice of the Thunder" for the CVS District, and enjoys watching his NY sports teams.
Janine Thompson Administrative Director
Heather Devitt Economic Development Specialist
Janine Thompson Administrative Director
Janine keeps the office running smoothly; maintaining all files, bank accounts, accounts payable and receivable, loan reconciliation, payroll, and purchasing. Janine earned an A.A.S. in Computer Augmented Accounting from Herkimer College. In her free time, Janine enjoys the outdoors and reading a good book, as well as crafting.
Heather Devitt Economic Development Specialist
Heather Devitt Economic Development Specialist
Heather Devitt Economic Development Specialist
Heather works with small businesses to obtain financing and completes the outreach and underwriting for our loan funds. Heather earned an MBA in Marketing & E-Commerce from SUNY Polytechnic Institute, a B.S. in Commerce Management from Niagara University, and an A.A.S. in Accounting from Herkimer College. In her free time, Heather enjoys running, reading, and watching movies.
Amanda Kaier Clean Energy Community Coordinator
Matthew Syke Sustainability Planner
Heather Devitt Economic Development Specialist
Amanda works with local municipalities to assist them in completing clean energy high impact actions through the Clean Energy Communities Program to earn grants. She earned a B.S. in Environmental Science and Renewable Energy from SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry. Amanda enjoys spending time outdoors, hiking, swimming, and snowshoeing.
Matthew Syke Sustainability Planner
Matthew Syke Sustainability Planner
Matthew Syke Sustainability Planner
Matthew assists local communities mitigate the effects of climate change. Through technical assistance with the Climate Smart Communities Program, he is here to help municipalities become more resilient. Matthew earned his B.A. in Sustainable Communities & Working Landscapes from Paul Smith's College. He enjoys playing the banjo and fly fishing.
Anthony Marris-Swann Community Planner
Matthew Syke Sustainability Planner
Matthew Syke Sustainability Planner
Anthony assists local municipalities with comprehensive planning, placemaking, and other projects. Anthony earned his B.A. in Environment & Planning from the University of Washington and his A.S. in Liberal Arts and Sciences from MVCC. He enjoys reading, visiting coffee houses, and playing the piano.
Samantha Brown Contractor Navigator
Samantha Brown Contractor Navigator
Samantha Brown Contractor Navigator
Samantha provides technical assistance to businesses and local contractors interested in pursuing green energy projects through NYSERDA, and facilitates the growth of the green energy workforce in the Valley. Samantha earned her B.S. in Environmental Science from SUNY Binghamton. She enjoys playing chess, swimming, and cooking.