Recognition celebrates outstanding leadership, mentorship, and transformational impact on economic development across New York State
The New York State Economic Development Council (NYSEDC) has selected Leah George VanScott of Greater Rochester Enterprise (GRE) as the recipient of the prestigious Linda J. Hill Women’s Leadership Award, recognizing her exceptional contributions to economic development, regional collaboration, mentorship, and community leadership across New York State.
Presented annually by the NYSEDC Women’s Leadership and Diversity Council, the Linda J. Hill Women’s Leadership Award honors an economic development professional who exemplifies tireless dedication to their community, selfless support of colleagues and peers, and the confidence, humility, and “can do” spirit that defined Linda J. Hill’s legacy.
Over the course of her 13-year career in economic development, Leah George VanScott has emerged as one of the driving forces behind the Greater Rochester, NY region’s economic momentum. As leader of GRE’s business development team, she oversees a confidential portfolio of more than 75 active projects representing over $33 billion in potential capital investment, more than 10,000 projected new jobs, and the retention of more than 2,500 existing jobs across the region.
Under VanScott’s leadership and in partnership with state, local, utility, and private sector stakeholders, the Greater Rochester, NY region has secured transformative business attraction and expansion projects spanning advanced manufacturing, optics, photonics, food and beverage manufacturing, energy innovation, and technology. These projects include major investments from companies such as Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), Edwards, Corning Incorporated, Plug Power, Vuzix, and numerous other industry leaders that continue to strengthen the Finger Lakes economy.
“Leah represents everything this award was created to recognize,” said Ryan Silva, Executive Director, New York State Economic Development Council. “Her collaborative leadership style, unwavering commitment to her community, and dedication to mentoring the next generation of economic development professionals have made a lasting impact not only in Rochester but across New York State.”
“Leah George VanScott exemplifies the very spirit of the Linda J. Hill Women’s Leadership Award – combining extraordinary results with a deep commitment to mentorship, collaboration, and impact. Through her leadership, she has driven transformational economic growth in the Greater Rochester region while building trusted partnerships that deliver lasting outcomes. Just as Linda Hill’s legacy continues to inspire our field, Leah’s work is shaping the next generation of leaders and redefining what is possible in economic development,” said Katie Newcombe, Director of Economic Development for National Grid.
In addition to her direct project work, VanScott has played a leading role in several nationally significant economic development initiatives. She serves as Co-Principal Investigator and economic development lead for the Greater Rochester/Finger Lakes region’s bid to become a National Science Foundation Regional Innovation Engine through the STELLAR initiative — focused on advancing Science, Technology and Engineering of Laser and Laser Applications Research. The initiative is currently one of 15 finalists nationwide and could bring up to $160 million in federal funding over the next decade to accelerate innovation in optics, photonics, imaging, and laser technologies.
VanScott also helped secure $40 million in federal Economic Development Administration Tech Hub funding for the NY SMART I Corridor initiative and now leads execution of the hub’s supply chain development strategy to strengthen long-term regional competitiveness.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, VanScott is widely recognized for her mentorship, servant leadership, and commitment to building the next generation of economic development talent. She developed GRE’s comprehensive business development operating procedures, modernized organizational systems and workflows through the implementation of GRE’s first enterprise-wide CRM platform, and created scalable frameworks for professional growth and leadership development across the organization.
Her colleagues and partners consistently praise her ability to unify stakeholders, foster trusted regional relationships, and guide complex economic development projects through collaboration and shared vision.
“Leah George VanScott is a recognized leader, driving economic development results across the Greater Rochester, NY region and beyond,” said Matt Hurlbutt, president and CEO, Greater Rochester Enterprise. “She is focused on results and, more importantly, ensuring teamwork and collaboration at Greater Rochester Enterprise and among our state and local partners. Timing communication, alignment, and support for teamwork is evident regardless of the scope of the project. Leah has done an excellent job coaching new GRE team members as the organization increases its capabilities to have an even greater economic impact across the region. I am proud to work with Leah and all of the GRE team members as we strive for more business growth now and well into the future.”
VanScott also serves on the Board of Directors for the New York Wine & Grape Foundation, where she advocates for New York’s wine and grape industry and supports initiatives that drive economic growth for growers and producers statewide.
The Linda J. Hill Women’s Leadership Award recognizes individuals who are universally respected for both their professional achievements and their personal commitment to uplifting others. Through her visionary leadership, collaborative spirit, and tireless dedication to economic development, VanScott exemplifies those values and continues to shape the future of economic development in New York State.
About New York State Economic Development Council:
The New York State Economic Development Council is the state’s principal organization representing economic development professionals, businesses, and organizations committed to advancing economic growth and opportunity throughout New York State.
About Greater Rochester Enterprise:
Greater Rochester Enterprise (GRE) is the leading regional economic development organization committed to attracting new capital investments and creating regional wealth and new jobs throughout the Greater Rochester, NY region. As a trusted advisor, GRE connects businesses with the right people and resources to spur business attraction and expansion in the region. If your company is growing, call GRE. The GRE team will confidentially help you access commercial real estate, business partners, local suppliers, economic incentives, world-class R&D assets, workforce recruitment, and training resources to address your business growth needs.