SCHOHARIE — Schoharie County Industrial Development Agency (IDA) Director Fonda Chronis announced that he would be stepping down from the position to become City Manager of Ogdensburg in St. Lawrence County.
The outgoing director said that the IDA had “gone a long way” due to the excellent work of the staff. He said that the IDA has opened new offices and had a “wonderful opportunity” to build on the work of former Director Ron Filmer.
He said that the organization is ready for someone else to “take the ball and bring it to new heights.”
Chronis thanked the IDA board, SUNY Cobleskill, the Schoharie County Board of Supervisors “and a whole host of other folks” for aiding in the transition.
“I’ll always be rooting for the county to do well,” he said, “And it will.”
He said that his family is “excited” for the “big challenge” in Ogdensburg. He said that the move would be “bittersweet” but sometimes you “have to take the leap of faith.”
During the last month and change of his tenure, Chronis said that he would be working to make sure that the position could be handed off and so that “they can move full-throttle.”
The outgoing director said that there were several factors that led to the change of career. It was a tough, “gut-wrenching” decision for him and his wife.
“We’re leaving behind a wonderful community that has always been welcoming,” Chronis said, “And that isn’t lost on us.”
Chronis previously served as Deputy Schoharie County Administrator under former Administrator Steve Wilson.
Conesville Supervisor Bill Federice said that he was "very disappointed" but not in Chronis about the situation. He said that Chronis was doing well with the IDA but he "had an opportunity."
Chronis will stay at the IDA until June 30 and offered to assist in the transition.
"Do I want to see him go, selfishly?" said Federice, "No."
The county board chair said that Chronis helped to modernize the organization and made major strides.
Federice said that the IDA would consider an interim director and said that he hopes the organization consults with the County Board.
"We'd love to get someone at the same level," Federice said, including Chronis' time as a Deputy Administrator.
Federice said that the IDA board would ultimately make the decision but it could be a good idea to have a headhunter seek candidates.
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