O’Bryan Resigns From County BDC & IDA to Pursue Other Opportunities

The Cortland County Business Development Corporation (BDC) has announced Executive Director Brendan O’Bryan, has resigned from both the BDC and the Industrial Development Agency (IDA). The two agencies are intertwined and work in-sync with one another. Reasons for O’Bryan’s resignation were cited as him pursuing “other opportunities.”

O’Bryan was hired to the position as Executive Director for the BDC/IDA back in August 2023. He took over as Executive Director from Garry VanGorder, who retired after 14 years. O’Bryan was selected after a nationwide search. The BDC’s Board of Directors chose O’Bryan from his official position with Broome County’s leading economic development organization, The Agency, where O’Bryan had helped bring in millions of dollars in state and federal grants aimed at supporting small businesses.

The BDC/IDA Chairman, Mike McMahon said in a release Garry VanGorder will return to serve as interim Executive Director to manage the operations, and assist in the search for a new executive director. VanGorder will also help guide the agencies during the transition to new leadership.

According the to BDC, both the BDC and the IDA Cortland County’s leading economic development organizations, working to assist small businesses and managing incentive programs to retain and attract jobs for the community.