Fil-Am appointed as new NYC economic development head

Economic Development Corporation (EDC) president Maria Torres-Springer (Photo courtesy of #FLONYC/Chirlane de Blasio)

Filipino-American Maria Torres-Springer has been appointed by New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio as the city’s succeeding Economic Development Corporation (EDC) president.

“Maria has a proven track-record opening doors for New Yorkers and working closely with businesses to grow our economy,” Mayor de Blasio said in a Philippine Daily Inquirer report.

“We are proud  to have her lead EDC. Maria will focus on growing vital sectors in our economy, and preparing New Yorkers to seize those opportunities so they can be a part of our economic success story,” he added.

Prior her new position, Torres-Springer worked as the Small Businesses Services commissioner. Since 2014, she called on for the raise of wages, expansion of skill building in the workforce, promotion of women and immigrant-owned  businesses, organization of the regulation for small businesses and innovation in the technology sector.

“I am so proud to see Maria take the helm at EDC… She has already done so much to drive business growth while unlocking the potential of residents and communities across the city,” Housing and Economic Development Deputy Mayor Alicia Glen said.

“She’s opened new doors of opportunity for women and minority entrepreneurs, raised the wage floor for workers in our job placement programs and brought together resources to start and grow small businesses. As head of EDC, Maria will drive inclusive growth that keeps NYC a capital for innovation and ensures New Yorkers see the benefits of our growing economy,” she added.

With her new position, Torres-Srpinger vowed to further boost the city’s economic growth by focusing on developments in manufacturing, life-sciences and technology industries.

“I am thrilled to advance an economic development agenda that fights inequality and helps lift up every New Yorkers,” Torres-Springer said.

“I look forward to working with my colleagues at EDC to ensure our economic development programs strengthen our city’s competitive position while delivering quality jobs, livable neighborhoods, and real opportunity for all New Yorkers,” she added.

Torres-Springer has been living with her American spouse and two daughters in Brooklyn.

Just last year, two other Filipino-Americans had also assumed local government and state judicial posts in the United States.

Tzeitel Paras-Caracci was elected mayor of Duarte City, while Judge Rob Villeza was appointed to the Los Angeles County Superior Court.

Prior their new positions, Paras-Caracci served in the city council since 2001, while Villeza worked in the Central District of California for 20 years.