Karl Heck

About Karl Heck

Dynamic economic and community development professional with a commitment to creating and implementing innovative programs and initiatives that address community needs. In Franklin Southampton, I have helped bring in new businesses, fill the Franklin Business Center incubator to capacity for the first time in its history, and expanded our Business Retention and Expansion program.We recently broke ground on the Standard Food and Beverage project, and should be breaking ground on the $121 million Global Concentrate project in the near future.I have worked with over 150 entrepreneurs to create more than 380 new jobs in my previous position in Greene County (NY), while also managing one of New York State\'s most successful Main Street Revitalization programs in a challenging economic area.I also have successful disaster re-development, public housing and homeownership program experience. Outside my main career, I edit the New York State Chess Association magazine Empire Chess, have worked as a US Chess Senior Tournament Director at over 300 chess tournaments (including State and National Championship events), and have broadcast Le Moyne College men\'s basketball. I am also a FIDE Arbiter. I will be awarded one of the 2025 US Chess awards for Meritorious Service at the US Open in Madison, Wisconsin.I served as Treasurer of the New York State Chess Association for two decades. I served on the Board of the Greene County Chamber of Commerce for 13 years, including almost four as Secretary and one as Treasurer. I also was the President and Treasurer of Catskill Mountain Housing Development Corporation, serving on that Board for over 15 years.I was inducted into the New York State Chess Hall of Fame in 2012, and won the 2012 Greene County Chairman\'s Award for outstanding work on Hurricane Irene relief.

Experience

1. President and CEO

   Franklin Southampton Economic Development, Inc

   Aug 2021 — Present · Franklin, VA, US

   President & CEO of City-County economic development agency for an area of in Hampton Roads, Virginia. Attracted $121 million manufacturing investment in Franklin as well as other smaller projects in manufacturing, services and logistics. Manage 34-client, award-winning business incubator, conduct business attraction and retention activities, manage tourism development, run STARTUP Franklin Southampton and direct all other programs to attract business development to Franklin Southampton.

Education

• Le Moyne College

  B.A., Economics/Political Science

  1982 — 1986

• University of Toronto

  M.Sc., Planning

  1988 — 1990