Robert M. Simpson
President, CenterState CEO
Robert Simpson serves as president of the CenterState Corporation for Economic Opportunity (CenterState CEO), based in Syracuse, New York. CenterState CEO is an independent and forward-thinking economic development strategist, business leadership organization and chamber of commerce; focused on creating a region where business thrives and all people prosper. Simpson is responsible for overseeing the organization's administration and governance, while leading and executing on its vision to be an effective advocate, exceptional employer and a force for positive outcomes for the community.
Through this work, Mr. Simpson is focused on improving the capacity of organizations and individuals to identify and meet their strategic objectives, and is involved in a number of initiatives to build vibrant and sustainable communities. In 2022, Rob was confirmed by the New York State Senate as a director of the New York State Urban Development Corporation. He was previously appointed by the Governor to serve as co-chair of the Central New York Regional Economic Development Council, from 2011 to 2018. He has also served as an adviser to the Brookings Institution as part of the Global Cities Initiative.
Rob currently serves in leadership roles across CenterState CEO’s partner organizations, including: The Tech Garden; the NUAIR Alliance; CenterState CEO’s Foundations, and Electronics Park LLC. He holds board and advisory seats with the Upstate Minority Economic Alliance, CNY Biotech Accelerator and the Downtown Committee of Syracuse.
Simpson also serves on numerous community boards, including the Central New York Technology Development Organization, the Syracuse Regional Airport Authority, the Lifetime Healthcare Companies, and others.
Accolades include 40 UNDER 40 recognition by CNY BizEvents (2006); the Salvation Army’s Community Team Spirit Award (2010); Onondaga Citizens League Citizen of the Year (2010), Boy Scouts of America Boypower Honoree (2016), Loretto Health System’s Legacy Award (2019), and The Salvation Army of Syracuse's Community TEAM Spirit Award (2022).
Before joining CenterState CEO, Rob worked for Defenders of Wildlife, in Washington, D.C.; served as policy director for the State Environmental Resource Center, Madison, Wisconsin; and served as assistant legislative director for the Office of John D. Rockefeller IV, in the United States Senate.
Rob graduated from Colgate University in 1997, and earned a master's degree in Public Administration from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University. He and his wife, Corinne Ribble, and son, Ben, reside in Syracuse.
About CenterState CEO
CenterState CEO is an independent and forward-looking economic development strategist and business leadership organization committed to creating a region where business thrives, and all people prosper. Its vision is to be recognized as a visionary leader, effective advocate, exceptional employer and a force for positive outcomes for its community. Learn more about CenterState CEO here.
Read the full bio here.
Read the full presentation from Rob Simpson, here.
