Elena Garuc is the Executive Director of FuzeHub, New York State’s premier organization supporting the manufacturing and innovation ecosystem. In this role, she leads the organization’s strategic direction and operations, working closely with its Board of Directors to advance initiatives that help manufacturers grow, compete, and innovate across the state.
With more than two decades of experience in technology-driven economic development, Elena has a proven track record of designing and implementing programs that drive private-sector growth, strengthen industry partnerships, and accelerate commercialization. As a founding leader of FuzeHub, she has played a central role in building the organization from inception—expanding its team, securing state and federal funding, and establishing it as New York’s official Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) center.
Elena has been instrumental in launching and scaling key initiatives, including the New York State Innovation Summit and the Jeff Lawrence Innovation Fund, both of which connect companies with resources, funding, and expertise to advance new technologies and bring products to market.
Prior to FuzeHub, Elena spent over a decade at the Center for Economic Growth, where she led marketing and communications efforts and developed programs supporting venture capital, biotechnology, and regional innovation.
Recognized as a leader in economic development and innovation, Elena has received honors including Albany Business Review’s “40 Under 40,” City & State’s Economic Development Power 100, and the Above and Beyond Innovator Award.