FuzeHub Executive Director Elena Garuc continues to push New York’s innovation infrastructure forward, having been appointed to the boards of directors for the Foundation for Manufacturing Excellence and the New York State Economic Development Council (NYSEDC).
In serving these organizations, Garuc brings the perspective of FuzeHub, the statewide New York Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NY MEP) center, which provides manufacturers and technology companies with access to a network of experts, programs, and assets. FuzeHub spurs the growth of manufacturing companies and startups by solving challenges and accelerating productivity, innovation, commercialization, and research and development.
“Technology, manufacturing partnerships, and economic development are inextricably linked. I am eager to bring my experiences with FuzeHub to the table—and to work with my colleagues to advance the missions of these two important organizations,” Garuc said.
The Foundation for Manufacturing Excellence is the educational foundation for National Institute of Standards and Technology MEP Centers. The foundation’s primary focus is to assist in providing continuing education to the nationwide system of MEP centers to ensure they keep pace with manufacturing innovation. It serves its members with peer-to-peer mentorship, access to online trainings and proprietary surveys, and other educational activities such as the Center Best Practices Conference. It provides critical support to the nation’s manufacturing assistance infrastructure.
“Elena Garuc is an exciting addition to the board. She has a proven track record advancing innovative manufacturing startups and established firms, and she has an eye for capitalizing on high-growth opportunities,” said Carrie Hines, executive director of the Foundation for Manufacturing Excellence. “We are excited to tap into her experiences at FuzeHub as we continue to shape educational opportunities for our members, which ultimately help their MEP centers grow, thrive and serve more manufacturers on a national scale.”
The New York State Economic Development Council is the state’s principal organization representing economic development professionals. Its mission is to advance the economic development policies that create jobs, stimulate growth, and improve the quality of life in New York State. Like the Foundation for Marketing Excellence, NYSEDC stresses the continuing education and professional development of its 900-plus members. NYSEDC also promotes the economic development of the state and its communities through advocacy and marketing efforts. Garuc joined its board in August 2020.
“FuzeHub is a leader in manufacturing and technology—sectors that are critical to economic growth in New York State. As a member of our board, Elena is bolstering our capabilities with her expertise in navigating the state’s robust network of resources and leveraging private-sector partnerships with academia to create new technologies that move New York’s innovation economy forward,” said Ryan Silva, executive director of the New York State Economic Development Council. “We’re truly proud to have her as a part of the leadership team.”
Garuc also recently accepted Upstate Venture Connect’s 2020 Ecosystem Champion Award on behalf of FuzeHub. The award, given annually to an individual or organization that is catalyzing and supporting startup activity across Upstate New York communities, was presented during the online Upstate Unleashed Conference in November.
In a statement, Upstate Venture Connect noted that under Garuc’s leadership, FuzeHub “has rapidly emerged as the go-to partner for manufacturing innovators across our region.”
“The organization’s highly knowledgeable staff, deep network of partners and its early check-writing ability with the Jeff Lawrence Fund have helped hundreds of manufacturing innovation projects in a very short period of time.”
Garuc helped launch FuzeHub in 2013. Since its inception, she has guided the organization and grown the team from two to now 12 employees and four consultants. As its executive director, Garuc has also focused on developing a workplace culture that attracts and retains top talent. FuzeHub was recently recognized in Albany Business Review’s Best Places to Work.
Garuc, a native of Catskill in Greene County, attended Hudson Valley Community College and graduated from the College of Saint Rose. She currently resides in Greene County with her family.