Suffolk County New Peson In-charge of Economic Development

New York City real estate consultant Joanne Minieri, who until last June was president of the company building Brooklyn's mammoth Atlantic Yards and the new New Jersey Nets arena, will be named Tuesday to head Suffolk's beefed-up economic development agency, according to business officials and Bellone administration sources.

Spokeswoman Vanessa Baird Streeter declined to identify the "private sector" choice, but she said County Executive Steve Bellone will hold a news conference in Hauppauge to disclose the $170,000-a-year appointee.

Bellone says a new business czar and an overhauled economic development agency are key to reviving Suffolk's long-term fiscal health. Since taking office in January, Bellone has increased the economic development staff from 27 to 100.

Until last summer, Minieri, 51, was president and chief operating officer for Forest City Ratner Companies. In 2009, Crain's New York Business listed her 31st among New York City's 50 most powerful women. She also served as executive vice president and chief financial officer in her 16 years with Ratner.

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Its too early to know how this will effect the Islanders and their chances of getting a new home in Suffolk.  However, by working with Ratner, Joanne Minieri has experience in arena deals and now how to create successful public private partnership.  This is something we should keep an eye on.