Matt Cohen, the president and CEO of theLong Island Association, announced Monday, March 9, that he will be stepping down as the head of the organization, a position he has held for nearly five years.

“After 15 impactful years with the Long Island Association working alongside our vibrant and proactive business community, I have decided to finish my term, which was ending in June and explore new opportunities,” Cohen said in a statement, calling it an honor to help advance the region’s economic growth and support of small businesses.

Cohen was named the LIA’s president and CEO in May 2021 after previously serving as the organization’s vice president of governmental affairs and communications. He strengthened the LIA’s advocacy efforts at the federal, state and local levels of government to support Long Island’s economic competitiveness and long-term prosperity while leading the organization. It also expanded programs supporting small businesses through the LIA Foundation, including the creation of theL.O.C.A.L. Small Business Program, which has provided hundreds of thousands of dollars to local businesses throughout the region since Cohen founded it in 2024.

Cohen said he was able to create meaningful connections for business leaders across the region while he served as the head of the LIA and that he is “grateful for theLIAmembers, colleagues, partners, and friends who have made this journey so rewarding.”

TheLIAsaid it will soon begin a search for its next president and CEO, saying Stacey Sikes, theLIA’s vice president for government affairs and communications, will serve as the acting president and CEO for the time being.

“On behalf of the Long Island Association Board of Directors, we thank Matt for his years of leadership and commitment to our organization and to Long Island,”LIABoard Chair Larry Waldman said in a statement. “We are grateful for everything he has accomplished and look forward to following his continued success.”

The LIA is currently celebrating its 100th year as an organization, with events planned to commemorate the organization’s achievements throughout the year.

“Over the course of a century, the Long Island Association has played an instrumental role in transforming the region from a bedroom community of New York City to a dynamic, vibrant place,” Cohen said at acentennialevent in January.

Source: LI Press