Barber announced that she is departing from her post on April 30 after more than four years heading the county's economic development efforts. Lavelle said he would be leaving the organization on Feb. 9 to work with a local real estate brokerage firm, R.J. Smith Realty of Pine Bush.

Barber, who joined the Orange County Partnership in October 1996, commented that she wanted to cut back on the busy schedule she had with the organization. During her tenure, the partnership helped secure deals for major distribution facilities with such companies as Staples, Home Depot, Newburgh Auto Auction and a host of others. Many area business leaders have credited the work of the partnership with playing a critical role in the county's low unemployment rate (2.6% as of December 2000).

"I have loved working on behalf of Orange County and the partnership," Barber said. "No other job I've ever had has been as satisfying and rewarding. At this point in my life, I want to reduce the intensity of my business commitments and have more time for personal interests."