Joe Sayre recognized for significant economic contributions across the region
ALBANY, N.Y.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The New York State Economic Development Council (NYSEDC) today announced that Joseph Sayre, Manager of Economic Development at New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) and Rochester Gas and Electric (RG&E), has been selected as the recipient of the prestigious James W. Griffin Rising Star Award.
The award honors an economic development professional age 40 and under who has made significant contributions to advancing economic development efforts across New York State through innovation, leadership, service, and measurable impact on communities and the state’s economy.
Over the past four years, Sayre has emerged as one of New York’s most effective and collaborative economic development leaders, helping deliver transformational projects that have generated substantial investment, job creation, and long-term regional growth.
“This distinctive honor is a testament to Joe’s unwavering dedication to the economic vitality of the region he not only serves, but proudly calls home,” said Trish Nilsen, CEO of NYSEG and RG&E. “He consistently partners with developers to provide clear insights into challenges and brings a collaborative, solutions-oriented mindset to overcoming them. We are deeply grateful for Joe’s leadership and the meaningful contributions he continues to make at NYSEG and RG&E.”
Among his most notable accomplishments was his leadership role in securing the Fairlife dairy production facility in Webster, New York — a $650 million investment that will become the largest dairy production facility in the Northeast and create approximately 250 new jobs. The project, recognized as NYSEDC’s 2024 Project of the Year, represents the largest industrial investment in Monroe County history. Sayre coordinated internal stakeholders, leveraged strategic relationships through Avangrid, and helped secure critical infrastructure support and funding commitments totaling $5 million to keep the project on track and in New York State.
“I am deeply honored to be recognized by my peers,” said Joe Sayre, Economic Development Manager at NYSEG and RG&E. “It has been a privilege to serve our communities by supporting business growth, creating and sustaining jobs, and strengthening the overall economy. I remain committed to advancing this work—helping secure investments and attracting development to New York State to build a brighter future for generations to come.”
Sayre also played a pivotal role in advancing the Uptown Landing mixed-use housing development in Canandaigua. Faced with infrastructure costs that threatened the viability of the project, he worked collaboratively with developers and utility stakeholders to identify innovative energy solutions that kept the development moving forward. Once completed, the project will bring 634 residential units to the Finger Lakes region, helping address critical housing needs tied to major economic development initiatives including Fairlife and Micron.
In addition to his project work, Sayre has distinguished himself through innovation within NYSEG and RG&E by breaking down organizational silos and creating cross-functional working groups focused on capacity planning and economic growth. His efforts have accelerated solutions for housing and industrial developments throughout Upstate New York and strengthened the companies’ role as proactive economic development partners.
Sayre’s commitment to economic development extends well beyond his professional responsibilities. He serves as a board member of NYSEDC and has supported the state’s outreach efforts at IAMC events. He is also deeply engaged in community service as Co-Chair of the Emerging Leaders Society of the United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes and as a Big Brother with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Rochester. Additionally, he serves on several boards and committees throughout the regional economic development ecosystem.
“Joseph Sayre exemplifies the next generation of economic development leadership in New York State,” said Ryan Silva, Executive Director, New York State Economic Development Council. “His ability to navigate complex infrastructure challenges, foster collaboration, and deliver transformative projects has already had a lasting impact on communities across New York. Joe’s leadership, innovation, and commitment to service make him exceptionally deserving of the James W. Griffin Rising Star Award.”
The James W. Griffin Rising Star Award recognizes professionals whose work demonstrates exceptional promise and measurable impact in strengthening New York’s economy and communities.
About NYSEG: New York State Electric & Gas Corporation (NYSEG) is a subsidiary of Avangrid, Inc. Established in 1852, NYSEG operates approximately 35,000 miles of electric distribution lines and 4,500 miles of electric transmission lines across more than 40% of upstate New York. It also operates more than 8,150 miles of natural gas distribution pipelines and 20 miles of gas transmission pipelines. It serves approximately 894,000 electricity customers and 266,000 natural gas customers. For more information, visit www.nyseg.com.
About RG&E: Rochester Gas and Electric Corporation (RG&E) is a subsidiary of Avangrid, Inc. Established in 1848, RG&E operates approximately 8,800 miles of electric distribution lines and 1,100 miles of electric transmission lines. It also operates approximately 10,600 miles of natural gas distribution pipelines and 105 miles of gas transmission pipelines. It serves approximately 378,500 electricity customers and 313,000 natural gas customers in a nine-county region in New York surrounding the City of Rochester. For more information, visit www.rge.com.
About Avangrid: Avangrid, Inc. is a leading energy company in the United States working to meet the growing demand for energy for homes and businesses across the nation through service, innovation, and continued investments by expanding grid infrastructure and energy generation projects. Avangrid has corporate offices in Connecticut, New York, Massachusetts, Maine, and Oregon, and operations across 25 states with approximately $50 billion in assets. Avangrid owns and operates seven electric and natural gas utilities, serving more than 3.4 million customers in New York and New England. It also owns and operates nearly 100 energy generation facilities across the United States with a capacity of more than 11 Gigawatts, enough to power over 3 million homes. Avangrid employs approximately 8,500 people and was named among the World’s Most Ethical Companies in 2026 for the eighth consecutive year by the Ethisphere Institute. Avangrid is a member of the Iberdrola Group. For more information, visit http://www.avangrid.com.
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