The Queens Economic Development Corporation is happy to announce that Ben Guttmann will succeed Seth Bornstein as Executive Director on July 1, 2025.
Bornstein joined QEDC as a program manager in 1979 after working for two Borough Presidents. He helped coordinate the borough’s first commercial revitalization programs which led to the founding of many local development corporations and business improvement districts. After becoming Executive Director in 2009, he increased QEDC’s scope, opening the Entrepreneur Space, a commercial kitchen business incubator in Long Island City; launching MiQ ™ (Made in Queens), which helps local artisans market their products; and expanding the Queens Tourism Council, among other programs.
Guttmann, who lives in Sunnyside, has nearly 15 years of experience in small-business leadership, education, and tourism marketing. In 2011, he co-founded Digital Natives Group, a Queens-based marketing agency and early leader in the borough’s tech economy. As managing partner, he led engagements with more than 100 clients, including Empire State Development, Grand Central Terminal, the Empire State Building, the National Football League, and others.
After his agency was acquired in 2022, Guttmann consulted for clients including the New York Small Business Development Center and Visit California, while also serving as an early- and mid-stage startup advisor. In 2014, he returned to his alma mater, CUNY Baruch College, as a faculty member, teaching and mentoring more than 1,000 aspiring business leaders. He is the author of “Simply Put: Why Clear Messages Win – and How to Design Them” (Berrett-Koehler, 2023), recently named best new business book by the IBPA book awards.
He joined QEDC’s Board of Directors six years ago and served as an Executive Committee member and Board President before accepting the Executive Director position. Since 2019, Guttmann has co-organized and hosted Queens Tech Night, which is now part of the Queens Tech + Innovation Challenge that QEDC administers with Borough President Donovan Richards Jr.’s Office. Additionally, he has served on the Long Island City Partnership Board of Directors and Queens Community Board 2.
“Seth is leaving big shoes to fill, and I wish him the best in his well-earned retirement,” stated Guttmann. “I look forward to working alongside QEDC’s dedicated and talented staff to continue building a more prosperous and vibrant borough. It’s a true honor to be named the organization’s next Executive Director, and I’m thrilled and humbled to be taking on this role.”
“I am proud to have been with the Queens Economic Development Corporation in different roles since 1979. Now it’s time to pass the torch. I have no doubt that under Ben Guttmann’s leadership the dedicated QEDC team will continue its mission of serving the people of Queens in innovative ways that will strengthen our economy and make it an even better place live, visit, and do business,” stated Bornstein.
“Seth Bornstein is a true New York treasure. He is a great colleague, and it has been an honor to work alongside him over the past 10 years. Over nearly five decades, Seth has done more to grow and support the Queens community than probably any other single person, and his impact will be felt for even more decades to come. The Board congratulates him on his retirement, and thanks him for his tireless dedication and service. We are also excited to welcome Ben Guttmann as our incoming Executive Director, and we look forward to supporting a smooth transition. Ben brings unique and valuable experience, energy, and insight to the organization, and we are confident that he can guide QEDC into our next chapter,” stated Winston Crosswell, Vice President of the QEDC Board of Directors.
Queens Economic Development Corporation strives to create and retain jobs through programming that assists small businesses, encourages entrepreneurship, and promotes our community with an emphasis on supporting those of low-to-moderate income, women, minorities, and immigrants. Programs include Queens Tech + Innovation Challenge; Entrepreneurship Assistance Center; Queens Women’s Business Center; M/WBE Certification Program; Home Improvement Contractor Training; Made In Queens; It’s In Queens; Entrepreneur Space; The Entrepreneur Essentials Series; Neighborhood Development; and Re-Entry Programs.