Benjamin R. Walsh, the current Mayor of Syracuse, has been appointed as the new Director of the New York State Canal Corporation, according to an announcement from Governor Kathy Hochul. Walsh will assume leadership of the Canal Corporation following his tenure as mayor, which began in 2018.
Governor Hochul highlighted Walsh’s achievements in Syracuse and expressed confidence in his ability to lead the historic canal system. “Ben Walsh delivered real results for Syracuse, from revitalizing neighborhoods to preparing workers for the jobs of the future,” Governor Hochul said. “His experience driving collaboration and transformative growth will be an asset as we move into the historic canal system’s third century and will benefit the Canal Corporation, canal communities, and New Yorkers and tourists alike.”
During his time as mayor, Walsh led several initiatives aimed at economic development and community improvement. He introduced programs such as Syracuse Surge to promote technology-driven growth, expanded affordable housing through neighborhood-focused projects, and created workforce training efforts connected to major infrastructure undertakings like I-81 reconstruction. Additionally, he managed federal relief funds during the COVID-19 pandemic.
NYPA President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll welcomed Walsh’s appointment: “I am pleased to welcome Ben Walsh to the Canal Corporation as we chart the next century for the organization. His experience guiding transformative projects in Syracuse demonstrates a pragmatic approach to economic development, stakeholder collaboration, and long-term sustainability. As we continue to revitalize the Canals to drive recreation, tourism, and economic growth, Mayor Walsh’s vision and expertise will be invaluable in ensuring that this historic system remains a source of pride for New York State.”
Walsh has also worked on state-supported redevelopment projects including leading city efforts on a multi-billion dollar community grid project and partnering with state agencies on housing developments at former institutional sites.
Reflecting on his new role, Walsh stated: “New York State’s canal system is a jewel, and I have seen firsthand the positive impact the people of the New York State Canal Corporation have made on the economy, recreation and environment in communities across Upstate New York. I am grateful to Governor Hochul and NYPA President and CEO Justin Driscoll for asking me to join the Canal Corporation team and build on the history, progress and potential of the canal system.”
Walsh succeeds Brian U. Stratton who is retiring after serving as director since 2011. Stratton commented on his successor: “Ben Walsh is a proven municipal chief executive and independent thinker to steer New York’s 200-year-old Canal system into its next century of service. Mayor Walsh will bring the proud legacy of public service and an accomplished record of leading a major upstate city on the Erie Canal to ensure New York’s iconic waterway will continue to fuel the growth and sustainability of more than 200 canal communities along its shores.”
The New York Power Authority (NYPA), which oversees both power generation facilities statewide as well as transmission lines spanning over 1,550 circuit-miles—most powered by renewable hydropower—manages operations for its subsidiary agency the New York State Canal Corporation. The state’s canal network covers four main waterways—the Erie, Champlain, Oswego, Cayuga-Seneca canals—spanning over 500 miles across hundreds of communities.
