County Executive Ryan McMahon Announces Appointment of William Barlow as Deputy County Executive for Economic Development
SYRACUSE, N.Y. – County Executive Ryan McMahon today announced the appointment of William “Billy” Barlow as Deputy County Executive for Economic Development, a key leadership role focused on advancing Onondaga County’s next phase of growth and ensuring communities across Central New York benefit from the historic opportunities now taking shape across the region.
“The opportunities before Onondaga County are generational, but success will not be measured by announcements alone. It will be measured by housing that gets built, infrastructure that gets completed, jobs that get created, and real improvements in the lives of our residents,” said County Executive Ryan McMahon.
“The growth of the Central New York Semiconductor Cluster will not stop at county lines, and our ability to meet this moment will depend on strong regional partnerships, disciplined execution, and experienced leadership. Billy Barlow has spent his career bringing people together, delivering major economic development projects, and moving communities forward. He is exactly the right leader for this next chapter.”
As Deputy County Executive for Economic Development, Barlow will help lead Onondaga County’s efforts to deliver on existing opportunities while continuing to pursue new investments, partnerships, and projects that support long-term economic growth. The role comes at a critical time as the expanding Central New York Semiconductor Cluster creates new demand for housing, infrastructure, workforce development, regional coordination, and community investment.
Billy Barlow brings significant executive and economic development experience to the position. As Mayor of Oswego, he was responsible not only for promoting economic growth, but for pursuing, securing, and delivering major projects. His administration led Oswego’s $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative, making Oswego the first municipality in New York State to complete all funded projects under the program. That work helped deliver more than 200 housing units, 12 commercial spaces, more than 150 jobs, and major downtown and waterfront improvements.
He also led $16 million in waterfront redevelopment projects, including the landmark $10 million William S. Cahill Pier redevelopment. During his tenure, Barlow secured more than $40 million in state and federal grant funding, advanced major infrastructure and economic development initiatives, and maintained multiple no-taxincrease budgets.
More recently, Barlow has continued strengthening regional relationships through his leadership role at Oswego Health. His experience in local government, economic development, infrastructure, and regional partnership building will be central to Onondaga County’s work to ensure the benefits of growth extend across Central New York.
“I am grateful to County Executive McMahon for the opportunity to serve Onondaga County at such an
important moment,” said Billy Barlow. “The opportunity in front of this county and this region is extraordinary, but making the most of it will require focus, collaboration, and follow-through. I am ready to get to work with the County Executive, our partners, and communities across Central New York to help deliver results that strengthen our economy and improve people’s lives.”
Barlow will begin serving as Deputy County Executive for Economic Development on July 1. Bob Petrovich will remain in his position through July 30 to allow for a seamless transition.
County Executive McMahon thanked Petrovich for his service and leadership, noting his important role in helping position Onondaga County for this moment and supporting the transition to the county’s next phase of economic development.
“Bob Petrovich helped create many of the opportunities we are talking about today,” County Executive
McMahon said. “He played a critical role in positioning Onondaga County for this moment, and we thank him for his service and wish him well in his retirement.”