Ben Walsh to lead New York State Canal Corporation

Syracuse , N.Y. — In December, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced that the New York Power Authority had hired Benjamin R. Walsh as the next Director of the New York State Canal Corporation.

Walsh has served as the Mayor of Syracuse since 2018 and moves to the Canal Corporation with a record of practical leadership, inclusive economic development, and successful government innovation.

“Ben Walsh delivered real results for Syracuse, from revitalizing neighborhoods to preparing workers for the jobs of the future,” Gov. 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.”

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An outdoor enthusiast and lifelong New Yorker, Walsh holds an MPA from the Maxwell School at Syracuse University and is a graduate of Ithaca College. Before becoming mayor, Walsh played key roles in the creation of the Greater Syracuse Land Bank and the redevelopment of the historic Hotel Syracuse, earning a reputation as a pragmatic leader who brings stakeholders together to achieve meaningful results.

As mayor, he has worked closely with New York State to advance transformative projects, including leading the City’s efforts on the over $2 billion I-81 Community Grid and partnering with the state on the redevelopment of the former Syracuse Developmental Center site, where state-funded demolition and remediation are paving the way for market-rate, workforce, and affordable housing.

NYPA President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll said, “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. ”

“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,” Wash said.

Walsh succeeds outgoing Canal Corporation Director Brian U. Stratton, who retired at the end of 2025. Stratton was appointed to the position in April 2011 and guided the organization through several important milestones, culminating in the recent commemoration of the Erie Canal’s bicentennial.

New York’s Canal system includes four historic canals: the Erie, Champlain, Oswego, and Cayuga – Seneca. Spanning 524 miles, the waterway links the Hudson River with the Great Lakes, the Finger Lakes and Lake Champlain. The canals connect hundreds of unique communities through a network of waterways, trails, and parks that serve residents and visitors alike.

The New York State Canal Corporation is a subsidiary of the New York Power Authority.