Matt Cohen, the president and chief executive officer of the Long Island Association (LIA), has announced that he is stepping down from the organization when his term ends in June. Stacey Sikes, the vice president of government affairs and communications, has been named acting president and CEO.
“After 15 impactful years with the Long Island Association working alongside our vibrant and proactive business community, I have decided to … explore new opportunities,” Cohen said. “It has been an honor to help advance Long Island’s economic growth, support our hardworking small businesses, and create meaningful connections for business leaders across the region. I am grateful for the LIA members, colleagues, partners, and friends who have made this journey so rewarding.”
Cohen has served as president and CEO since May 2021, after serving as vice president of government affairs and communications. During his tenure, the Long Island Association (LIA) has strengthened its advocacy efforts at the federal, state, and local levels of government to support Long Island’s economic competitiveness and long-term prosperity.
Under Cohen’s leadership, the organization also expanded programs supporting small businesses through the LIA Foundation and continued to convene influential networking and policy forums featuring nationally and globally recognized speakers.
“On behalf of the Long Island Association Board of Directors, we thank Matt for his years of leadership and commitment to our organization and to Long Island,” said LIA Board Chair Larry Waldman. “We are grateful for everything he has accomplished and look forward to following his continued success.”