Joshua Stratton-Rayner Appointed Director of Economic Development

Published on March 19, 2026

KINGSTON, NY - The Ulster County Legislature last night confirmed County Executive Jen Metzger's appointment of Joshua Stratton‑Rayner to lead the County's Economic Development Department. Stratton‑Rayner steps into the role officially after serving as Deputy Director since 2022 and as Interim Director since the beginning of this year, following the departure of former Director Kevin Lynch for family reasons.

Since joining the Department four years ago, Stratton‑Rayner has brought a strong background in urban strategy, systems‑oriented planning, and civic development. He has played a central role in several major initiatives, including the County’s first comprehensive arts and culture plan, IMAGINE Ulster; the forthcoming Main Street Forward program for downtown district development; and efforts that helped secure significant New York State economic development awards for the Barrel Factory in Kingston, iPark 87 in the Town of Ulster, and the redevelopment of the Wellington Hotel in Shandaken. He also serves on the City of Kingston’s Zoning Working Group.

“Joshua brings to this role a great combination of strategic insight, creativity, and experience working with local businesses and community stakeholders, and he has a proven track record advancing the economic priorities of the County in his prior role as Deputy Director," said Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger. “I look forward to our continued work together to build a resilient, thriving, and sustainable local economy that leaves no one behind." 

Prior to joining Ulster County, Stratton‑Rayner worked in the City of Newburgh’s Department of Planning and Development and in the City of Philadelphia’s Commerce Department, where he supported key partnerships with community benefit organizations and helped design a citywide commercial corridor revitalization and workforce program that later became a mayoral priority. He also served as Philadelphia’s liaison to its business improvement districts and was part of the COVID‑response team that developed outdoor dining and public‑space protocols that kept small businesses operating safely during the early months of the pandemic.

In Ulster County, Stratton‑Rayner’s professional and personal commitments often intersect — whether through renewed departmental focus on agriculture and food systems, Main Street revitalization, or support for small businesses. Stratton-Rayner lives in Kingston with his wife and two young children.

“I am thrilled to serve the people of this beautiful, special place that has become a true home for my family. We share similar anxieties about local and global economic uncertainty, find support in our community of friends and families, and strive to build a kinder and more equitable society of neighbors — it motivates me to think generationally about the impacts of our initiatives,” said Stratton‑Rayner. “As Director of Economic Development, I look forward to helping implement County Executive Metzger’s vision of creating the conditions that allow Ulster County’s citizens to pursue stability, prosperity, and resilience.”