Randy Wolken
President & CEO
MACNY, The Manufacturers Association
Randy Wolken is the President & CEO of MACNY, The Manufacturers Association, which serves over 350 companies employing more than 200,000 individuals across a 26-county region in Central and Upstate New York. He is also President & CEO of the Manufacturers Alliance of New York, a statewide coalition representing more than 2,500 companies from Long Island to Buffalo.
Mr. Wolken joined MACNY in 2001 and has dedicated the last 25 years to strengthening the business climate and expanding opportunity across Central and Upstate New York. Prior to joining MACNY, he served as Executive Director of the Samaritan Center; as a Senior Budget Analyst in the Onondaga County Division of Management and Budget; and as an officer on active duty at both Griffiss Air Force Base and Fort Drum.
A lifelong student of leadership, Randy brings a practical, people-first philosophy shaped by his military training, public service, and decades of work alongside manufacturers and community leaders. He believes leadership is a team sport and that everyone, regardless of title, has a role to play. Known for his belief that leaders must “listen, learn, and then lead,” he emphasizes showing up, building relationships, and investing in others. His approach is grounded in respect, accountability, and a deep commitment to helping people grow and succeed. Through his weekly leadership writings and his book, Present-Future Leader: How to Thrive in Today’s Economy, he encourages leaders to stay curious, adapt to change, and lead with integrity in times of uncertainty.
Under his leadership, MACNY has evolved into a comprehensive resource for manufacturers, offering advocacy, workforce development, leadership training, HR services, and energy solutions. The organization plays a leading role in advancing Registered Apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs, helping individuals access career pathways while supporting the talent needs of a rapidly changing manufacturing economy.
Mr. Wolken holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and a Master of Public Administration degree from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University. He is a graduate of Leadership Greater Syracuse (Class of 2000), a recipient of two Army Commendation Medals, the Lawler Leadership Award from Catholic Charities, and a Syracuse 40 Under 40 honoree.
He currently serves as Co-Chair of the Central New York Regional Economic Development Council (CNY REDC), Chair of the Onondaga County Industrial Development Agency (OCIDA), and as Board Chair of CNY Works and the Brady Faith Center. He is also a member of the Governor’s Apprenticeship Advisory Council. Randy has previously served on numerous boards, including the NYS Taxpayer Advisory Council, the Upstate New York District Export Council, the NYISO Consumer Advisory Council, United Way of Central New York, F.O.C.U.S. Greater Syracuse, and Leadership Greater Syracuse.
Randy and his wife, Denise, a pediatrician, live in Syracuse. They have three grown children.