Yuri Cort, a Hudson Valley native with more than 20 years of experience providing strategic business development services to Fortune 500 companies including Microsoft and McKesson, has joined the Friends of the Walkway’s all-volunteer board of directors.

Throughout his career, Mr. Cort has held a variety of senior leadership roles in healthcare, technology, marketing, and operations. He currently has national responsibilities at Microsoft helping clients maximize their investment within the Azure Cloud environment, and has previously served as Director of Business Development at NTT (formerly DELL) and Vice President at Leidos Health.

“I am excited for the opportunity to leverage my diverse background in support of a treasured cultural landmark like Walkway Over the Hudson,” Cort said. “I’d like to thank chair Maureen Solero, vice chair John Storyk, and the entire board for welcoming me so warmly. I have long loved venturing into the park as a guest and can’t wait to have a more hands-on role in shaping the future of the Walkway.”

“Yuri is a tremendous addition to our board,” said Maureen Solero, Chair, Friends of the Walkway. “He brings a fresh perspective to our work that will greatly benefit the Walkway as we evolve to best serve the needs of the park, our members, visitors, and the community at large.”

“Yuri is a dynamic strategic leader who joins our organization as we approach a new chapter in our history,” said Diane Haight, Interim Executive Director, Friends of the Walkway. “His global experience, deep expertise, and passion for the Hudson Valley will make him an invaluable part of our team.”

Cort is an alumnus of the University of Maryland at College Park and The New School University in New York City. He currently resides with his family in Westchester County.