State Senator Cathy Young is leaving office for a job in the private sector.

She has been named director of the New York State Center of Excellence for Food and Agriculture at Cornell AgriTech in Geneva.

“It was a very challenging decision to leave my service in the New York State Senate because I care so deeply about the people and issues facing my district,” she said. “However, this new role will provide me with more direct opportunities to make progress in one of the industries that is closest to my heart," given her childhood on a dairy farm and experience in the food and agriculture industry. 

The university says she will begin her new role on March 11.

The Republican has been a member of the state Senate since 2005.

She represents the 57th district, including Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua and a portion of Livingston County.

Young was the first woman to serve as the chair of the influential Finance committee.

She served in the Assembly for six years and the Cattaraugus County Legislature prior to that.

”We are very fortunate to have someone of Sen. Young’s caliber to step into this role with a strong vision, statewide network and proven track record of growing businesses,” said Jan Nyrop, an associate dean and the center’s director.