Orange County Partnership Names Long-Time Local Attorney as 2026 Most Valuable Partner: William Frank - Partner at Blustein, Shapiro Frank & Barone, LLP

The Orange County Partnership has selected William Frank, a Partner at Blustein, Shapiro, Frank & Barone, LLP as its 2026 Most Valuable Partner (MVP), recognizing his decades-long commitment to strengthening the economic vitality and long-term sustainability of Orange County and the greater Hudson Valley. The selection was made by unanimous vote of the Partnership’s Board of Directors.

The Most Valuable Partner Award honors an individual or organization whose vision, leadership, and collaboration have measurably improved the economic strength and diversity of Orange County, NY. For more than 30 years, the Orange County Partnership has recognized influential leaders whose contributions have enhanced quality of life and supported economic stability across the region.

Through a career defined by technical expertise and a deep understanding of local and regional priorities, Will has worked on a wide range of complex projects across multiple industries. As municipal attorney for several municipalities throughout Orange County, he has played a critical role in guiding land use, zoning, and economic development initiatives that strengthened the county’s economic foundation while promoting responsible, sustainable growth.

“Economic development is a team effort, and Will Frank exemplifies what it means to be a true partner,” said Conor Eckert, President & CEO of the Orange County Partnership. “His ability to navigate complex legal and regulatory challenges, provide trusted counsel to communities and local municipal boards, and bring stakeholders together has helped advance projects that deliver lasting value across Orange County. We are proud to recognize his contributions with this year’s Most Valuable Partner Award.”

“The selection of Will Frank of Blustein, Shapiro, Frank & Barone, LLP as Orange County Partnership’s 2026 Most Valuable Partner honors Will’s consummate professionalism and commitment to communities in Orange County”, said Mary Beth Bianconi, Chairperson of the Orange County Partnership. “Will’s ability to support the people of Orange County with sage legal guidance is founded in years of experience with the complex challenges facing municipalities and businesses. On behalf of the Board of the Orange County Partnership, we look forward to a well-deserved celebration of Will’s many contributions and accomplishments.”

Will expressed his appreciation for the honor and reflected on the importance of partnership in achieving meaningful progress.

“I am truly honored and excited to receive the Orange County Partnership’s 2026 MVP Award”, said Will Frank. “To be recognized by the Partnership for my role in fostering local economic growth while balancing the needs of the communities that I represent is a special feeling. I intend to accept this award on behalf of my entire law firm, as we apply a team approach to our municipal, development and banking work. I will also accept this award on behalf of the many professional consulting engineers, architects, fellow attorneys, municipal officials and planners who work behind the scenes every day to make ongoing economic development in Orange County a reality.”

The 2026 Most Valuable Partner Breakfast will take place on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at The Barn at Villa Venezia, beginning at 8:00 a.m.

The Orange County Partnership proudly congratulates Will Frank on this well-deserved recognition and thanks him for his decades of leadership and service. His work has left a lasting imprint on Orange County’s economy and communities, and his example continues to set a high standard for partnership-driven economic development across the region.