LIA lists 5 qualities needed to fill this man's shoes

With so many high-level executives out of work these days, it would seem the Long Island Association would have an easy time choosing a successor to Matthew Crosson, who is to step down as the organization's president by September.

The LIA may have an easy time, but aspirants to the position may not.

The LIA, the region's largest business and civic group, Tuesday released its list of requirements for the six-figure salary job. The new person must:

1. Have a "successful track record in running a business or organization,"

2. Have the ability to establish and maintain member relationships

3. Be an excellent communicator,

4. Be an advocate for Long Island's business in state and federal arenas,

5. Be successful in working with boards of directors and lead "with passion and vision."

The successful candidate also will have to come up with one whiz-bang essay on "the top three priorities you would focus on " as LIA president.

Crosson, 60, announced in November that he will be stepping down after 16 years in the job.

The LIA almost immediately formed a search committee, and hopes to begin interviewing candidates soon, said Katherine Heaviside, a spokeswoman for the committee and president of the Epoch 5 marketing firm in Huntington.

"We're going to move forward with very deliberate speed, and we hope to get someone in a reasonable amount of time," Heaviside said.

A number of names have surfaced as likely successors, among them Mitchell Pally, who was with the LIA for 21 years before leaving in 2006 to practice law. Kevin Law's name also surfaced. Law is chief executive of the Long Island Power Authority.