Washington, Sep 14 (IANS): An Indian American with interests in media and the diamond business has been promoted as director of Business and Economic Development of Nassau County in New York state, one of America's wealthiest counties.

The first Indian American to hold the top business job, Kamlesh Mehta's primary role is to provide support to existing businesses which are suffering in tough economic times and create opportunities to attract new business enterprises.

Mehta had joined the county administration as deputy director in the Office of Economic Development in January 2010 when newly elected county executive Edward Mangano took charge in Long Island after a surprising victory over the two-term incumbent.

Mehta has interests in media and the precious stones trade and is on the boards of diverse businesses.

Born and brought up in Beawar, Rajasthan, he started his diamond business in Mumbai before moving to New York in 1986 to expand.

In 2008, Mehta delved into media by founding The South Asian Times. In less than three years, it has become one of the most read US-based Indian newspapers via its print and online presence.

He has been honoured with a Life Time Achievement Award by the Business Resources Group of Nassau County's Legislative Chambers and by the National Federation of Indian American Associations for Excellence of Services in the print media.