Paul T. Williams, Jr. Appointed DASNY Executive Director

Paul Williams, JR. appointed Albany - - At its monthly meeting here today, the Board of the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY) appointed Paul T. Williams, Jr. - - an attorney, investment banker and civic leader - - to be the Authority’s new Executive Director.

“The Dormitory Authority will benefit from the strong leadership and vision that Paul Williams will bring,” said Governor David Paterson. “The Authority provides critical public finance and construction project management services that help government agencies and not-for-profit institutions across the state develop and deliver important services to the higher education, health care and not-for-profit sectors. With Paul Williams’ experience and dedication, the Authority will continue as a leader providing capital, construction and other professional services to important public and private institutions across New York State.”

“The Dormitory Authority Board extends a very warm welcome to Paul Williams as our new Executive Director,” said Dormitory Authority Chairwoman Gail H. Gordon. “Paul comes to us with a stellar reputation, an exceptional skill set that matches up so well with our Authority’s mission, and a deep commitment to help our clients realize their finance and construction goals.”

“The Dormitory Authority is a respected institution that enjoys a well-earned reputation on Wall Street and in the construction industry,” said Williams. “I am honored that Governor Paterson and the Authority’s Board of Directors have entrusted me with the mission of continuing to build on the Authority’s record of success.”

Williams comes to the Dormitory Authority from the law firm Nixon Peabody LLP where he served as senior counsel. He was formerly President at Toussaint Capital Partners LLC, was a partner at Bryan Cave LLP, and was a founding partner of Williams & Harris LLP (formerly Wood, Williams, Rafalsky & Harris LLP).

As a civic leader, Williams is known for his work with 100 Black Men, Inc. in New York City, a charitable organization having a focus on education and community empowerment. He served as President of 100 Black Men for five years. He currently serves on a number of boards, including the Eagle Academy Foundation and City Parks Foundation. Past board service includes 100 Black Men of America, Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce, and the Association for a Better New York.

Williams has also served as an appointed member on numerous committees, commissions and task forces including: New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s Appointments Committee, the Greater New York Hospital Association Task Force on Diversity, the United Negro College Fund, and the Hale House Foundation interim board of directors.

Williams is a graduate of Phillips Exeter Academy, Yale University, and Columbia University School of Law. He and his wife, Ammie Felder-Williams, live with their three children in New Rochelle.

As Executive Director of the Dormitory Authority, Williams will serve as the chief administrative and operating officer of one of the leading public finance and construction management agencies in the nation. The Authority annually ranks among the top five issuers of tax-exempt bonds in the nation. In 2007, the Authority sold $4.6 billion in bonds (third in the nation) and had a portfolio of more than $35 billion in outstanding bonds.

The Authority currently has 685 projects statewide in its construction book valued at $6.3 billion including hospitals, courthouses, residence halls, research facilities, nursing homes, psychiatric centers and public libraries. The Authority has a workforce of 574 and an annual operating budget of $86 million. With its “All Green - Only Green” initiative that took effect January 1, 2008, the Authority is poised to become a national leader in the financing and construction management of highly energy efficient and environmentally sustainable public purpose buildings.

Williams succeeds former Executive Director David D. Brown, IV who served from April 2007 through May 2008.

Williams’ appointment is effective June 25, 2008. His salary will be $195,000.