Robert J. Rodriguez
Robert J. Rodriguez was confirmed by the New York State Senate on May 22, 2024 as DASNY's President and Chief Executive Officer. He served as New York’s 67th Secretary of State from 2021 to 2024 and as a member of DASNY Board of Directors. Mr. Rodriguez represented Assembly District 68 in the New York State Assembly for 11 years, where he was Co-Chair of the Legislative Task Force on Demographic Research and Reapportionment, founding Chair of the Assembly Sub-Committee on Infrastructure, and Member of the Committees on Ways and Means, Housing, Labor, Banking, Corporations and Authorities, and Mental Health. Mr. Rodriguez held positions at Public Financial Management, A.C. Advisory, Inc and Bloomberg L.P. As a civic leader, Mr. Rodriguez served on several volunteer boards including as Chairman of Manhattan Community Board 11 and as a member of the Board of Directors of the Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone. He is also an emerging leader of the New America Alliance and the Council for Urban Professionals (CUP) Fellow. Mr. Rodriguez earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Political Science from Yale University and a Master’s in Business Administration in Finance from New York University’s Stern Business School.
Charlie Williams
Charlie Williams is the Vice President of DASNY and assists the President in the administration and operation of DASNY. Mr. Williams coordinates policy and operations across all DASNY business lines and serves as chief advisor on all DASNY operational matters. He is also responsible for communications, marketing and intergovernmental affairs at DASNY. Mr. Williams previously served as Deputy Budget Director for the NYS Division of Budget where he oversaw the budgets of approximately 125 state agencies and authorities in the areas of economic development, human services, housing, energy, environment, education, arts, agriculture, parks, mental hygiene, developmental disabilities, addiction services and public protection. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from State University of New York at Plattsburgh and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the Rockefeller College of the University at Albany.
Kimberly A. Ellis
Kimberly A. Ellis is the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of DASNY. As Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, Ms. Ellis is responsible for supervising DASNY's investment program, general accounting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, financial reporting functions, payroll and information services, as well as the development and implementation of financial policies, financial management systems and internal controls for financial reporting. Prior to her appointment to Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, Ms. Ellis served in numerous senior positions within the Finance Division of DASNY, including as Deputy Chief Financial Officer and Assistant Director of Investments, where she had direct involvement with the management of DASNY's financial operations, including DASNY's overall investment portfolio and the coordination and development of DASNY's annual operating budget and capital plans. Ms. Ellis holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the State University of New York at Buffalo.
Portia Lee
Portia Lee is the Managing Director of Public Finance and Portfolio Monitoring. She is responsible for supervising and directing DASNY bond issuance in the capital markets, implementing and overseeing financing programs, overseeing DASNY’s compliance with continuing disclosure requirements and monitoring the financial condition of existing DASNY clients. Ms. Lee previously served as Senior Investment Officer at the New York State Comptroller’s Office where she was responsible for assisting in the administration of the long-term fixed income portfolio of the New York State Common Retirement Fund, as well as the short-term portfolio and the Securities Lending Program. From 1995 to 2005, Ms. Lee worked at Moody’s Investors Service where she most recently served as Vice President and Senior Credit Officer in the Public Finance Housing Group. She holds a B.A. from the State University of New York at Albany.
Stephen D. Curro, P. E.
Stephen D. Curro, P.E. is the Managing Director of Construction. Mr. Curro is responsible for DASNY’s construction groups, including design, project management, resource acquisition, contract administration, interior design, and engineering, as well as other technical services. Mr. Curro joined DASNY in 2001 as Director of Technical Services, and most recently served as Director of Construction Support Services. He is a registered Professional Engineer in New York and has worked in the construction industry for more than 30 years. He holds a B.S. in Civil Engineering from the University of Rhode Island, a Master of Engineering in Structural Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and a Master of Business Administration from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute’s Lally School of Management.
Sara Potter Richards, Esq.
Sara Richards is the Managing Director for Executive Direction. Ms. Richards works with all Members of the Executive Management team to coordinate policy and operations across DASNY business lines. She is responsible for coordinating the work of the DASNY Board of Directors and overseeing the Grants Administration Unit and the Office of Environmental Affairs. Ms. Richards began her DASNY career in the Office of General Counsel and has held a variety of positions of increasing responsibility, most recently serving as Managing Senior Director of Governance and Administration. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Broadcast Journalism from Ithaca College and a Juris Doctor degree from Albany Law School.
Jennifer Maglienti, Esq.
Jennifer Maglienti is the General Counsel of DASNY. Ms. Maglienti oversees all legal aspects of DASNY's operations including bond issuances, construction projects, grant administration, contracting, and regulatory compliance. She provides legal advice and counsel to the Board of Directors, President and executive team. Prior to joining DASNY in March 2024, Ms. Maglienti served as General Counsel at the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, and previously as Assistant Counsel to the Governor overseeing the Energy, Environment and Agriculture Portfolio. She spent 19 years with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, developing expertise in grant administration, capital construction, and public finance. Ms. Maglienti holds a Juris Doctor degree from Albany Law School of Union University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Syracuse University.