Yesterday, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced that the State Senate unanimously confirmed executive nominations to positions within state government.

"I congratulate all of these nominees on their successful confirmations," Governor Cuomo said. "Their experience and dedication will be invaluable to the State of New York and I welcome their talents to my administration. I look forward to working with them on serving the people of New York, improving the state's infrastructure and making the state a vibrant business community. I thank Majority Leader Skelos, Senator DeFrancisco, and all the committee members for their comprehensive review during the confirmation process."

Julie Shimer, Ph.D., was confirmed as Chair of the Empire State Development Corporation (ESDC). Dr. Shimer is the CEO and President of Welch Allyn, in Skaneateles Falls, New York, is a nationally recognized leader in the computer networking and wireless communications industries. Dr. Shimer was named CEO in 2007 - becoming the first woman to hold this post in the 95-year history of the company. Prior to joining Welch Allyn, Dr. Shimer served as President and CEO of Vocera Communications, a leading wireless communications company based in Cupertino, California. Dr. Shimer also held executive positions at 3Com Corporation, Motorola, AT&T Bell Laboratories, and Bethlehem Steel Company. Dr. Shimer currently holds board positions with Welch Allyn, Netgear, the Engineering Information Foundation and Centerstate Corporation for Economic Opportunity. In addition, she is a senior member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers and Society for Women Engineers. Dr. Shimer holds masters and doctoral degrees in Electrical Engineering from Lehigh University and a bachelor's degree in Physics from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. She resides in Skaneateles, NY with her husband, Jary.

Dr. Shimer said, "I am honored to be confirmed as the ESDC Chair. Under the leadership of Governor Cuomo, we will work together to restructure our economic development strategy. Attracting and retaining businesses is a key priority and it will lead to increased private investment and jobs throughout New York State. I thank Senators DeFrancisco, Ranzenhofer and Perkins for their review and support during my confirmation and I thank Governor Cuomo for this opportunity to serve the people of New York State."

Senator Michael Ranzenhofer, Chair of the Senate Committee on Corporations, Authorities and Commissions said, "Julie Shimer has the professional experience and expertise to serve as chair of the Empire State Development Corporation. Her confirmation today moves us closer towards the goal of enticing more businesses and jobs to New York."

Senator Bill Perkins, Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Corporations, Authorities and Commissions said, "With the confirmation of Julie Shimer, New Yorkers can be confident that our state is in the right hands as we recover from these harsh economic times. Dr. Shimer's strong experience as one of the nation's leading business executives is what is needed to lead the Empire State Development Corporation in its task to revitalize New York's economy. I applaud Governor Cuomo's choice of Dr. Shimer as Chair of the ESDC, and I look forward to working together to create jobs for all New Yorkers."

Joanie Mahoney, Onondaga County Executive said, "I congratulate Julie on her confirmation. Julie is a first-class business woman and New Yorker. She knows the economic strengths and weaknesses throughout the state and I have full confidence that she will play an integral part in getting New York back on the path to prosperity. I applaud Governor Cuomo his choice and look forward to working with both him and Julie to help create jobs across the state."

Heather Briccetti, Acting-President & CEO of The Business Council of New York State, Inc. said, "The confirmation of Julie Shimer as chair of ESDC is great news for all New Yorkers. She is a great leader and understands the growing importance of innovation in our economy. Congratulations to Julie and to Governor Cuomo on this confirmation. She is a great choice who will help lead the growth in New York's economy."

Howard P. Milstein was confirmed as Chair of the New York State Thruway Authority. Mr. Milstein is the Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of New York Private Bank & Trust and its operating bank, Emigrant Bank (the country's largest privately held bank). He also chairs and operates the Milstein family's real estate companies including: Milstein Properties, Milford Management and the Milford Agency. In addition, Mr. Milstein is the founding Chairman of the merchant bank, FriedbergMilstein.

Mr. Milstein is on the Executive Committee of the Dean's Advisory Board of Harvard Law School as well as the Real Estate Forum of the Columbia University Business School and the Real Estate Roundtable. Mr. Milstein has served as a member of the Board of the Economic Club of New York and is a member of the Executive Committee of the Real Estate Board of New York. He is particularly active in the fields of medical research and healthcare delivery as the Chairman of the New York Blood Center and American Skin Association's Board and board member of the Weill Cornell Medical College. At Cornell University, Mr. Milstein is a Trustee and Presidential Counselor and Overseer, Cornell Medical College. He is also on the Boards of the Thomas Jefferson Foundation, the Shakespeare Theatre in Washington, D.C., and the National 9/11 Memorial Foundation.

Mr. Milstein said, "I'm honored to have the opportunity to serve the people of New York State under the leadership of Governor Andrew Cuomo. The Thruway Authority and Canal Corporation are essential to the infrastructure of New York state, and I am proud to be part of these agencies. I would like to thank Governor Cuomo for this nomination and Senators Fuschillo, Dilan, DeFrancisco and their colleagues for their comprehensive review."

Senator Charles Fuschillo, Chair of the Senate Committee on Transportation said, "I am pleased to support Governor Cuomo's nomination of Howard Milstein as Chairman of the New York State Thruway Authority. Mr. Milstein is well qualified to lead this agency and I am confident he will advance its mission of providing quality service and a safe road to the 271 million vehicles which travel on the Thruway each year. I congratulate Mr. Milstein on his confirmation and look forward to working with him in his new position," said Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (R-Merrick), Chairman of the Senate's Transportation Committee."

Senator Martin Malavé Dilan, Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Transportation said, "Mr. Milstein's knowledge and experience in the business community make him especially qualified to head the New York State Thruway Authority. I commend Governor Cuomo for nominating Mr. Milstein and I am confident that under his leadership the Thruway Authority will be a more efficient, effective and sustainable organization in service of all New Yorkers."

Senator George D. Maziarz, Chairman of the Senate Energy and Telecommunications Committee, said, "With the difficult fiscal realities currently facing our state, it is all the more important that government work more efficiently to serve the people, and I applaud Governor Cuomo for appointing Mr. Milstein to oversee the Thruway Authority. Mr. Milstein's leadership will be of great benefit to the agency and the people of our state."

Richard T. Anderson, President of the New York State Building Congress said, "Howard Milstein is an excellent appointment and the Building Congress is confident that he will carry forward the important work of the New York State Thruway Authority. As a fellow Cornellian, Howard has demonstrated his commitment to NY in numerous ways over a long number of years. I congratulate him and the Governor, and look forward to working with them."

The following nominees were also confirmed:

Donald Capoccia was confirmed to the Battery Park City Authority.

Fernando Ferrer was confirmed as a Member of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.

Raymond LeChase was confirmed to the Power Authority.

Jeffrey Lynford was confirmed as Commissioner of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

Dennis Mehiel was confirmed as a Member of the Empire State Development Corporation.

Scott Howard Rechler was confirmed as Commissioner of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

Aby Rosen was confirmed as the Chair of the Council on the Arts.