August 22, 2008
GOVERNOR PATERSON NOMINATES EMPIRE STATE DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION PRESIDENT AND CEO, UPSTATE PRESIDENT
Appointees Will Lead State’s Primary Economic Development Agency
Governor David A. Paterson today announced that he has nominated Marisa Lago, Global Head of Compliance at Citi Markets & Banking, as President and Chief Executive Officer of New York State’s economic development agency, the Empire State Development Corporation (ESD). He also nominated Dennis Mullen, President and CEO of the Greater Rochester Enterprise, Inc. (GRE), as Upstate President of ESD.
“These two appointments will begin a new chapter for New York State,” said Governor Paterson. “Since its inception, Empire State Development has been a critical partner in bringing new business to New York and growing the successful companies that generate jobs and revenue for our State. Along with the appointment of Robert Wilmers, the naming of Marisa Lago and Dennis Mullen will bring new vitality to our economic development mission.”
Robert Wilmers, Empire State Development Chairman, said: “We are excited that Marisa Lago and Dennis Mullen are joining our economic development team as we continue our efforts to create jobs and attract business throughout New York. Marisa and Dennis are both talented economic development professionals who bring enormous strengths to the table.”
Ms. Lago, who will be based in Manhattan and have complete oversight of economic development issues throughout New York State, will work with ESD Chairman Robert Wilmers – who is based in Buffalo – to identify a new Downstate President of ESD.
“Marisa Lago has extensive economic development experience, serving the cities of New York and Boston and the U.S. government before moving into the private sector,” said Governor David Paterson. “Her leadership and vision will unify and strengthen the State’s efforts to attract business and spur local development.”
As the Global Head of Compliance for Citi Markets & Banking, Ms. Lago oversaw all compliance matters for Citi’s capital markets, investment and corporate banking, and transaction services businesses, which operate in more than 90 countries around the world.
Prior to joining Citi Markets & Banking, Ms. Lago worked at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as Director of the Office of International Affairs. Ms. Lago’s diverse professional career has also included serving as Chief Economic Development Officer of the City of Boston and Director of the Boston Redevelopment Authority, as well as General Counsel of the New York City Economic Development Corporation.
Ms. Lago graduated cum laude from Harvard Law School in 1982, and earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Physics from Cooper Union.
As President and CEO of the Empire State Development Corporation, Ms. Lago will receive a salary of $215,000 annually. This nomination requires Senate confirmation. Her first day on the job will be September 15.
As the Upstate President of ESD, Dennis Mullen will be based in Rochester and oversee all Upstate ESD offices and projects. Mr. Mullen is currently serving as president and CEO of Greater Rochester Enterprise (GRE). Under Mr. Mullen’s leadership, GRE has focused on marketing Rochester’s core assets – alternative energy, biotechnology, food and beverage manufacturing and optics – in an effort to attract new business to the area.
“As we confront the greatest economic challenges of a generation, it is crucial for us to understand how to make the Upstate region – and all of New York – attractive to business,” said Governor Paterson. “Dennis Mullen’s business and economic development acumen, paired with his deep appreciation for and understanding of Upstate New York, will be vital as we bolster our growth strategy for the Upstate economy.”
Prior to Mr. Mullen’s role in economic development, he worked for more than 28 years in the food industry in a number of senior leadership positions, most recently serving for a decade as the chairman, president and CEO of Birds Eye Foods. He spearheaded an aggressive acquisition strategy which doubled the size of the company. In addition to his tenure as chairman, president and CEO of Birds Eye Foods, he also served as president and CEO of three other food enterprises including Globe Products Companies, Nalley’s Fine Foods, and Comstock Foods.
Mr. Mullen also serves on the board of eleven local not-for-profit entities as well as two public companies.
Mr. Mullen earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Education from St. Leo University in Florida.
As Upstate President of the Empire State Development Corporation, Mr. Mullen will receive a salary of $200,000 annually. This nomination requires approval of the Upstate ESDC Board of Directors. His first day on the job will be September 15.
