Paul Francis
Encyclopedia
Paul Francis is an American business executive and politician who served as the Director of State Operations for the State of New York. In that position, he oversaw the states' eight major departments, along with the other offices and divisions of the Government of New York
. He is originally from Westchester County, New York
.
Francis was nominated by former Governor of New York
Eliot Spitzer
to replace Olivia Golden in 2008. He previously served as State Budget Director, one of the most senior advisory roles for the Governor. He was also the first person appointed by Spitzer.
He continued to serve as director of state operations under Gov. David Paterson
, who succeeded Spitzer on March 17, 2008. Francis ultimately left this position in July 2008.
During Spitzer's 2006 gubernatorial campaign, Francis worked as policy director. Francis and Spitzer met volunteering for the congressional campaign of Edward Meyer, a former Westchester assemblyman who switched his registration from Republican to Democrat in the wake of the Watergate scandal
.
Francis' work in the private sector included years as the chief financial officer for retailer Ann Taylor
and then for Priceline.com
. He is the founder of venture capital firm Cedar Street Group. He graduated from New York University School of Law
in 1980 and worked for Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom alongside Silda Wall Spitzer
, the former Governor's wife.
Government of New York
As in all 50 states, the head of the executive branch of the government of New York is a Governor. The legislative branch is called the Legislature and consists of a Senate and an Assembly. Unlike most states, New York electoral law permits electoral fusion; thus New York ballots tend to show a...
. He is originally from Westchester County, New York
Westchester County, New York
Westchester County is a county located in the U.S. state of New York. Westchester covers an area of and has a population of 949,113 according to the 2010 Census, residing in 45 municipalities...
.
Francis was nominated by former Governor of New York
Governor of New York
The Governor of the State of New York is the chief executive of the State of New York. The governor is the head of the executive branch of New York's state government and the commander-in-chief of the state's military and naval forces. The officeholder is afforded the courtesy title of His/Her...
Eliot Spitzer
Eliot Spitzer
Eliot Laurence Spitzer is an American lawyer, former Democratic Party politician, and political commentator. He was the co-host of In the Arena, a talk-show and punditry forum broadcast on CNN until CNN cancelled his show in July of 2011...
to replace Olivia Golden in 2008. He previously served as State Budget Director, one of the most senior advisory roles for the Governor. He was also the first person appointed by Spitzer.
He continued to serve as director of state operations under Gov. David Paterson
David Paterson
David Alexander Paterson is an American politician who served as the 55th Governor of New York, from 2008 to 2010. During his tenure he was the first governor of New York of African American heritage and also the second legally blind governor of any U.S. state after Bob C. Riley, who was Acting...
, who succeeded Spitzer on March 17, 2008. Francis ultimately left this position in July 2008.
During Spitzer's 2006 gubernatorial campaign, Francis worked as policy director. Francis and Spitzer met volunteering for the congressional campaign of Edward Meyer, a former Westchester assemblyman who switched his registration from Republican to Democrat in the wake of the Watergate scandal
Watergate scandal
The Watergate scandal was a political scandal during the 1970s in the United States resulting from the break-in of the Democratic National Committee headquarters at the Watergate office complex in Washington, D.C., and the Nixon administration's attempted cover-up of its involvement...
.
Francis' work in the private sector included years as the chief financial officer for retailer Ann Taylor
Ann Taylor (retail chain)
ANN INC. is an American group of specialty apparel retail chain stores for women, headquartered in New York City, . The stores offer classic styled suits, separates, dresses, shoes and accessories...
and then for Priceline.com
Priceline.com
Priceline.com is a company and a commercial website that helps users obtain discount rates for travel-related purchases such as airline tickets and hotel stays. The company is not a direct supplier of these services; instead it facilitates the provision of travel services by its suppliers to its...
. He is the founder of venture capital firm Cedar Street Group. He graduated from New York University School of Law
New York University School of Law
The New York University School of Law is the law school of New York University. Established in 1835, the school offers the J.D., LL.M., and J.S.D. degrees in law, and is located in Greenwich Village, in the New York City borough of Manhattan....
in 1980 and worked for Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom alongside Silda Wall Spitzer
Silda Wall Spitzer
Silda Alice Wall Spitzer is the founder and chair of the board of Children for Children, a not-for-profit organization that fosters community involvement and social responsibility in young people...
, the former Governor's wife.