ALBANY—David Paterson is bringing back Marty Mack to serve as deputy secretary for intergovernmental affairs, his office announced today, a move that will help cement relations with upstate leaders in these days of downstate Democratic hegemony.
"Marty Mack is one of the ablest public servants that you could have on the second floor, and we are so lucky to have him back," said State Senator Neil Breslin. "He did a great job the first time around, and I think he missed the action."
Mack was first appointed to the post by Eliot Spitzer when he took office, but left for the private sector in June. His reappointment comes as Paterson reshuffles staff on the second floor amid a political lull.
But the governor's staff still lacks a coherent center, and sources say Mack is not expected to be that. Paterson has also yet to flush out authorities and commissions of Republican appointees that have held over from the Pataki administration.
In addition to Mack, Paterson elevated Michael Skrebutenas to deputy secretary for economic development and Anthony Giardina as assistant secretary for economic development and upstate recovery.
None of the appointments require senate confirmation. Here's the full release from the governor's office:
Governor David A. Paterson today announced the appointments of Marty Mack to serve as Deputy Secretary for Intergovernmental Affairs, Michael Skrebutenas to serve as Deputy Secretary for Economic Development and Housing, and Anthony Giardina to serve as Assistant Secretary for Economic Development and Upstate Recovery. These appointments will be effective on Thursday, February 12, 2009.
Marty Mack previously served as Deputy Secretary for Intergovernmental Affairs to Governors Paterson and Spitzer from January 2007 to June 2008, when he joined a private business development consulting firm. Prior to joining the Governor’s Office, Mr. Mack served for eight years as Deputy Attorney General to Attorney General Eliot Spitzer. From 1980 to 1998, Mr. Mack practiced law while serving as a public servant in a variety of capacities. He served as an Assistant District Attorney in Cortland County from 1980 to 1983, Cortland County Attorney from 1984 to 1987, and Mayor of the City of Cortland from 1988 to 1992. In addition, he was a partner in a private law practice for over 18 years.
Mr. Mack presently serves as the Governor’s representative on the Cornell University Board of Trustees. He has also served on various public and private boards, including: New York Public Asset Fund/Blue Cross Blue Shield Investment Advisory Board, Chairman of the SUNY Cortland College Council, Member of the Democratic National Committee, Executive Chairman of the New York State Democratic Party, and President of Catholic Charities Board of Directors.
Mr. Mack holds a Bachelors of Science from Cornell University, a Master of Arts in Teaching from SUNY Cortland, and a Juris Doctorate from the University of South Carolina. He is married to Lee Scott Mack, has two children and resides in Cortland.
As Deputy Secretary for Intergovernmental Affairs, Mr. Mack’s salary will be $175,800. This appointment does not require Senate confirmation.
Michael Skrebutenas has served for the last 18 months as Assistant Secretary for Economic Development. Prior to his work for Governor Paterson, Mr. Skrebutenas developed affordable housing for non-profit community development organizations and also served in the White House during the Clinton administration.
Mr. Skrebutenas is a graduate of Columbia University, where he received his Bachelors of Arts and a Masters Degree in Urban Planning, and served as adjunct faculty in the Graduate School of Architecture and Planning. Mr. Skrebutenas is also a graduate of the University of Connecticut School of Law. He is married to Anne Deldin Skrebutenas, has two children and resides in Niskayuna.
As Deputy Secretary for Economic Development and Housing, Mr. Skrebutenas’ salary will be $160,000. This position does not require Senate confirmation.
Anthony Giardina has served as Director of Regional Affairs for Governors Paterson and Spitzer. Prior to joining the administration, Mr. Giardina served as Assistant Corporation Counsel for the New York City Law Department handling real estate transactions and property tax litigation in the City’s Upstate Watershed region. From 1998 to 2000, Mr. Giardina served as Assistant Counsel in the Senate Minority Counsel’s office. Mr. Giardina began his career in public service working in the administration of Governor Mario Cuomo, responsible for the day to day operations of the State Ombudsman program. He also served as Counsel to the State Office of Rural Affairs, offering legal and technical assistance to rural local government leaders in the areas of land use, planning and zoning.
Mr. Giardina’s role as Assistant Secretary for Economic Development and Upstate Recovery will be to oversee economic development agency work – focusing on Upstate projects and working with local officials on economic recovery.
Mr. Giardina holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University at Albany and a Juris Doctorate from Albany Law School. He resides in Guilderland with his wife, Bernadette Giardina, and daughter.
As Assistant Secretary for Economic Development and Upstate Recovery, Mr. Giardina’s salary will be $132,613. This position does not require Senate confirmation.
