Contact: Colleen Roche (212) 788-2958
Curt Ritter (212) 788-2971
Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani today announced the appointment of Robert M. Harding as Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the Mayor's chief financial officer. Mr. Harding will leave his current post as the City's Director of Intergovernmental Affairs immediately to assume the helm at OMB. He succeeds Joseph Lhota who was appointed Deputy Mayor for Operations last week.
"As Director of Intergovernmental Affairs, Bob Harding represented New York City's interests aggressively and professionally," said Mayor Giuliani. "His advocacy has helped us build one of the best economies in decades. Bob's role cannot be underestimated. Since 1994, more than 200 City Program Bills have been enacted into law including some of the City's most significant legislative achievements -- School Governance, the Transitional Finance Authority and the renewal of the Safe Streets, Safe City Program.
"Working closely with legislators, Bob Harding ensured that New York City received its fair share in Medicaid reimbursement and State education aid. His legislative expertise also helped bring much needed tax relief to New York City residents and businesses with reform of the Business Income Tax, reduction in the Hotel Occupancy Tax, Unincorporated Business Tax relief, Co-op and Condo Tax relief and reduction of the sales tax on clothing and shoes.
"Bob's appointment today as Director of OMB is a natural progression. His sound experience, dedication, negotiating skills and knowledge of budget and government will ensure that New York City remains fiscally sound in the years to come," the Mayor concluded.
"I would like to thank the Mayor for the confidence he has placed in me," said Mr. Harding. "I am committed to furthering the fine work of his previous Budget Directors -- Joe Lhota, Marc Shaw and Abe Lackman, and I pledge to continue their efforts in restoring the fiscal stability of the City of New York."
As Director of OMB, Mr. Harding will be responsible for the development of the Mayor's Preliminary and Executive Budgets. He will also advise the Mayor on all policy issues affecting the City's fiscal stability and the effectiveness of City services.
Mr. Harding has served as Director of the Mayor's Office of Intergovernmental Affairs since January 1998. In that capacity he had oversight responsibility for all City legislative matters in Washington, Albany and with the City Council. Prior to January 1998, Bob was the City's Director of State Legislative Affairs where represented the Mayor and City agencies before the Governor, the State Legislature and State agencies, and was responsible for reviewing all State legislation affecting the City.
Prior to that role, Mr. Harding served as Counsel, Chief Legal Officer and Secretary of the New York State Facilities Development Corporation. From 1991 to 1993, he served as the General Counsel and Officer of the New York State Science and Technology Foundation. Mr. Harding also served as Counsel to Speaker Pro Tem William F. Passannante of the New York State Assembly from 1983 to 1990. In addition, he maintained a private law practice.
From 1987 to 1997, Mr. Harding was an adjunct clinical professor of law at Albany Law School. He received a Bachelor of Arts from the State University of New York at Plattsburgh in 1978. In 1982, he received his Juris Doctor from Brooklyn Law School.
Mr. Harding is married to Frances Sulzberger Harding and they have two daughters, Rachael and Madeline.