Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg today announced the appointments of Michael Carey as Special Assistant to the Mayor, Andrew M. Alper as President of the NYC Economic Development Corporation, Amanda M. Burden as Chair of the City Planning Commission, Lindsay Eason as Sheriff of the Department of Finance, and Robert W. Walsh as Commissioner of the Department of Business Services. In addition, the Mayor announced the reappointment of Kenneth J. Podziba as Commissioner of the Sports Commission.

"Michael Carey is uniquely qualified to evaluate New York City's numerous capital needs to develop a coordinated strategy in line with the City's fiscal realities," Mayor Bloomberg said. "Michael Carey will provide invaluable experience and insight to advise me on these complex and challenging issues."

As a Special Assistant to the Mayor, Michael Carey's duties will include advising the Mayor on capital construction projects affecting the Board of Education, the School Construction Authority, CUNY, and the Housing Authority. Prior to his appointment, Michael Carey served as President of the New York City Economic Development Corporation (EDC). He is the former First Executive Vice President and General Counsel of EDC and the Industrial Development Agency, and he was a Managing Director at Cambridge Partners, an investment banking firm, and a partner at Whitman Breed Abbot & Morgan. Carey earned a BA at Catholic University of America and a JD at Fordham University School of Law.

"New York City is extremely fortunate to have a successful businessman with the global experience of Andy Alper to take the helm of its primary economic development agency," Mayor Bloomberg said. "New York City is the international capital of the world and Andy has the skills of an experienced manager, a consensus builder, and a good listener to strategically lead New York City into the future."

EDC serves to protect and enhance the City's job and revenue base through the provision of comprehensive economic development services including commercial and industrial real estate development, financial services, the development and management of commercial transport systems, the City's wholesale and public food markets, and waterfront properties.
Prior to his appointment, Andrew M. Alper served as an investment banker for 20 years with Goldman, Sachs & Co., most recently focusing on internal strategic restructuring. He also served as COO of the Investment Banking Division and co-head of the Financial Institutions Group. Alper earned a BA and an MBA at the University of Chicago.

"The City Planning Commission playa a critical role in the rebuilding of our great City," Mayor Bloomberg said. "Amanda Burden has the experience to energize their efforts in order to bolster the physical vitality and economy of our City. When we plan our City, we plan our future and Amanda will help set the right course for New York."

The City Planning Commission is responsible for the City's physical and socioeconomic planning including land use and environmental review, preparation of plans and policies, provision of technical assistance, and planning information to government agencies, public officials, and community boards. Prior to her appointment, Amanda M. Burden was a member of the City Planning Commission, Director of Planning at the Center for Court Innovation, Coordinator for Planning and Development at the Midtown Community Court Project, Vice President of Planning and Design at the Battery Park City Authority, and Vice President of Architecture and Design at the NYS Urban Development Corporation. Burden received a BA at Sarah Lawrence College and an MS in Urban Planning at Columbia University Graduate School of Architecture.

"The Sheriff is our City's chief civil law enforcement official and I can think of no one better able to lead this vital office than Lindsay Eason. Mr. Eason is an experienced member of the New York Police Department who knows our city and understands law enforcement," said Mayor Bloomberg.

The Office of the Sheriff in the Department of Finance is the City's chief civil law enforcement organization. The functions of the Office include the service of process and seizure of chattel in private litigation, enforcing money judgments by levying on and selling real or personal property, service of eviction notices, and enforcement evictions. Lindsay Eason served for twenty-three years in the New York Police Department in various commands including the Intelligence Division where he was assigned to the Police Commissioner's detail and as an instructor in the Police Academy. Eason most recently provided executive protection at Bloomberg LP. Lindsay Eason attended courses at John Jay College of Criminal Justice and at the Federal Bureau of Investigations National Academy in Quantico, Virginia.

"Rob Walsh helped orchestrate the revitalization of Union Square during his remarkable tenure with the 14th Street-Union Square Business Improvement District. That experience, coupled with his involvement with the ongoing revitalization of downtown Charlotte, North Carolina gives me great confidence that he will excel at coordinating the activities of the City's Business Improvement Districts," Mayor Bloomberg said.

The Department of Business Services provides technical assistance and services to New York City businesses, encourages growth of small, minority, and women-owned businesses and encourages their participation in the City's procurement process, administers neighborhood commercial development programs, and provides business assistance. Prior to his appointment, Robert W. Walsh was President of the Charlotte Center City Partners and Executive Director of the 14th Street-Union Square Business Improvement District. Walsh received a BA and an MA in Public Policy at Fordham University.

"I am delighted to reappoint Ken Podziba as Commissioner of the New York City Sports Commission," Mayor Bloomberg said. "As a result of Ken's leadership and vision, the Sports Commission has developed important strategic alliances throughout the industry that enable New York City to continue to attract important sporting events. Ken's experience and
tireless work ethic will be a valuable asset as we continue our efforts to retain our title as the Sports Capital of the World."

The Sports Commission works to foster the development of professional, amateur and scholastic sporting events in New York City for the purpose of enhancing the economy. Kenneth J. Podziba has served as Commissioner of the Sports Commission since February 1998. Prior to joining the Sports Commission, Podziba served as Deputy Commissioner of Finance for the Taxi and Limousine Commission, Assistant Commissioner of Fiscal Operations for the Community Development Agency, project manager for the Economic Development Corporation, and as an urban planner for the Department of Housing Preservation and Development. Podziba earned a BS at Syracuse University and an MS at Columbia University's School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation.