GOVERNOR PATERSON ANNOUNCES ADMINISTRATION APPOINTMENT

Governor David A. Paterson today announced that he will appoint William J. Cunningham III to serve as Senior Advisor.  

Mr. Cunningham has been Counsel to Nassau County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi since November 2004. He was the architect of Nassau County’s Fair Housing Law and the facilitator for the County Executive’s Bias Crimes Task Force. In addition, he has coordinated the County Executive’s economic development, tourism and affordable housing initiatives. Mr. Cunningham was also the Chief Deputy County Executive from January 2002 through June 2003. As Chief Deputy County Executive, he occupied the number two executive position in Nassau County government, directing the County’s departments, agencies and commissions.

Mr. Cunningham was a partner in the law firm Pryor, Cashman, Sherman and Flynn from December 2003 to October 2004 and was also a partner in the law firm Meyer, Suozzi, English and Klein and was Managing Partner of the firm from 1997 to 2002. His practice concentrated on litigation, white collar criminal defense, business advice, health care, and labor and government relations matters. Prior to entering the private practice of law, Mr. Cunningham served as an Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York from 1981 to 1986. In this capacity he served as a trial assistant in the Criminal Division, Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division, Chief of the Narcotics Section and Chief of the Long Island Office. Mr. Cunningham began his legal career as an associate with Patterson, Belknap, Webb and Tyler in 1976.            

Mr. Cunningham received his B.A. from Williams College and his J.D. from Columbia University School of Law.  

As Senior Advisor to the Governor, Mr. Cunningham will receive a salary of $170,000. This appointment does not require Senate confirmation.