Senator Nozzolio Applauds Confirmation of Howard Milstein as Thruway Authority Chairman

Michael F. Nozzolio

June 17, 2011

New York State Senator Mike Nozzolio strongly supported and applauded the confirmation of Howard Milstein as the Chairman of the New York State Thruway Authority earlier this week. Senator Nozzolio serves on the Senate Transportation and Senate Finance Committees, which both unanimously approved Mr. Milstein’s nomination.

“As the State Senator representing the longest stretch of both the New York State Thruway and the New York State Canal System, the Thruway Authority is a very important component of job development in the greater Finger Lakes Region,” said Senator Nozzolio. “That is why I was extremely supportive of  Governor Cuomo’s decision to recruit from the private sector for leadership of this critical agency. Howard Milstein has an extremely broad-based experience in a wide range of business, educational and philanthropic endeavors, which has given him the knowledge, leadership and expertise to meet the challenges facing the two most important thoroughfares in New York State.”

Mr. Milstein is the Chairman, President and CEO of New York Private Bank and Trust and its operating bank, Emigrant Bank, which is the country's largest privately held bank. He serves on the Dean's Advisory Board of Harvard Law School as well as the Real Estate Forum of the Columbia University Business School. He is also a member of the Cornell University Board of Trustees.

“Both Mr. Milstein and I were members of the Cornell Class of 1973, and there is no one in our class who has provided more leadership, and supported more University endeavors than he has,” said Senator Nozzolio.

During the Senate confirmation hearings, Mr. Milstein was unanimously supported and acclaimed by Legislators from both parties.  

“Howard Milstein doesn’t need the job of Thruway Authority Chairman. But it’s a job that needs him. He has the vision to reform the bureaucracy at the Thruway Authority to ensure that it can achieve greater efficiency and reach its full potential to bring jobs to our region,” said Senator Nozzolio. “I congratulate Howard Milstein on his confirmation to this important position and look forward to working with him in the months ahead.”