Thomas DiNapoli

Thomas DiNapoli
Name	Thomas DiNapoli
Birth date	27 February 1954
Birth place	New York City
Office	Comptroller of New York
Term start	January 7, 2007
Predecessor	Alan Hevesi
Party	Democratic Party
Alma mater	Adelphi University; St. John's University

Thomas DiNapoli

Thomas DiNapoli is an American politician and public official who has served as New York State Comptroller since 2007. A member of the Democratic Party, he previously represented parts of Nassau County in the New York State Assembly and held local office on the Nassau County Legislature. DiNapoli is known for audits, pension oversight of the New York State Common Retirement Fund, and investigations into public authorities and municipal finances.

Early life and education

DiNapoli was born in Queens, New York City, and raised on Long Island near Rockville Centre and Great Neck. He graduated from Herricks High School and earned degrees from Adelphi University and St. John's University School of Law. During his youth he was involved with community organizations in Garden City and volunteer programs connected to Long Island civic groups.

Early career and local government

DiNapoli began his public career on the Town of North Hempstead Council and later served in the Nassau County Legislature. He worked on municipal budget issues involving Suffolk County and coordinated initiatives with agencies such as the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. His early work connected him with state officials from Albany, legislators from New York State, and civic leaders in Long Island counties.

New York State Assembly and political rise

Elected to the New York State Assembly in the 1980s, DiNapoli represented districts in Nassau County and served on committees overseeing budget, local governments, and transportation. He worked with lawmakers from both the Democratic Party and the Republican Party on appropriations linked to the New York State budget, interacted with leaders such as Sheldon Silver and Joseph Bruno, and participated in legislative negotiations during gubernatorial administrations including Mario Cuomo, George Pataki, Eliot Spitzer, David Paterson, and Andrew Cuomo. His legislative career raised his profile among unions like the Service Employees International Union and advocacy groups including the New York Civil Liberties Union.

State Comptroller tenure

Appointed by the New York State Legislature to fill the vacancy after Alan Hevesi resigned, DiNapoli became Comptroller of New York in 2007 and was later elected to full terms. As comptroller he oversees the New York State Common Retirement Fund, audits state and local entities including the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and the New York City Housing Authority, and serves on boards such as the New York State Financial Control Board. His office interacts with financial institutions like Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, and Citigroup when managing investments and engaging in shareholder activism.

Major investigations and reforms

DiNapoli's tenure has featured audits and investigations into fiscal management at entities including the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, New York City Department of Education, SUNY (State University of New York), and local municipalities such as Buffalo and Yonkers. He led reviews of pension investments, scrutinized practices at firms including Bear Stearns and Lehman Brothers in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis, and pushed reforms involving procurement linked to the New York State Thruway Authority and public authorities like the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY). His office pursued audits addressing issues at the Office of Mental Health, Department of Transportation, and public benefit corporations implicated in controversies also involving New York City and Westchester County officials.

Political positions and endorsements

DiNapoli has endorsed candidates in New York State races, backing politicians such as Hillary Clinton, Chuck Schumer, and state-level figures like Kathy Hochul in various contests. He has taken positions on fiscal transparency, public pensions, and shareholder responsibility that align with advocacy groups like Common Cause and labor organizations including the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees. DiNapoli has addressed issues tied to federal programs administered in New York City and contested legislation considered by the New York State Legislature.

Personal life and honors

DiNapoli lives on Long Island and has been involved with civic boards and charitable organizations connected to institutions such as Hofstra University, Adelphi University, and local hospitals like North Shore University Hospital. He has received recognition from groups including the New York State School Boards Association, labor unions like the Communication Workers of America, and community organizations in Nassau County. DiNapoli has balanced public duties with family activities near communities such as Garden City Park and remains an influential figure in New York State public finance.

Category:1954 births Category:Living people Category:State cabinet secretaries of New York (state)