Ken Adams

Kenneth Adams was confirmed by the Legislature as Empire State Development (ESD) President & CEO and Commissioner of the New York State Department of Economic Development on April 5, 2011. In these positions, Mr. Adams works to promote economic practices that attract business and create jobs throughout New York State. He also works closely with Lieutenant Governor Robert J. Duffy to implement the Regional Economic Development Councils across the state. Mr. Adams came to ESD from The Business Council of New York State, the state’s leading business association, where he served as President and CEO since 2006. He led the organization in its mission of creating “economic growth, good jobs and strong communities across New York State.” The Business Council represents nearly 2,500 member businesses, chambers of commerce and professional and trade associations, employing a total of more than one million New Yorkers. Prior to leading the Business Council, Mr. Adams was President of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce and Director of the MetroTech Business Improvement District in Downtown Brooklyn. He was also the founding Executive Director of New York Cares, New York City’s leading volunteer organization, from 1988 to 1994. Mr. Adams is a resident of Brooklyn, New York, where he lives with his wife and two children. On behalf of Governor David Paterson, Kenneth serves on the Empire State Stem Cell Board. He also serves on the Board of Directors of the Brooklyn Community Foundation and the Brooklyn Youth Chorus. He is a member of the Steering Committee of the Association for a Better New York, the City University of New York Business Leadership Council, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Committee of 100 and the Council of State Chambers.