Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the following appointment to a senior position within state government.
Albany, NY – February 10, 2011 – (RealEstateRama) — Assemblyman Darryl C. Towns will be appointed to serve as Commissioner and C.E.O. of New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR). Under the consolidation of New York state housing programs the Commissioner also serves as chief executive of the State’s major housing and community renewal agencies, including the Housing Finance Agency and State of New York Mortgage Agency.
Since 1992, Assemblyman Towns has represented the 54th Assembly District in Brooklyn. During his tenure in the New York State Legislature, he spearheaded the ANCHOR Program, which helped bolster commercial revitalization in residential communities throughout the boroughs of New York City and support the increase of newly constructed housing developments. Assemblyman Towns is currently the Chairman of the New York State Assembly Standing Committee on Banks and the New York State Black, Puerto Rican/Hispanic and Asian Legislative Caucus. Prior to his election, Assemblyman Towns was the Director of Community Affairs at Brooklyn’s Interfaith Hospital for two years, after graduating from college in 1990. From 1981-1986, Assemblyman Towns served his country in the United States Air Force. In addition, Assemblyman Towns has received various honors in recognition for his service to New York State, including the PROGRESS Community Leadership Award, the East New York Development Corporation Community Service Award, and the New York City Housing Authority Outstanding Service Award. He lives with his wife, Karen Boykin-Towns, and two daughters, Jasmine and Trinity, in Brooklyn.
Governor Cuomo said, “I have always said that I would reach out to the best and the brightest to join my administration. Assemblyman Towns is a dedicated public servant who certainly fits the bill. He has served the people of New York State with integrity and pride, and I look forward to working with him in the future.”
President of the Real Estate Board of New York, Steven Spinola said, “Governor Cuomo has made an excellent appointment. Homes and Community Renewal is a critical agency that affects the majority of New Yorkers. Not only has Assemblyman Towns been a dedicated representative for his district, but he knows the challenges that New York state faces in providing affordable housing to its residents. I am confident that he will apply the same work ethic and commitment to HCR that he did in the Assembly.”
Duncan MacKenzie, C.E.O. of the New York State Association of Realtors, said, “I applaud the Governor’s choice for Commissioner of HCR. Assemblyman Towns will address the housing challenges that face New Yorkers today, especially the need for affordable single family housing for New York families downstate and in the suburbs. In addition, he understands the necessity for home ownership expansion in upstate cities and rural areas, which will contribute to the revitalization of upstate communities.”
Co-Founder and Vice President of the New York State Association for Affordable Housing Don Capoccia said, “HCR is an essential agency with the ability to effect real change for the people of New York. Assemblyman Towns will make it his priority to facilitate affordable housing in both urban and rural communities, therefore advancing much needed economic growth in New York. During his time in the Legislature, he has proven to be a dedicated and hardworking public servant. I believe he will bring those same qualities to HCR. I commend Governor Cuomo on his appointment.”
Contact:
Governor’s Press Office
NYC Press Office: 212.681.4640
Albany Press Office: 518.474.8418
press.office (at) exec.ny (dot) gov
