NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: January 24, 2007

ALBANY, N.Y. (Jan. 24, 2007) – Albany Convention Center Authority (ACCA) Chairman George Leveille today announced that Duncan Stewart has been named Executive Director of the ACCA.

Mr. Stewart has more than 20 years of experience in commercial construction and development industry. His career includes employment with several Capital Region developers and contractors, including serving for the past 12 years as vice president of operations for Zandri Construction in Cohoes. Mr. Stewart’s project experience includes the air-traffic control tower/Tracon Facility, air cargo and maintenance buildings at the Albany International Airport; renovations and additions to Public Schools #20 and #27 in the Albany City School District; and the gymnasium and classroom additions to the St. Anne Institute in Albany.

“As we embark on one of the largest public projects ever undertaken in our region, we are very fortunate to have found an individual of Duncan’s construction knowledge, experience and integrity to lead us during the development phase,” Mr. Leveille said in making the announcement at the authority’s monthly meeting at the Harold L. Joyce Albany County Office Building.

As Executive Director, Mr. Stewart will be the Chief Executive Officer of the ACCA, with overall administrative responsibility for the management and operation of the Authority during the project’s development and construction phases. His responsibilities also include managing the staff, outside consultants and financial resources of the Authority.

Vice -Chair of the ACCA Board Gavin Donohue served as chair of the Search Committee for the new Executive Director. Over two dozen resumes were received and Mr. Stewart was selected from a group of six candidates who were interviewed for the position.

John Egan, President of the Renaissance Corp. of Albany, worked with Mr. Stewart on the Albany International Airport projects. Mr. Egan said, “Duncan is an outstanding, seasoned professional of absolute integrity.  He will bring positive thoughts and ideas to the Albany Convention Center Authority."

New York State Assemblyman and ACCA board member Jack McEneny said, “He has the expertise and experience at this stage of the development of the convention center which is critically needed to ensure that the project is completed well, on time and within the established budget."

Mr. Stewart, a native of Boston, has lived in the Capital Region since 1975. The Averill Park resident has managed numerous public and private sector projects in this area and elsewhere. In his project work, he has served in both the capacity of an owner’s representative and general contractor. His project experience is coupled with an extensive knowledge of the construction management process. Mr. Stewart’s salary as Executive Director is $110,000 and he will commence working for the Authority in early February.

ABOUT THE ACCA
The nine-member Albany Convention Center Authority was organized in 2006 as a public benefit corporation under the New York State Public Authorities Act. The authority was created to meet an immediate need to institute a comprehensive, coordinated program of convention activities in the City of Albany. The ACCA is to provide the City of Albany with the ability to develop, renovate and undertake economic development projects in the historic downtown area to optimize the economic and social activities of city and its environs.

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MEDIA CONTACT:
George Leveille
Albany Convention Center Authority
518-439-4955, ext. 129
tvds1@nycap.rr.com
www.albanynewyorkconventioncenter.com

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