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Governor Cuomo Announces the Launch of Start-Up NY Approval Board

Written by Long Island News & PR  |  26. February 2014

Albany, NY - February 26, 2014 - Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the launch of the START-UP NY Approval Board with the appointments of Edward M. Cupoli, Abraham M. Lackman and Andrew Kennedy. The Approval Board, which will review and approve plans for tax-free areas submitted by private universities and colleges, builds on the progress made in implementing this groundbreaking initiative created by Governor Cuomo to jumpstart the economy by attracting businesses, drawing new private sector investment and generating jobs.
 
“As we continue to create jobs and grow economic opportunity throughout New York, I am pleased to announce the appointments to the START-UP NY Approval Board,” said Governor Cuomo. “The Board’s collective expertise in the areas of economic development, higher education and government will be key to implementing this game-changing economic development initiative across our state.”
 
After an initial review by Empire State Development, the Approval Board will be responsible for the evaluation and approval of private university and college plans as designated tax-free areas under the START-UP NY program. The Approval Board will also designate up to 20 Strategic State Assets as tax-free areas. Colleges and universities wishing to submit START-UP NY plans for consideration by the Board can send completed plans to Designations@esd.ny.gov or visit www.startup-ny.com to learn more about the program.
 
The Approval Board, whose role is to primarily review and approve plans for tax-free areas submitted by private universities and colleges, builds on the progress made in implementing this groundbreaking initiative created by Governor Cuomo to jumpstart the economy by attracting businesses, drawing new private sector investment and generating jobs.
 
Appointed to the Approval Board by the New York State Assembly, Edward M. Cupoli is Professor Emeritus at the University at Albany and Trustee Emeritus at Cornell University. Mr. Cupoli has more than 40 years expertise in the formation of university-industry-government partnerships for the purposes of advancing technology and building economic competitiveness. Most recently, Mr. Cupoli served as Chief Economist at SEMATECH and served as Professor of NanoEconomics and Head of the NanoEconomics Constellation at the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering (CNSE) at the University at Albany. Prior to joining CNSE, Mr. Cupoli held the position of Chief Economist and Director of Research for the Ways and Means Committee of the New York State Assembly. Mr. Cupoli holds a doctoral and master’s degree in economics from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University and a bachelor’s degree from Le Moyne College. He is a member of the U.S. Council on Competitiveness Economic Advisory Committee, the New York State Assembly’s Board of Economic Advisors, the New York State Deferred Compensation Plan Board and the Adirondack Global Advisory Board.
 
Mr. Cupoli said, “I look forward to applying my 40 years of economic, government, university and business experiences to increase sustainable growth and the vitality of our state; I thank Speaker Silver for his confidence in my abilities and commitment to serve the public.”
 
Abraham M. Lackman, Senior Officer for Civic Affairs at the Simons Foundation, was appointed by the New York State Senate. Mr. Lackman has extensive experience in government, economic development and higher education. In his current role, he fosters the foundation’s strategic relationships with governments, non-profit organizations and other partners. In addition to his role at the Simons Foundation, Mr. Lackman also serves as the Scholar in Residence at Fordham University’s Graduate School of Education. Prior to joining the Simons Foundation, Mr. Lackman founded and managed the higher education and government consulting firm, Praxis Insights. Additionally, he served as the sixth president of the Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities from 2002 to 2009; secretary of the New York State Senate Finance Committee; and Budget Director for the City of New York. Mr. Lackman earned his Bachelor of Science degree at New York University and master’s degree in economics at the State University of New York-Albany. He served on a number of national, state and community boards and committees, including chair of the National Association of Independent College and University State Executives (NAICUSE), the New York State Commission on Higher Education, the Public Authority Governance Advisory Committee and the Special Commission on the Future of New York State Courts.
 
Mr. Lackman said, “I’m delighted to be a member of the START-UP NY Approval Board and look forward to working with the Governor, the legislature, and the State’s private not-for-profit universities and colleges to make the START-UP NY program a resounding success.”
 
Appointed to the START-UP NY Approval Board by Governor Cuomo, Andrew Kennedy currently serves as the Governor’s Assistant Secretary for Economic Development. In his position, Mr. Kennedy coordinates the development and management of the State’s economic development and housing efforts, as well as serves as the liaison to the Regional Economic Development Councils. Prior to his appointment, Andrew worked over a decade at the New York State Division of Budget and for the New York State Assembly where he developed a detailed understanding of New York’s fiscal and economic development policies and programs. Mr. Kennedy holds a master’s degree in Public Administration from the Nelson A. Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy and a bachelor’s degree from Siena College in Political Science.
 
Mr. Kennedy said, “I’m honored to be appointed by the Governor to participate on the START-UP NY Approval Board, which will be instrumental in the implementation of this innovative program. I look forward to working with my fellow board members and helping to advance New York State’s economic development agenda to create jobs and grow the economy.”
 
Laura L. Anglin, president of the Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities, a statewide association for more than 100 private, not-for-profit New York State colleges and universities, said, "We are pleased to see that the Governor has appointed the review board for the START-UP NY program. By leveraging the unique assets of New York’s private, not for profit colleges and universities, we look forward to working with the Governor to create new public-private partnerships that will bring increased investment, innovation, and research to New York State."
 
START-UP NY seeks to accelerate entrepreneurialism and job creation across the state on a large scale, with a particular focus on Upstate New York. The State University of New York (SUNY) campus system, City University of New York (CUNY), and private university and college communities serve as the framework of the START-UP NY program to attract high-tech and other start-ups, venture capital, new business and investments from across the globe. Under the program, businesses have the opportunity to operate tax-free for 10 years on eligible land and space. Businesses will partner with the higher education institutions and be able to access industry experts and advanced research laboratories.

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