Governor David A. Paterson Announces Nomination of Colleen Crawford Gardner for Commissioner of Labor

ALBANY, NY (02/04/2010)(readMedia)-- Governor David A. Paterson today announced the nomination of Colleen Crawford Gardner as Commissioner of Labor. She will replace outgoing Commissioner of Labor M. Patricia Smith, who was nominated by President Obama and was confirmed today by the United States Senate to serve as Solicitor for the U.S. Department of Labor. Ms. Gardner will serve as acting Commissioner until she is confirmed by the New York State Senate.

"I am pleased to nominate such an accomplished and qualified individual as Colleen Gardner to be New York's next Commissioner of Labor," Governor Paterson said. "Ms. Gardner's experience and dedication will be a tremendous addition to the Department of Labor. On behalf of all New Yorkers, I thank Commissioner Smith for her tireless dedication to the workers of this State, and I wish her well in her new position."

Ms. Gardner joined the New York State Department of Labor in March 2007 as Associate Commissioner for Labor Affairs. She has worked to strengthen worker protection, labor standards, apprenticeship, and workforce development programs including initiatives to help injured workers return to work in New York State. She has also worked extensively with employers and business organizations throughout the State on programs that help retain and train workers so that business can remain competitive in this challenging economic climate.

Prior to joining the Labor Department, Ms. Gardner worked for 23 years for the New York State AFL-CIO as the Director of Organizing and Community Services. She began her career as a business agent for Service Employees International Union Local 32BJ, representing organized immigrant building service workers in midtown Manhattan from 1981 to 1983. Ms. Gardner earned a B.S. from Cornell University, School of Industrial and Labor Relations, and a Certificate from Cornell University's Employee Assistance Education and Research Program.

Ms. Gardner has served on a number of boards including the New York State Commission on National and Community Service, the Schuyler Center for Analysis and Advocacy, the Advisory Council of the New York State School of Industrial and Labor Relations, the SUNY Cobleskill College Council, and the Consumer Credit Counseling Services of Central New York. She has also been active in the community as coach and manager of the Colonie Girls Softball League and Recreational Soccer League and an instructor with St. Helen's Church in Niskayuna.

As Commissioner of Labor, Ms. Gardner will receive a set salary of $127,000. This appointment requires Senate confirmation.

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