Governor Paterson Announces Administration Change

ALBANY, NY (10/20/2010)(readMedia)-- Governor David A. Paterson today announced that Michael J. Burgess will resign his position as Director of the New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA) effective October 27, 2010.

"During Director Burgess' tenure we have worked tirelessly to ensure that our State's elderly residents are enabled to maintain their independence and dignity," Governor Paterson said. "Michael's efforts to develop and implement programs and services have helped support and empower the elderly and their families. I commend Director Burgess for his dedicated service to our State and thank him for leading the Office of Aging during these extraordinarily challenging times."

Michael Burgess has served as the Director of NYSOFA since February, 2007. Previously, Mr. Burgess was the Executive Director of the New York State Alliance for Retired Americans. As Director of NYSOFA, Mr. Burgess oversaw the State's efforts to promote a program of engagement with seniors, caregivers and communities, focused on improving the quality of life and for New York's elderly.

Director Michael J. Burgess said: "I would like to thank Governor Paterson for allowing me the great honor to serve as Director of the New York State Office for the Aging. Under your leadership we have been able to maintain the infrastructure of community services programs that assist the State's older persons to remain living independently, even during this time of economic uncertainly. We also promoted innovations, including enhancing community outreach, advancing community empowerment and increasing consumer choice in our programs."

Governor Paterson has appointed Greg Olsen as Acting Director of the New York State Office for the Aging. Since 2007, Greg Olsen has served as the Deputy Director of the Office's Division of Policy, Research and Legislative Affairs.

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