Former New York Gov. David Paterson has joined the advisory board of MAD Global Strategy, adding to the list of impressive figures on the board of the fast-growing public and government affairs group.
MAD Global, which was founded in January 2022, now has offices in four states. It is led by CEO Mike DuHaime and Partner Laura Matos.
Paterson, a Democrat, gives the advisory board a bipartisan feel, as it already includes former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, former U.S. Sen. and CSG named partner Jeff Chiesa and former state Attorney General Chris Porrino of Lowenstein Sandler.
Paterson said he is eager to join the group.
“I am very excited to be in on what is essentially the ground floor of a company with unlimited potential,” he said. “Mike’s reputation precedes him, and I’ve already had the pleasure of working with Laura, a seasoned political strategist who is one of the best in the business.
“Mike and Laura make a great team, and I am confident that MAD Global will see continued growth and positive outcomes under their leadership. I look forward to collaborating with this first-class team, providing my insight and expertise to help achieve those goals.”
DuHaime and Matos returned the compliments.
“Gov. Paterson led a distinguished career in public service, with a strong record of accomplishments, and we are confident his knowledge and deep experience will deliver world-class results to our clients,” DuHaime said.
Matos said the fit is perfect.
“The addition of Gov. Paterson to our board is another sign of significant growth for MAD Global,” stated Matos. “Over these past weeks and months since our initial launch, we have been able to expand while continuing to increase our firm’s reach and service.
“The governor’s expertise and gravitas will be a tremendous asset to MAD Global and our clients, and a perfect complement to the wide ranging bipartisan public affairs services we already provide.”
Paterson became the 55th governor of New York in March 2008. During his tenure as governor, New York State reduced its deficit by $2 billion and mitigated further devastating financial upheaval, allowing it to maintain its credit rating for the duration of his term.
Paterson also enacted legislation attaching severe criminal penalties to predatory lending and reduced New York’s fiscal deficit by nearly $40 billion. One of his greatest achievements was establishing a new budget process that has yielded on-time budgets since his departure from office.
Paterson’s political career began when he was elected to represent Harlem at age 31, making him the third youngest state senator in New York’s history. In 2002, he was elected minority leader of the New York Senate, making him the first African American and blind legislative leader in state history.
In 2014, he was appointed as chairman of the New York State Democratic Party and served on the MTA board. He also served as an adjunct professor of government at New York University and on the faculty at Touro College. He has worked with the Durst Corp., the National Federation of the Blind and currently chairs the board of the Achilles Track Club.
Paterson currently serves as senior vice president and senior adviser to Las Vegas Sands Corp. and will remain there while serving on the advisory board of MAD Global.
