Carl Weisbrod Named Chairman of NYSHealth Board of Directors

President of Real Estate Division of Trinity Church, Former Head of Downtown Alliance and Founding President of New York City Economic Development Corporation to Lead NYSHealth’s Board of Directors

(NEW YORK, NY) – Carl Weisbrod, President of Trinity Real Estate and former President of the Alliance for Downtown New York and the NYC Economic Development Corporation has been named Chairman of the Board of Directors for the New York State Health Foundation (NYSHealth), NYSHealth President and CEO James R. Knickman announced today.

“From his decades of active civic involvement to his current position managing Trinity Church’s vast portfolio, there are few New Yorkers more respected for their leadership abilities than Carl Weisbrod. His recently concluded 12 years of service as a Trustee of the Ford Foundation also makes him a tremendous resource for us during our Foundation’s formative early years,” Dr. Knickman said. “Under Carl’s stewardship, I am confident the New York State Health Foundation will be in the best position possible to further advance our all-important priority areas.”

“Fixing our health care system is perhaps the greatest challenge we face in New York State and in the country,” Mr. Weisbrod said. “James Knickman and his team at NYSHealth have the experience, know-how, and enthusiasm to tackle the State’s challenging health problems, and the creativity to offer critical solutions. I am so pleased that this strong team is focusing on priority areas—reducing the number of uninsured; improving health care for people with diabetes; and integrating mental health and substance use services—that will make a huge difference in many New Yorkers’ lives. I feel honored and privileged to be named Chair of this prestigious board and look forward to managing this work with my colleagues on the board.”

In other news, New York State Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno has tapped Robert G. Smith, Ph.D., Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Smith Affiliated Capital Corp. as a voting member of the NYSHealth Board, Dr. Knickman announced today.

Dr. Smith—one of the more influential political economists who apply the fundamentals of macroeconomics to separate-account portfolio management—manages fixed income strategies for institutions, endowments and foundations.

“Bob has been an incredibly active member of our Board since the Foundation's inception,” Mr. Weisbrod said. “I look forward to working closely with him in the years to come as we move forward in our important priority areas across New York State.”

NYSHealth is governed by a nine-member Board of Directors, with one-third (respectively) appointed by the Governor, the temporary President of the State Senate, and the State Assembly Leader. The Board members serve three-year renewable terms. While all Board members participate actively in the governance and guidance of the Foundation, three—Weisbrod, Smith and Deborah Konopko—are voting members.