July (pdf) - New York Power Authority

July 26, 2011
3. a. Report of the President and Chief Executive Officer
President Kessel said that he was resigning as the Authority's President and Chief Executive Officer. He
said that he had mixed feelings about his decision and that it was a pleasure to work with the Board members
with whom he had a great relationship. He also enjoyed working with the Executive Management team,
Authority staff and union leaders.
He said that one of his mandates when he came on board was to visit all of
the Authority's facilities and he has done that. President Kessel then highlighted some of his accomplishments
since his appointment, which include the following:
1. The Hudson Transmission Project, a major asset for the Authority;
2. Saving ALCOA from closing its facility in Massena, New York;
3. Lowering of electric bills for businesses in Western New York;
4. Revitalizing Western New York, including the Erie Harbor Waterfront;
5. Negotiating with Yahoo! for its facility in Western New York;
6. Working with local officials and successfully negotiating expansion and replacement power contracts;
7. Setting records with energy efficiency projects in downstate New York.
President Kessel said that when he came on board, the officials at upstate New York were skeptical about
his appointment; however, during his tenure he has worked hard to turn that around through visits to the regions
and meetings with local businesses and officials. He said that the Authority needed to focus on the needs of
upstate New York, especially the North Country and Western New York, as they face real economic challenges
and need the help of the Authority.
President Kessel ended by saying that it was a pleasure working for Governor Paterson who
recommended him for the position and Governor Cuomo on the Recharge New York Program. He also said that
he appreciated all of the staff’s support and cooperation and for the friendships that will be with him for a long
time to come.
Chairman Townsend said that it was with deep regret that he received President Kessel's resignation.
He said that he appreciated President Kessel's efforts on behalf of the Authority during his tenure. President
Kessel has energized the staff and has worked very hard to revitalize the economy of upstate New York. He ended
by saying that he has utmost respect for him and will miss him.
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