WTC Memorial Foundation taps ESDC president as Spitzer rep.

The World Trade Center Memorial Foundation named Avi Schick to the Foundation's Board as Governor Eliot Spitzer's designee at a meeting of the Board of Directors.

Schick is currently the president and COO of the Empire State Development Corporation (ESDC) and the Chairman of the Board

"I am pleased to welcome Avi Schick to the Board. Avi's dedication to public service and his role in the rebuilding will be a great asset to this important project," Foundation Chairman Mayor Bloomberg said.

"As New Yorkers and Americans, it is our obligation to build a lasting national tribute to the thousands lost and to ensure that the events of 9/11 are never forgotten. Every day more and more people are joining our efforts, helping us to move one step closer to reaching our goal."

Through his current posts, Schick serves as Governor Spitzer's liaison and head of downstate economic development, in particular rebuilding Lower Manhattan. As president of ESDC, Schick's responsibilities include coordinating the state's activities related to the World Trade Center site. He also leads the Board of the LMDC, a city-state agency that was created in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks to help plan and coordinate the rebuilding downtown.

Schick has extensive work experience in government. In 1999, he joined the New York State Attorney General's Office, ultimately serving as a Deputy Attorney General. At the Attorney General's Office, he represented New York State in significant litigations and in matters relating to the $200 billion tobacco Master Settlement Agreement.