Meet the Governor

Governor David A. Paterson

David A. Paterson broke new ground the moment he assumed office. He is New York State's first African-American governor and only the fourth African-American governor of any state. And he is the first legally blind person ever to serve as governor in the U.S. Of course, some say it is the Governor's ability to rise above politics and partisanship - and his talent for bringing together people of opposing viewpoints and party affiliations - that is his truly groundbreaking achievement in Albany.

First Lady Michelle Paterson

Michelle Paige Paterson is New York State's first African-American first lady. She is a tireless crusader against childhood obesity and an outspoken advocate for greening the planet. After growing up in Staten Island, the Upper East Side, and Crown Heights, Michelle Paige Paterson earned her B.A. from Syracuse University and her M.S. in Health Services Management from Milano The New School for Management and Urban Policy in New York City.