Paul Francis is an American business executive and politician who served as the Director of State Operations for the State of New York. In that position, he oversaw the states' eight major departments, along with the other offices and divisions of the Government of New York. He is originally from Westchester County, New York.
Francis was nominated by former Governor of New York Eliot Spitzer to replace Olivia Golden in 2008.[1] He previously served as State Budget Director, one of the most senior advisory roles for the Governor. He was also the first person appointed by Spitzer.
He continued to serve as director of state operations under Gov. David Paterson, who succeeded Spitzer on March 17, 2008. Francis ultimately left this position in July 2008.[2]
During Spitzer's 2006 gubernatorial campaign, Francis worked as policy director. Francis and Spitzer met volunteering for the congressional campaign of Edward Meyer, a former Westchester assemblyman who switched his registration from Republican to Democrat in the wake of the Watergate scandal.[1]
Francis' work in the private sector included years as the chief financial officer for retailer Ann Taylor and then for Priceline.com. He is the founder of venture capital firm Cedar Street Group. He graduated from New York University School of Law in 1980 and worked for Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom alongside Silda Wall Spitzer, the former Governor's wife.[1]