Michelle Adams '94 was named executive director of the Association for a Better New York (ABNY) April 1. ABNY is an organization composed of leaders from business, labor, educational, cultural and civic groups acting as a unified voice on myriad issues to represent all of New York City.

"Michelle is the ideal person to help us build upon ABNY's past and shape a strong future," said William C. Rudin, ABNY's chair. "Her energy, talents and incredible dedication to our city will help us revitalize ABNY to face New York City's contemporary challenges, and yet continue the legacy, mission and principles my father and the founding members established when they created ABNY more than 30 years ago."

In addition to bringing business and civic leaders together to work on such major issues as fighting the elimination of state and local tax deductions and advocating for financial incentives to help rebuild lower Manhattan, ABNY hosts a regular series of breakfast meetings at which prominent individuals talk to and with ABNY members -- a dues-paying cross-section of 300 important New York entities, including businesses, labor unions, universities and city officials, as well as various invited guests.

"It is a privilege to join an association as respected and effective as ABNY," said Michelle. "ABNY's reputation was built by taking on New York's toughest problems, bringing people together to create consensus and achieving measurable, quantifiable results. I look forward to working with Bill and the many people at ABNY who have dedicated their lives to New York, particularly at this important moment in our city's history."

In her former position as vice president of corporate affairs for the Grand Central Partnership, the city's largest business improvement district, Michelle was responsible for all economic development, retail, real estate, corporate fundraising and tourism programs, as well as press, media relations and special events.

Michelle graduated with a BA in politics and law and received her master's in public administration from New York University in 1996. While at Binghamton, she was a resident adviser, president of the University Programming Board, co-founder of the Student Association Holiday Drive and president of the Senior Class Council. Michelle received the Young Alumni Award in 1997 and has served as coordinator of the Metro New York alumni network. She was elected to the Alumni Association Board of Directors in 1999 and is chair of the board's advocacy committee. She also serves on the fundraising and long-range-plan committees.