The moves are a clear sign that Gov. Paterson is looking torevamp the agency. The governor has called for doing away with theleadership structure at ESDC where one chairperson was in charge ofUpstate economic development and another chairperson led Downstateefforts, without what he terms a clear reporting structure.

"I believe that, because we are one state, we need one leaderfor ESDC who understands the challenges facing New York as awhole," Gov. Paterson says. "We need someone who understands thechallenges of revitalizing Upstate, the complexities ofjump-starting the large development and transportation projectsDownstate and the economic relationship between Upstate andDownstate."

State officials say the 74-year-old Wilmers will be based inBuffalo and will have complete oversight of economic developmentissues throughout New York State. Wilmers will be undertaking asearch to identify two individuals who will be in charge of theDownstate and Upstate divisions of ESDC. Both individuals willreport to Wilmers.