New York, NY– The Fedcap Group will present former New York Governor David A. Paterson with the Community Impact Award at its annual Gala, to be held December 1, 2025 in New York City. Governor Paterson has served New York communities for the past 40 years, demonstrating a deep commitment to public service.
“Governor David Paterson is a trailblazer whose career has been defined by expanding opportunity—especially for underserved communities,” said Christine McMahon, President and CEO of The Fedcap Group. “From strengthening education to driving economic progress, Governor Paterson has broken barriers and championed policies that have improved lives across the state. He is an inspiration to many we serve, and we are honored to present him with the Community Impact Award.”
The Community Impact Award recognizes individuals whose life’s work has advanced opportunity, economic mobility and wellbeing—particularly for barriered communities.
“This award from The Fedcap Group is especially meaningful because it comes from an organization doing the kind of work I’ve long believed in and fought for,” said Governor Paterson. “Promoting access to education, workforce development, health, and economic opportunity is critical to building a stronger, more just society.”
Governor Paterson made history as the first African‑American legislative leader in New York when, in 2002, he was elected Minority Leader of the State Senate. In that role, he spearheaded efforts to improve Medicaid delivery, champion stem‑cell research funding, and promote alternative energy policy while advocating for minority‑ and women‑owned businesses.
As Governor, David A. Paterson led New York through the height of the Great Recession, warning of the looming fiscal crisis in his inaugural address and calling special legislative sessions to confront growing deficits—reducing New York’s deficit by nearly $40 billion—while helping preserve the state’s credit rating. He became the first governor in New York history to sign legislation attaching criminal penalties to predatory lending during the height of the national foreclosure crisis.
Governor Paterson championed a number of civil rights and social policy initiatives, including introducing landmark legislation that ultimately ended legal discrimination against same-sex couples in New York. He enacted sweeping reforms of the Rockefeller Drug Laws, which for more than 35 years had imposed mandatory minimum sentences on low-level drug offenders and stripped judges of sentencing discretion. He advocated for accommodations for disabled students taking the bar exam—drawing from his own experience as a visually impaired attorney.
These accomplishments reflect a tenure marked by decisive leadership in times of crisis and a commitment to social and economic justice.
“Governor Paterson’s record of principled leadership—especially in moments of crisis—reflects the very spirit of Fedcap’s mission to expand opportunity at scale,” said Mark O’Donoghue, Chairman, The Fedcap Group Board of Directors. “From strengthening New York’s fiscal footing to advancing civil rights and access for people with disabilities, his impact is both measurable and deeply compassionate. On behalf of our Board, I’m proud to honor him with the Community Impact Award and grateful for his example to the communities we serve.”
The Gala brings together civic, business, philanthropic, and nonprofit leaders to celebrate those who make lasting contributions to community wellbeing and inclusive economic growth. Funds raised support The Fedcap Group’s life-changing programs in education, workforce development, health, and economic development across the U.S., U.K., Canada, and Australia.
Find more information at https://www.gala.fedcapgroup.org.
About The Fedcap Group
The Fedcap Group is a global network of top-tier nonprofit agencies dedicated to creating opportunities for people with barriers to economic well-being. With operations in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and recently Australia, The Fedcap Group provides innovative solutions in education, workforce development, health, and economic development, impacting the lives of over 250,000 individuals each year.
About Fedcap’s Community Impact Award
The Fedcap Group is a nonprofit organization committed to creating opportunities and improving the lives of people with barriers to economic well-being—serving more than 250,000 people annually across the globe. The Community Impact Award celebrates extraordinary companies, organizations, and individuals that embody The Fedcap Group’s “Power of Possible” philosophy. It honors leaders who turn visionary ideas into actions, transform challenges into opportunities, and bring sustainable impact to the forefront of their work. The Power of Possible Gala will bring together leaders from across industries to celebrate innovation, commitment, and the transformative power of community collaboration.
Media Contact: Jim Malatras, JMalatras@Fedcap.org